Texas Long-Range Plan for Technology: Teaching and Learning

Technology can be an equalizing factor when it comes to student learning. Through the use of technology our students can have access to learning opportunities that they may otherwise not be able to experience due to socioeconomic or environmental factors. Technology also can offer learning opportunities through distance learning. Students can take online or virtual classes that are not offered on their individual campus. These courses may be needed for high school graduation or for college-level credit.
Technology must become part of the student learning process. Students and teachers should have regular access to quality technology to help improve student learning. The more traditional teaching styles need to give way to more learner-centered teaching strategies. We will need better aligned curriculum relating to technology use as well as more professional development opportunities in the use of technology.
The use of technology to improve student learning has been steadily increasing in the classroom. Teachers are beginning to recognize the impact that the proper use of technology can have on student learning. More schools also have access to better and more current technology than we have had in the past. Our infrastructures are better and therefore the quality and practicality the technology has led to more teachers incorporating it in their classroom teaching.
Professional development in the use of technology is also becoming more prevalant on our campuses. As teachers are becoming more familiar with the use and applications of technology they are beginning to incorporate technology into their teaching. We are beginning to see more and more teachers who are recognizing the impact that the proper use of technology can have on improving student learning.
The recommendations that I would make for my school district in this area of technology would be to continue to improve the technology infrastructure so that both teachers and students can have better access to high speed communications. I also believe that we must continue to have professional development related to technology software and hardware and how we can incorporate these into our classrooms.