Setting Goals

The Department of Education laid out its National Education Technology Plan (NETP) this week. In it, it sets forth goals that will implement five areas of focus (for technology) that will serve as a blueprint. This includes:

• Learning
• Assessment
• Teaching
• Infrastructure
• Productivity

In order to support these areas, the plan incorporates mobile technology, digital content, online social networks (that's right, for all you Facebook haters!), information sharing, and collaboration. These are broad areas and will need the support of the administration and educators to be effective. By having this plan in place, the Obama administration is clearly supporting expanded technology within the classroom. In my opinion, this is desperately needed as schools need all possible support.

Techy Tikes

I read an interesting articles highlighting a school that uses iPads in preschool curriculum. The Rumson Country Day school has spent over $5,900 for 10 ipads and accessories. Preschoolers get an opportunity to play and learn on 25 age appropriate apps that have been purchased. This is yet another demonstration of curriculum integration at very early age. To find out more, read the article at APP.com.

Next Generation Learning Challenges

Bill Gates is at it again. One the world's richest men is funding a $20 million dollar grant for educational technology programs. The Next Generation Learning Challenges program is accepting requests through November 19. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is promoting this initiative to expand technology-driven programs including online education.

According to a PC World article, Gates indicated that education is the catalyst needed to end the languishing economy. Certainly, there are other factors at work that have slowed our economy. But, education funds have taken a beating and these grants are essential for many schools. I hope that educators and school officials are able to apply and submit a proposal. Here's the link the Next Generation program: http://nextgenlearning.com/

Since public funding has become a contentious, uphill battle (example: New Jersey), Bill Gates provides a positive alternative. Of course, he's also ensuring that Microsoft's job security as well. After all, online education is not possible without the resources of a computer.