National Educational Technology Plan

In the 2010 National Educational Technology Plan, the Department of Education reviews the needs of 21st century learners and educators. These needs have been laid out in six sections; learning, assessment, teaching, infrastructure, productivity, and research and development.
Under the section labeled learning, the report describes the need to empower learners uses the technology based tools that professionals are already using on a daily basis. We also need to find better assessment techniques that show real-time data that teachers can immediately use to differentiate instruction. 21st century learners need teachers to be technology literate, so providing and maintaining professional development will be a key aspect to meeting this part of the technology plan. It also asks that teachers change to a more connected teaching style, in which a learner-centered, technology driven classroom helps prepare our students.
Through, infrastructure the government and private businesses help to start a sound technology infrastructure in every school to allow student and teacher connectivity. It also looks at the need of schools to help maintain and update the ever-changing technology through planning and management. Productivity seeks to create a more productive school “business” by connecting district administrations to techniques commonly used by businesses to maintain efficient and budget centered organization. Finally, the plan focuses on research and development to help continually equip our schools, students, and teachers with the best in educational technology practices.
To provide for our 21st century learners we must provide a sound look at the future of technology in schools.