Provide multiple means of representation;
Provide multiple means of expression;
Provide multiple means of engagement.
(http://www.techplan.org/METS)
As I read the document, I imagined a world where all schools had similar plans. Because I relocate a lot, I have had the chance to observe the curriculum of several schools. What I have noticed is that each state implement standards differently thus having a negative impact on students. Why can’t all states have the same standards and curriculum map? Wouldn’t it be more convenient if a student could transfer from one state and pick up where they left off? Instead, students often struggle when they enter a new school because the content material is different and often more challenging. All states need to get on the same sheet of music because with uniformed learning students have a better chance of being successful.
Michigan’s technology plan is a good blue print for each state to adopt to standardize curriculum across state lines. The last district in which I was employed tried creating such a document. The problem wasn’t the document but implementation. The plans weren’t being enforced. While the teachers argued about lack of training, the students sat on the back burner waiting to touch the computers. Many of the teachers wanted the computer teacher to create lessons which would engage the students during their computer session. I think this was difficult because the computer teacher spent more time correcting computer errors and monitoring firewall notifications than interacting with the students.
From the technology plan the things I found particularly promising were:
o The standards build off of the previous standards and begun as early as Pre-school.
o They provided clear simple guidelines: All which are obtainable.
o Students are given a variety of knowledge (components, software, organization, online resources) and not just communication tools (blog, podcast, etc.)
With Michigan Technology Plan students and educators have a better understanding of the positive attributes you can receive from technology. I believe giving students an additional resource tool such as technology will have greater benefits than many educators can imagine.
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