6. Conclusion

The process of gathering input for the National Plan has provided key insights into education in general and into the needs of students, teachers, and others concerned with learning. The consensus is that schools must change and that technology is a key component in that process.

For change to happen, however, everyone concerned must deal with the issues and answer critical questions. Basically, the issues are building and financing infrastructure, access and equity, professional development, and content, curriculum, and assessment.

The NTPlan listserv was the first time the Department of Education sought answers from the on-line community. In the spirit of empowerment, the Education Department is not just listening but is creating a national, not federal, plan. This plan will offer a vision, address the concerns raised here, and offer hope that local schools and communities will draw support from it to enable them to make educational technology happen in all of our schools.

Top

Back to Table of Contents