Texas Long-Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2020

The vision of the Texas Long Range Technology Plan, 2006-2020, which was developed by the Educational Technology Advisory Committee, includes provisions not only for students but also for parents, educators, and community and school board members in order to ensure that all stakeholders receive a 21st century education. In order to define the need for change and ensure that our students are prepared for the demands of the 21st century, one must understand how technology has transformed every aspect of business, government, society, and life. In an effort to ensure that Texas students can be competitive in this new environment, the educational focus has to shift so that students are empowered to continuously live and learn in order to effectively interact in the global marketplace. The 21st century learner is technology-savvy and views technology as an essential component of every aspect of his/her life. Accordingly, most teachers view technology positively, and 99% of teachers report using technology weekly for work and incorporate it into their lessons in order to improve student achievement. With that being said, teaching and learning is enhanced through the integration of technologies in classrooms, which allows for "greater levels of interest, inquiry, analysis, collaboration, creativity, and content production (p. 18)" among students. With 21st century learning, teachers must become facilitators, mentors, and co-learners, rather than the source of knowledge, and students must become active participants in the learning process. Additionally, educator preparation programs for new teachers and professional development programs for current teachers must ensure that all professional educators have the skills needed to change instruction to meet the needs of this and future generations of Texas students. It is critical that these programs model the appropriate use of technology and that all educators master the SBEC Technology Applications Standards. It is also imperative that school leadership understand and support technology innovation in our Texas schools. Administrators must model their use of technology as well as ensure that others utilize technology to enhance student performance. In order to provide equitable access to all learners, Texas must develop an infrastructure that will offer high-speed connectivity and be equipped with ample digital tools and resources. Among the elements of this plan, the most important is the "cohesive partnership between the state and local educational agencies, regional Education Service Centers, and higher education to provide the administrative and instructional support, infrastructure, professional development, certifications, and progress measures required to equip teachers and students with 21st century skills (p. 42)."

After reviewing the Texas Long-Range Technology Plan, 2006-2020, I believe this new learning will assist me in planning professional development and technology integration across the curriculum as I move into the role of an instructional leader. Now that I understand the Plan's vision and the need for change in our schools, I believe I can effectively convey that information to my colleagues. I believe it is important to understand how technology will impact not only students but also teachers, administrators, parents, and community members, and as we transition our students into the real world, we must prepare them for the global marketplace, as many of the jobs they will hold have not yet been invented. The knowledge I gained by reviewing the Long-Range Technology Plan, 2006-2020, will allow me to effectively model technology for my teachers and assist them with implementing technology into their lessons to positively impact student achievement.