After reading the Long Range Plan for Technology I would like to comment on a few sections. The Vision is a general overview that discussed where the State of Texas would like to go with technology in the next 15 years. As educators we should extend our traditional
boundaries of our concept of a school year, scholastic age, and geographic location. The technological advances will
blurr the lines of these
preconceived
parameters. The state must provide the necessary technology and human infrastructure. Teachers must have access to technology, quality professional development, and time to implement learned strategies.
The US society will undergo drastic increases in the Hispanic population and should make technological adaptations where necessary. We have moved from an industrial society to a technological age. Technology and advanced communication have transformed the world into a global economy. India and China are graduating many more students from college and with technological degrees than the U.S.
The 21st century learner is extremely technology savvy. Teachers must change their style to
accommodate this new student population. However, they should still teach reading and writing skills. Finally, they must incorporate more technology in their education.
Teachers have expressed their opinions as well. They have called out for more technology professional development. Most teachers use technology for communication and
Internet. Most teachers have home computers with
DSL, but they do not use it for work related issues (for this they use their work computers). All teachers agree their job is easier with technology, and it helps to have a schools website and laptops.
The next several sections of the document is broken down between Teaching and Learning, Educator Preparation and Development, Leadership Administration, and Instructional Support, and Infrastructure for Technology. In each section a long list of recommendations are listed subdivided between TEA, State Board of Educator Certification, Regional Education Service Centers, Local Education Agencies, Texas Higher Education, and Parents, Communities, and the Private Sector.
The last section I examined was the study of the needs to get where we want to go. One of the areas of need are teacher workstations, professional development, instruction and tech support, and a robust technological infrastructure. Other areas were leadership and support, strategies to measure progress, discounts for technological purchases, and software standards.
What I have learned in this document can assist me as an instructional leader in deciding where to prioritize needs at my school regarding technology. Once priorities and budget are set, then a structure can be put into place to make them become a reality.