Province of Alberta Learning and Technology Policy Framework

Most of the information obtained during this Ed Tech 501 has been centred around the US Education System.  Being from Canada, many of our teachers at my school seem to get frustrated when we look to the US and follow the US system as far as new teaching pedagogy.  These teachers will say "why are we looking at the US when our education system is better?"  I must say, I have said this exact thing before.

Now that I have been a part of the MET program, I realize the pedagogy's are the same.  The readings  from this course have been every educational.  The Horizon Report and now the National Technology Plan are must reads for teachers from any country in the 21st Century.

Before this assignment I never really thought about what should go into a well thought-out technology plan.  The Guidebook for Developing an Effective Instructional Technology Plan shows a very detailed, easy to read account of what should go into the technology plan.  Using this guide, I looked at the Province of Alberta's technology plan.  It is called the Learning and Technology Policy Framework.

I was very impressed with this document.  Not only did it follow the guide to a tee but it was very informative.  It was only created in 2013 so it is quite up to date.  There is a negative however.  It is a five year plan.  Way too long of a time frame as new policies, laws, and technology can change very quickly.  Hopefully, it will be updated soon and continue to be updated annually.

The document envisions five policy directions for the school boards and schools in the province.  These include student centred learning, research and innovation, professional learning, leadership, and access, infrastructure and digital learning environments. School boards and schools across the province are expected to use this framework.  This document was created collaboratively with schools, school boards and the province.  As such, there are no school or district technology plans.