National Educational Technology Plans - Ireland and the US

Technology has many uses in the education context, and can be a catalyst for change. It is important to maintain a focus on what technology can help educators and learners to accomplish, rather than on a particular technology. Education technologies can be utilised to provide learners with the opportunity to experience authentic learning activities, to create, to connect with other learners for communication and collaboration, and to increase access to certain educational resources. Planning efforts at national levels around the world may help to support these technology uses through promoting technology infrastructure, equity of access to technology, and supporting teachers in their use of technology. This entry includes a description of the structure and purposes of major educational technology planning efforts in general, and two specific, illustrative examples from the United States and the Republic of Ireland.