Analyzing the Long Range Plan for Technology 2006-2020

The Long Range Plan for Technology 2006-2020 is a comprehensive strategic plan divided into four domains. The vision 2020 is possible with the collaboration of school, home and the community. All professional educators must master the SBEC standards. In doing so, educators must have opportunities for professional Development 24/7 through a variety of delivery methods. Budgeting and funding must be provided at a level that will ensure the effectiveness of the plan. The vision will require an industry-standard infrastructure system supporting all students, educators, and education leaders by enabling high quality access to learning, communications, and management systems at all times.

There is a sense of urgency for Texas students to be empowered to live and learn continuously. As a result of our life expectancy increasing since 1900, there will be a change in the availability of jobs. Technology has transformed daily life. Building of new homes, telephones, banking, shopping, paying bills, and traveling are all examples of how we are affected by technology daily.
The students today are very technology-savvy. The 21st Century learner expects content to be relevant and presented in a way that applies to their needs. Students expect these skills and new subject matter to be taught with engaging digital skills. Today’s students are unaware of a world without television, video games, cell phones, or Internet.

More than 5,000 Texas teachers participated in NetDay Speak Up 2005. The majority were classroom teachers followed by special education teachers, instructional aides, administrators, library-media specialist, and curriculum and technology coordinators. It was believed that veteran teachers were resistant to technology, but more than 35% of participants were teachers with 16 or more years teaching and in multiple subject areas. Teachers indicated that the primary affect of technology on their students was engagement (57%), followed by student achievement (46%), or collaboration and teamwork (35%). Only 12% indicated they did not see an impact. Teachers also stated that they utilized email 99% of the time, specific websites (82%), search engines (82%), and news websites (36%) weekly for work. Teachers indicated that they use email as their primary tool to communicate to other teachers, parents, and administrators. Of the teachers surveyed 55% rated their technology skills as average, 35% were advanced, and 12% considered themselves as beginners. Lack of time was the primary obstacle faced by most teachers when using technology in the classroom. Most teachers indicated their pre-service preparation or school-provided professional development aided in their use of technology and it also made their jobs much easier.

Texas faces a huge challenge in meeting the needs of its growing diverse student population. Since students come from a variety of backgrounds, learning also has to be diversified. Being able to access online education is vital in a student’s success. Distance education has enabled students to participate in advanced placement, dual-credit, and credit recovery.

After reviewing the Long Range Plan for Technology 2006-2020, I put myself in the instructional leadership position. As a leader, I would continuously be a model for my staff by utilizing technology in staff meetings, evaluations, and other areas. Allocating sufficient time for professional development would be my focus. I would recommend online professional development because it can aid in balancing time and priorities.