Office of Educational Technology, Transforming American Education: Learning Powered by Technology: National Education Technology Plan 2010 (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Education, 2010).
ED’s recent National Educational Technology Plan—the first of which appeared in 1996—presumably builds and strengthens the previous 2004 version. However, a browse through both leaves one nostalgic for the mid-aughts. Instead of revising and focusing worthwhile initiatives from the 2004 report, the 2010 iteration presents nebulous recommendations and a meek “model of learning powered by technology.” While some ideas expressed are praiseworthy—like harnessing digital content and online social networks for information, collaboration, and learning, as well as integrating technological innovations from sectors such as business, consumer, and entertainment into the educational system—the report fails to even mention virtual schooling or hybrid education. This egregious omission is a step back from the 2004 NETP, which made virtual education a key pillar of its plan. In terms of breaking new ground, this report has backtracked big-time.