Long Range Plan for Technology - Teaching and Learning

There are four areas within the Texas Long Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2020: Teaching and Learning; Educator Preparation and Development; Leadership, Administration and Instructional Support; or Infrastructure for Technology. The area I would like to focus on is Teaching and Learning. This area focuses on meeting our student’s needs through technology and distant learning. It recognizes that teachers need to be preparing to teach students the technical skills and knowledge needed to be successful and productive members of society. As technological skills become more complex, TEA has given us recommendations on how to meet these technology needs for our students. As teachers expand their knowledge and their confidence in technology, students will reap the benefits of their knowledge. I feel that my district is truly preparing our students in this area by offering a variety of options in technology classes and dual credit classes. We are also implementing TEKS that integrate technology into learning and teaching. Another area of focus is expanding the technology tools and options for students, parents, teachers, and the community to expand and advance learning experiences. Our district could improve in this area by offering after school training for new technological tools.
I believe that many districts are showing progress in the teaching and learning of technology due to the rapid growth. Districts have to jump on board or students, teachers, parents, communities and administrator will get left behind. TEA is taking action by: Updating TEKS to integrate technology into all curriculums, establish standards and expectations for technology proficiencies by teachers, and raise expectations for technology advancement for teachers, students, parents and communities. Similar recommendations are made for regional and local agencies. From a future leader stand point, I feel that as fast as technology is advancing that the state, regional and local agencies are taking action to increase, implement and improve technology in the classroom to enhance learning.