Blog #2 National Ed Tech Plan Puts Technology at the Heart of Education Reform

This article explains Obama's National Education Technology Plan in which they make Technology an integral part of teaching. The use of technology is growing so rapidly that it is becoming a neccecsity to at least have an iphone. The world of technology has seeped into the lives of the masses and now it is becoming obvious that the older methods of teaching are not as effective as they could be. Our education system needs an update to feel more relative to our daily lives. The internet is full of information that is easily accessable. Many students may use the internet for social networking and other "leisurely" activities, but we as teachers need to be aware of the more educational sources out there and guide our students to them. The article explains that the current means of assessment are failing. The thing is, yes, we are intergrating technology into our classrooms, but our teachers do not know how to utilize these methods properly. Standardized testing is not efficiant because we do not see the details of why the students are not understanding the material. Interactive tools that allow the students to measure progress are called response devices or rather, classroom clickers. These devices, as a form of assessment makes sense. The students can let the professor know what they dont get, without inturruptinf the class. Intergrating technology is something that I feel is beneficial in many ways. We just need to be aware that social skills also need to be implemented or at least, not forgotten.