Texas Long Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2020: Four Key Areas
Week #2 Assignment Part III, Blog Posting #1
I have been doing the Texas Teacher STaR Chart survey since 2006, but I did not know the reasons for doing this survey. I frankly did not know what the Texas Long Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2020 existed. With this said, I wonder how many teachers at our campus and district wide are not aware of the aforementioned. Teachers are told to do something and it is done with no explanation and teachers need to know the “whys” so that we can give value to what we do.
Taking this Lamar course has enlightened me in many ways. Teachers need to know the why’s of doing such a survey as important as the STaR Chart and its alignment with the Technology TEKS. Teachers need to have professional development on the Texas Long Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2020 and see the importance of each of the four key areas: Teaching and Learning; Educator, Preparation and Development; Leadership, Administration, and Instructional Support; and Infrastructure for Technology. All teachers need to know how each applicable to them as educators.
As future leaders, we need to transform the teaching and learning that is occurring in our schools. The structure of professional development needs to change and teachers need help beyond just learning the basics. Training should include how to use the new technology and implementing it to a lesson in each content area. Training must be ongoing, small groups and effective to make an impact on the classroom teacher. Follow up through out the school year is critical and adequate time to plan is essential.
Educator Preparation and Development is important if we are to make an impact on student learning. Through technology, we can increase positive results for both teachers and students. Students will reap the benefits more in critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.
As a teacher and a future leader, I realize how important it is to have effective professional development for all teachers to make the greatest impact on student learning. Technology is a tool to prepare our students to becoming technology literate, academically successful in the classroom, but most importantly able to compete in an ever changing global economy.
Citation:
Long-Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2020. (2011). Retrieved February 23, 2011, from http://www.tea.state.tx.us/technology/etac
