The National Educational Technology Plan

The National Educational Technology Plan endorsed by Obama and his administration is intended to improve education standards by increasing the number of college graduates and by ensuring learning is equitable for all students.  Teaching must change to meet the needs of the all learners regardless of race, economic status or sex.  Technology is one key component needed to reach these students.  Classrooms must advance to become 21^st century meeting the needs of 21^st century learners leaving traditional classrooms in the past.   Holding schools accountable for the shift to 21^st classrooms indicates a need for assessment in the level of technology integration.  The data obtained from the assessments will be used to determine the training and development needed to continue growth.  The 21^st century teacher becomes available 24/7 in a connected teaching capacity.  Building the knowledge base of the educators in the technology arena is one obstacle.  However, there is another larger obstacle of providing and aquiring the infrastructure needed to harvest the 21^st century classroom.  Broadband and wireless internet along with the servers and software must be aquired.  Technology in the homes of students has increased over the past few years and there is a large number of homes that are ready for the 21^st century classroom.  In order to meet the needs of all learners, all homes must have equal access to this opportunity.  The productivity component of this plan identifies the budget restraints in public schools.  Businesses have experienced similar restraint for years.  School districts can learn a great deal from the the method businesses handle their shortfalls.