Progress Report on the Long-Range Plan for Technology

The “2010 Progress Report on the Long-Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2020” is a report submitted by TEA. The report is broken into 3 sections. The first is an Executive Summary which emphasis the importance for technology in regards to education. It address the what students, parents, educators, and community members can expect from the State of Texas and its education system. The second section is addresses the Long-Range Plan: Teaching and Learning; Educator Preparation and Development; Leadership, Administration, and Instructional Support; and Infrastructure. The third second section is a report by each of the regional education service centers.
Teaching and Learning of the Texas Long Range Plan focuses on all learners having individualized instruction via 24/7 access to relevant technologies. It also focuses on learners using communication technologies to solve real-world problems, incorporating research-based strategies, and learners being able to communicate in a variety of formats. Problem solving and technology proficiency has become an integral part of the state standards. Technology will drastically improve students’ ability to solve problems.
Texas Schools has progressed in providing access to technologies for students in schools. The ratio of students to computers continues to decrease. Internet access in Texas schools is almost 100 percent. One major problem is getting these technologies in homes. Cost of computer and internet access is a major deterrent for low-income families. 24/7 means access at home as well as school. Although not all students have laptops at school or home, making hardware and software more affordable will increase access to technologies and student use.
New trends include laptop programs where whole classes to whole schools are provided with laptops to enable teachers to take full advantage of the benefits of technologies. Laptop programs encourage collaboration, communication and problem solving. Providing online learning is another mayor trend in education. Before students learning improves, teacher training will have to catch up with 21st Century technologies. The quality of instruction always has a direct impact on student achievement. Improving professional development for teachers thru online courses or distant learning that is researched based will help in fulfilling the long-range plan.