Transforming American Education - Learning Powered by Technology

The Office of Educational Technology of the U.S. Department of Education issued the Executive Summary of National Education Technology Plan in March 2010.  The summary, Transforming American Education - Learning Powered by Technology, outlines the goals that are recommended for schools. The document begins by stating that “Education is the key to America’s economic growth and prosperity…” and it further explains that there are two very important goals set forth by the current administration that guided the Office in developing the plan.

“Under the Obama administration, education has become an urgent priority driven by two clear goals:

• We will raise the proportion of college graduates from where it now stands (around 41 percent) so that 60 percent of our population holds a two-year or four-year degree by 2020.
• We will close the achievement gap so that all students graduate from high school ready to succeed in college and careers.”

Within the plan there are 5 goals:

1. All learners will have engaging and empowering learning experiences both in and out of school that prepare them to be active, creative, knowledgeable, and ethical participants in our globally networked society.
2. Our education system at all levels will leverage the power of technology to measure what matters and use assessment data for continuous improvement.
3. Professional educators will be supported individually and in teams by technology that connects them to data, content, resources, expertise, and learning experiences that enable and inspire more effective teaching for all learners.
4. All students and educators will have access to a comprehensive infrastructure for learning when and where they need it.
5. Our education system at all levels will redesign processes and structures to take advantage of the power of technology to improve learning outcomes while making more efficient use of time, money, and staff.

Office of Educational Technology (2010). American Education: Learning powered by technology. U.S. Department of Education.