The term ‘technology use planning’ describes a process of developing a plan by a school or district which outlines how technology can be integrated into the curriculum. In order to maximize the benefits of technology within the educational setting we must develop a plan or shared vision that utilizes modern technology to support meaningful and engaged learning. A technology use plan should outline the uses for technology to generate lessons and teaching methods as well and define how the program will be financed.
In a world driven by technology, we would be doing our students a huge disservice by not adequately preparing them for learning and utilizing technology in modern society. “Technology is transforming society, and schools do not have a choice as to whether they will incorporate technology but rather how well they use it to enhance learning” (North Central Regional Educational Laboratory & Illinois State Board of Education, 1995). One of the primary goals of a technology plan aims to improve student learning, to help students perform authentic tasks, and to help students learn skills that will prepare them for future careers.
Developing an effective technology use plan is an extensive process which requires the efforts of a team of individuals who specialize in all areas of the community and education setting. It involves research and evaluation of the needs of a district, identifying goals, and developing a single vision for how to reach these goals, along with proper teacher training for integration and technology uses. The process is never complete, because as technology continues to evolve the plan should too. Yearly evaluation and revisions are necessary to keep up to date relevant goals and usage.
In 2010, the U.S. Department of Education created a National Education Technology Plan which defined two clear goals. First, 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 also close the achievement gap so that all students graduate from high school ready to succeed in college and careers. The NETP also presents a model of learning powered by technology with goals and recommendations in five essential areas: learning, assessment, teaching, infrastructure, and productivity. This plan is base on the belief that education is the key to America’s economic growth and prosperity and to our ability to compete in the global economy.
In my research I was not able to find a district technology use plan; however, I did find a document for the Technology Vision by the State of Wyoming Education Department. Several of the goals aligned with the national plan and included research as well as a steps to achieve technology goals.
The primary purpose for technology use planning in education is to support the use of technology to enrich the learning for all students, professional development for teachers, and providing students with the skills needed for success in a modern society.
References
Executive Summary | U.S. Department of Education. (n.d.). Retrieved July 18, 2012, from http://www.ed.gov/technology/netp-2010/executive-summary
Jones, B.F., Valdez, G., Nowakowski, J., & Rasmussen, C. (1995). Plugging in: Choosing and using educational technology. Washington, DC: Council for Educational Development and Research, and North Central Regional Educational Laboratory.
North Central Regional Educational Laboratory & Illinois State Board of Education. (1995). Learning through technology: A planning and implementation guide
Zaritsky, R., & Zeisler, A. (1997). Building the 21st century school
Christina Baysinger: EDTECH Learning Log 