Opinion - Texas Long Range Plan for Technology

The Texas Long Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2020 (2006) provides an outline for how teachers and students are expected to use technology. The Teaching and Learning area focuses on integrating technology into the classroom so that students have access to diverse educational resources. Technology allows students opportunities to visualize and experience ideas that are otherwise unavailable because of location or resources. If utilized effectively, it also provides individualized student learning. Distance learning provides a way for students to successfully complete coursework that some districts might not be able to provide because of size or location. Integrating technology into the classroom engages students and allows them to analyze data and create products that reflect their knowledge.

The state wants students to be able to use technology to acquire and analyze data, determine its effectiveness and relativity, and use that data to create a product that appropriately conveys that knowledge. Teachers and students are experimenting and learning how to gather information and use it to solve problems.

Most campuses are still at the Developing Tech stage where instruction is still teacher-directed. Students are beginning to use technology to communicate and present information but it has to go beyond typing up papers and creating PowerPoint presentations. Although most campuses teach at least two technology courses, this does not reflect the goal of students mastering technology and integrating it into foundation areas. Locally, we offer several different technology courses but that is the extent of technology within the classroom. Very few teachers use it as a part of student learning, rather as a tool to improve organization or communication between educators. I would suggest providing continued education for teachers on how to use technology for student learning. I also believe we need to look at the local curriculum and integrate the TA TEKS within the each content area. Instructional leaders also need to provide examples and suggestions on how to effectively implement these TA TEKS. Staff training also needs to occur so teachers can use technology to analyze local and state assessments and individualize instruction.

Long-Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2020. (November 2006). Retrieved from http://www.tea.state.tx.us/index2.aspx?id=5082&menu_id=2147483665.