Blog Assignment #4

Seanne Danielak

2/2/11

EDU 590- Blog Post #4

Professor: Mr. Bruce Umpstead

            To be quite honest, when I was given the assignment this semester to create a blog post comparing the national, state and local technology plans, I didn’t even know where to begin. I have never read through any of them before and was unclear as to how the assignment would impact me, if at all. Well, I am very delighted to report that the review of these plans was very enlightening and I have learned so much about how important educating students in technology is to our nation, the state of Michigan and the school system in which I am employed.

            There were many similarities between all of these plans. The most obvious one to me was the provision of access to technology. Whether it is written as “meaningful technology-enabled learning opportunities”, “engaging and empowering learning experiences for all learners” or “we will ensure that all students and teachers have increased access to technology”, the message is very clear that it is necessary that at all levels, it is imperative that technology is in the hands of students and that they understand how to utilize it.

            The sensible result of this executed plan would then be to train teachers on how to use it as well as the means to teach it. Logically, this creates another very obvious similarity between these plans… professional development. The Michigan education plan states it as “every Michigan educator will have competencies in 21^st Century Skills” while the U.S. plan states the importance of “continually training teachers”. Also, by reviewing Farwell Area Schools’ technology plan, found at http://www.farwellschools.net/reportspolicies/techplan2011.pdf, it is evident that this is of great importance as they have “provided training to their staff”. I feel that I am presented with an abundance of training as an educator in this field.

            I have mentioned how these plans are so similar, but I did find a few differences in them as well. It seems that the state and local plans are focused on the preparations for our schools in a positive way to incorporate technology throughout the future. However, the national plan, in my opinion, accentuates areas in which we have failed and because of that, there is a driving force to move forward and change what has already been established. Also, I found great visual representations in the national plan and no eye-catching illustrations in the others. But aside from these variations, I am very intrigued at how the plans have all made an attempt to emphasize the importance of this field in education.