Review of 2010 Michigan Educational Technology Plan

The 2010 Michigan Educational Technology Plan gave me the opinion that the State of Michigan is serious about providing Michigan students with the tools they need to succeed in a global economy.

First, I think it is very important that the technology goals are integrated into the Michigan Curriculum Framework. Teachers already complain that they cannot possibly meet all of benchmarks without adding more. In order for teachers to keep an open mind it is important that they do not look at these goals “as more work”, but look at the goals as a tool to reach the benchmarks in a different way.

Secondly, requiring that all students receive one-credit through an on-line course as a graduation requirement insures that all students are being exposed to technology. I am sure that it will be hard for the state to verify that all students have access to technology-enabled learning opportunities throughout their school career. Making this a graduation requirement helps to push the schools into the 21st century.

Finally, requiring that all educators be competent in the implementation and use of technology to educate students is long overdue! How can we expect to educate kids to be successful in this technology driven world if the extent of our technical savvy is typing on a word processor? My only concern is that the teachers that have Permanent Teaching Certificates will not be included in this because they do not have to get certificate renewals.

I know with the decline of enrollment in Michigan schools many districts are finding themselves struggling to keep schools open let alone incur more costs. It is vital that we find corporate partners and federal funds that will help the State of Michigan meet the goals of this plan and help make 21st century technology available to all students.