Arne Duncan had a few self-deprecating zings before releasing the finalized version of the National Education Technology Plan 2010, the first plan since the 2004 plan. “I first want to apologize for my broken nose,” said Duncan, speaking to the State Educational Technology Director’s Association (SETDA). “Karen [Cator, Director of the Office of Educational Technology at the U.S. Department of Education] and I were meeting about two weeks ago. I said, ‘Karen, I just don’t think technology’s very important as we move forward’. It was like, ‘Bam!’ and here we are [laughter]. No. No, I uh… [more laughter] uh… that’s a joke! [even more laughter] Alright, I hurt it playing basketball and it wasn’t the President, so… that was the other question I was asked. But, I’m thrilled to be here today…”

The plan sets goals to achieve by 2015, laying out how technology can transform student learning. The plan, “Transforming American Education: Learning Powered by Technology”—seeks to change five areas of education with technology: learning, assessment, teaching, infrastructure and productivity. Instead of an add-on or an enriching supplement, this plan considers technology to play a core role in accomplishing the Administration’s goals for education. Indeed, Duncan had no quarrel with Cator when it came to ensuring technology was a centerpiece to the Administration’s reform efforts.

Led by the Department of Education’s Office of Educational Technology, the plan’s development involved the most rigorous and inclusive process ever undertaken for a national education technology plan. Leveraging input from hundreds of educators and experts with an open comment window and technical working groups over the course of nearly a year, the plan’s development process underscored the increased role technology is playing in education reform. So, here’s the plan. What do you think?