National Educational Technology Plan Reflection

The goals of the NETP are divided into (5) categories.  The goals in learning focus on all learners experiencing an engaging and empowering learning experience in and outside of the school.  The student needs to be active, creative, knowledgeable, and ethical participants in a global society.  To meet this goal the committee will continue to adapt the standards to meet 21st Century skills, develop and adopt learning resources that can be easily accessible by all learners, stay updated on new types of technology in the learning sciences, and develop and adopt resources that embody design principles.
The goals of teaching will be that professional educators will be supported individually and in teams by technology that connects them to various resources and learning experiences that enable and inspire more effective teachings.  To meet the goals the designing, developing, and adopting of technology based content, resources, and on-line communities will result in effective instruction, attracting new teachers, and encourage educators to keep teaching.  Also develop teachers who are skilled in on-line instruction.  The goal will also provide in-service powered by technology that closes the gap between teachers and students.  The knowledge gained by educators will create long personal learning networks across many organizations.  Technology use will provide effective teaching and learning resources for learners at all levels.
I agree with the summary in that education is the key to the success of America in the global economy.  I didn't realize the percentage of college graduates was so low.  At the same time, though, many high schools offer programs geared toward students who do not want to go to college.  Years ago, a high school diploma was not enough to get a good paying job.  Today, you can say that about a college undergrad degree.  Students who graduate high school with experience in a trade can become more successful than a college graduate.  The promotion of trade schools by educators could be a factor in the low percentage of college graduates.  As far as cost effective/cost saving methods are concerned, I think that more money should be given to teachers.   Nothing about education should be short changed, including the teachers.  I was checking out a store last week and I heard a young girl (about 12yrs) make a comment about a daycare worker  making more than a teacher.  The cashier heard her and said "if that so, I need to change my major".  The cashier was going to school to be a teacher.  To attract and keep the best teacher, money will have to be spent.