Long Range Plan for Technology

All students beginning in Kindergarten must master and prove to be technology proficient by acquiring information, solving problems, and communicating using technology. In order for the students to receive the maximum benefits of instruction from the teachers, the teachers must receive proper professional development to increase their technological knowledge. Another key component to providing the necessary resources is allocating enough money to cover the needs of a district. This plan is to be implemented over time in phases. Phase 1 (2006-2010) calls for ensuring alignment of the curriculum content standards, providing and increasing access to the resources needed to implement the plan, providing opportunities for teachers to implement the standards along with support, and to allocate $50 towards each student to improve the plan. Phase 2 and 3 will address the needs based upon Phase 1.
The components of this program involve the learners, educators, leaders, and infrastructure. Our nation has given us a reason to change the way we educate our students. Our economy calls for a much more information based society verses an industrial and manufacturing society. The corporate world is not able to keep up with the demands of our technological way of thinking unless they have properly trained individuals. Across the pond in other countries there are students dying to land a job in America. Therefore, our students need to have the opportunity to compete in the business market today and in the future. Therefore, it is our responsibility to ensure they have the same opportunities. This means we must advance our own technological knowledge for their benefit. Another challenge we face is our ever changing population. Over half of our population is economically disadvantaged. This creates an even bigger need for educating our students at school about technology because they are not receiving it at home. Many of our worldly functions require knowledge of computerized systems such as self checkouts, online banking, and online bill paying. All of this must be taken into consideration when educating our students. Technology allows educators to reach diverse groups of students and their different learning styles. It is pertinent to meet the needs of all students and not teach to one style of learning. According to Net Day Speak Up 2005 there is a strong need for technology in our schools. All teachers use technology to some degree in their classrooms. They have reported seeing a change in student achievement, student engagement,collaboration and teamwork. These are all critical aspects of the classroom. Our way of communicating is via email. Therefore, this has forced many teachers to engage in some form of technology usage. Most teachers also like to enhance lessons by adding more information. They do this by searching the internet, using search engines, and news websites. Many teachers are also expected to communicate with the parents via email, class websites, and newsletters. All of these functions require technology usage and make our jobs easier! The biggest need above all is to have high speed wireless internet. This is critical for the teachers to have when trying to teach the kids a lesson using the internet. If the internet takes a long to pull up than the actual lesson, it defeats the purpose because the students become disinterested. Teachers are willing to learn about new technology resources. However, they need the time and the resources. A large portion of teaching and learning is to ensure that ALL students have equal access to the resources for technology. In addition, our diverse population calls for many different needs that we must provide for every student and each of their needs. By providing technology resources relevant to student learning it allows the students to communicate on a whole new level. The idea of the Texas Long Range Plan for Technology is that the students become more involved in the learning process and are active participants. In doing this the student makes a connection with applications in their own lives. Technology also requires collaborative approach to learning. The biggest challenge for teaching and learning is aligning the curriculum so that it is integrated into other subjects. The Long Range Plan gives recommendations to the Texas Education Agency, State Board of Education Certification, Regional Service Centers, Local Education Agencies, Texas Higher Education, Parents, Communities and Private Sector.
It is pertinent our teachers understand how to incorporate technology into the classroom as part of their instruction. The teachers need to be properly trained to ensure mastery of this concept. However, the teachers need to be willing to learn and take on the initiative to gain a deeper understanding. The teachers graduating today are prepared to take on the technology demands expected in the classroom setting. However, our professional development sessions need to be relevant to the latest technology applications. Again several recommendations are made to the various stakeholders for the Long Range Technology Plan. The need for technology starts at the top with the administration. There are so many tasks in administrator’s daily routines that require proficient knowledge of technology functions. If an administrator is technology savvy, then their staff will take a higher interest in learning how to use the technology. It is important principals lead by example to support the Long Range Technology Plan. Choosing a technology leadership team would be beneficial for implementing new programs as these individuals can help their teammates jump on board the school’s vision, No Child Left Behind Laws, and Federal Communications for E-rate discounts. These laws require schools to keep student records electronically, electronic instructional materials, and personnel records.
Data is a HUGE reason administrators need to know more about technology. The current best practice is data driven instruction. Most if not all of the data is computer based. This data should drive all instructional practices. The internet has allowed districts and schools to make huge gains in the world of technology. The plan calls for high speed internet to connect employees efficiently with one another. The idea is to have anytime anywhere connectivity for the students. This plan will allow all stakeholders to play a role in the student’s education by giving them access to student assessment results. Sadly, many districts have not reached this point due to budgetary issues. However, most schools have the basic resources. As long as they are maintained and updated they should serve their purpose. To hold schools accountable the Educational Technology Advisory Committee (ETAC) has developed and accountability system called a School Technology and Readiness (STaR) chart. This chart measures each school and district’s progress in implementing technology and meeting the technology goals. The Long Range Plan is guiding districts and schools across the nation to practice technolgy at a higher level than we ever have before