National Educational Technology Plan

It is not uncommon for everyone to realize that education is the gateway for economic success. The fact that technology has such an enormous impact on our daily lives, it becomes essential that we understand that technology must be incorporated into the educational process. Not knowing how to include newly developed technologies, tools and strategies into curriculums is a disservice to today's students. Students must be taught how to become critical thinkers and complex problem solvers. Technology allows students to take control of their learning and the processes they use to gather information. In order effectively evaluate student learning, one must first outline cleary defined disired outcomes. They must also have collaboration to determine whether or not these newly developed processes are efficient, effective and flexible enough to meet the needs of the students and instructors. Educators must learn to embrace innovations and be willing to implement technological advances that will benefit themselves as well as those being taught. The fact that technological infrastrutures are growing within school districts proves the fact that these advancements are necessary to properly educate today's student. Teachers must be prepared and given instruction as to how they are going to initiate these new programs into their curriculum. The fact that there is a shortage in the funding of public education creates a situation in which one wonders whether the true educational needs of our students is being met and that they will be prepared to compete in a global environment. In order for students to be effective in today's society, they must have their educational needs met and this most definitely includes the incorporation of technology within their curriculum.