Texas Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2020: Teaching and Learning

Texas Long Range Plan for Technology (LRPT) defines a need for change in our schools. Technology permeates our society. It has become an essential part of the infrastructure of public and private institutions including business and government. Each year, the number of US graduates proficient in technology skills is less than that of other countries. This fact is the reason for the long range plan.

Our students are “digital natives.” They “interface” with their world through technology daily. Consequently, their minds are predisposed to acquiring information through technology. Educators knowing this will use technology to more effectively teach content while sharpening the student’s skills relative to technology. However, this predisposition does not insure that they develop the technology skills need for the 21st century.

There are many benefits of the implementation of technology in education. Technology should become an active and effective piece of instruction in all grades to aid students in being engaged in learning and prepared for real world experiences.

To promote and support academic excellence, the LRPT addresses four areas: Teaching and Learning; Educator Preparation and Development; Leadership, Administration and Instructional Support; and Infrastructure. Teaching and Learning is the final goal. It is a good place to begin understanding the LRPT and guide our understanding of the other areas.

Teaching and Learning in the LRPT is defined as environments were all learners: “have access to relevant technologies, tools, resources, and services for individualized instruction 24/7; use information and communication technologies to collaborate, construct knowledge and provide solutions to real-world problems; use research based strategies in all subject areas to improve academic achievement; and communicate effectively in a variety of formats for diverse audiences.” – (Long Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2020, A Report to the 80th Texas Legislature from the Texas Education Agency, page 29)

Progress in the LRPT Teaching and Learning is often slow to come. The other three areas are foundational and experience a learning curve. Because education is a public institution, change often is slower than desired. Many forces contribute to this problem. One of the most complicated forces is the conservative nature of the public education system. Ethical concerns and legal liabilities frustrate the progress. Information of all types is readily available to all ages via the internet. Control technology used by most school districts is limited. Consequently, districts tend to be very conservative and error on the side of caution.

One trend that may help alleviant these concerns is the development of private technology companies that provide products that guarantee internet security. These companies are developing the tools to address these issues. Districts should seek opportunities to converse with these companies and seek to find the funding to purchase their products.