Long-Range Plan for Technology - Teaching and Learning

The vision for teaching and learning for all students in the Long Range Plan for Technology 2006-2010, states that students need individualized instruction to meet their needs.  One of the ways of providing this to students is through technology.  Technology can provide an equal playing field for all students regardless of their disabilities.  This includes distance learning and other online learning that will allow students to be academically prepared for their future.  Educators who use technology provide their students with the knowledge to function in a world of technology.  The goal is for all learners to have access to technology 24/7 to access individualized instruction, use technology to communicate, use research strategies to improve instruction, and communicate effectively with diverse audiences.  In the future, Texas students must become active participants in the learning process.  They need to know how to access information, cite it correctly, and apply it to what they are learning.  Challenges in teaching and learning are: (1) including technology in curriculum writing.  For most teachers, this includes the challenge of coming up with the time in their daily lessons to provide the necessary technology required. (2)More time in the classroom for technology.  Again, teachers have to figure out a way to give students the technology they need in the short time given. (3) Flexibility to try new teaching technology techniques.  Teachers need to feel supported and comfortable with teaching their students technology.  I feel that his area of the Long Range Plan for Technology is where the future of technology with our students is most important.  It all starts with our teachers giving our students the time and patience to work with these items in the classroom.  This confidence can be built through teacher support from administration and the technology department.  I also think that by allowing teachers to blog about their results, or have time with their peers to reflect, they can come up with new ways to help each other implement technology in the classroom.

Texas Education Agency, 2006. Long-Range Plan for Technology, 2006 – 2020: A report to the 80^th Texas Legislature from the Texas Education Agency. Texas Education Agency. Retrieved from November 11, 2009, from: http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/technology/etac/LRPToct06.pdf.