National Education Technology Plan to Transform US Schools

Technology has long been an avenue to greater collaboration and innovation. A new technology initiative released by the Department of Education (DOE) could reform the way students and teachers approach cradle-to-college learning.

The plan, titled "Transforming American Education: Learning Powered by Technology," outlines new methods for engaging students with the goal of closing the achievement gap and getting more students than ever on the path to college.

According to US Education Secretary, Arne Duncan:

"With this technology plan, we have laid out a comprehensive vision for how teachers working with technology can transform student learning in classrooms across America. We must dramatically improve teaching and learning, personalize instruction and ensure that the educational environments we offer to all students keep pace with the 21st century."

The plan focuses on providing broadband for all students, using technology to make schools more productive, strengthening the learning process, implementing regular assessments, and creating teacher community resources.

The education aspects of the National Broadband Plan are the backbone for this new proposal. After ensuring that students have access to high-speed Internet at their school and in their communities, schools can focus on providing Internet access devices and connecting students to online resources like digital textbooks, tutoring systems, and online libraries.

The DOE's plan also includes specific recommendations to ensure that students and educators have adequate broadband bandwidth for accessing the Internet and technology-based resources at school and at home. The report defines "adequate broadband bandwidth" as follows:

"Adequate should be defined as the ability to use the Internet in school, in the surrounding campus, throughout the community, and at home. It should also include simultaneous use of high-bandwidth resources, such as multimedia, communication and collaboration environments, and communities. Crucial to providing such access are the broadband initiatives being individually and jointly managed by various federal agencies."

The report specifically recommends reforming the E-Rate program as one method of achieving this goal, a proposal that the Communications Workers of America supports.

These goals rely on the leadership of the FCC to drive implementation of the NBP. Broadband access has never before been so crucial to the education of a new generation of students as it is today.

Transforming American Education: Learning Powered by Technology (Department of Education)

U.S. Department of Education Releases Finalized National Education Technology Plan (Department of Education)