”Under the Obama administration, education has become an urgent priority driven by two clear goals. By 2020,
• We will raise the proportion of college graduates from where it now stands [39%] so that 60% of our population holds a 2-year or 4-year degree.
• We will close the achievement gap so that all students – regardless of race, income, or neighborhood – graduate from high school ready to succeed in college and careers” (U.S. Department of, 2010. p.V).
The plan addresses the all-encompassing use of technology in teaching and learning for students and educators. Today’s young students are exposed to all types of evolving technology from birth. Through the use of technology, teachers will be able to individualize, differentiate, and personalize education in order to motivate and engage students as a first priority. Only 18.5% of a student’s learning is experienced in grades 1-12. Individuals need the skills to continue learning after formal education through procedural knowledge. Connections through technology will improve teaching as a team activity between students, educators, experts, activities, and online communities (U.S. Department of, 2010). Preparing teachers to teach in the age of evolving technology will require universities and professional development organizers to prepare courses that model and practices the use of technology to aid learning. “The best way to prepare teachers for connected teaching is to have them experience it” (U.S. Department of, 2010. p.44)
Other than professional development training outside of work, the plan suggests that teachers can learn technology skills in the classroom with the students. I hope our PDAS evaluators are aware of this plan.
References
U.S. Department of Education, Office of Educational Technology. (2010). Transforming american education: learning powered by technology Draft. Retrieved from http://www.ed.gov/sites/default/files/NETP-2010-final-report.pdf
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