Technology Long Range Plan

I just completed reviewing the Texas Long Range Plan for Technology for 2006-2020. This plan was divided into four domains and broken down into different segments for our assignment. The vision for this plan is quite simple. Digital tools and resources should be provided by the educational system to all students, educators, parents, and stakeholders. This vision is also broken down into three phases throughout the fourteen years. The area of vision include educator preparation, leadership, professional development, teaching and learning, infrastructure, and administration and instructional support.
The state of our global economic system is causing the need for technological change in our schools. State leadership is responsible for providing direction, equitable access, and resources to close the gap with other countries. The 21st century learner is more than likely technology savvy. It is the educational system's responsibility to provide content that relates to the student's learning style. Personal and portable learning devices need to be integrated into our learning environments because they are coming a primary means of communication in our global world.
Teachers need to a voice in the technology advancement of their campuses. From previous surveys, most teachers believe that schools need fast, wireless internet and laptop computers for every student in order to be successful. These two components are the highest ranked in building a school. Another component is providing teachers time to participate in technology professional development opportunities.
Schools want each student to be involved in engaging and meaningful lessons. In order to achieve this, students must have availability in schools, libraries, homes, and communities to stimulate their engagement. Distance learning and online learning are key components in the educational technology system.
In order to provide engaging lessons, teachers must be allowed ample time to complete professional development opportunities. Professional development must ensure that all teachers understand the importance of educational technology and its uses. Distance learning is key for professional growth.
Public education must involve a transformation to meet the demands of the 21st century. Our schools must prepare our students for the workforce. Administrators must embrace technology for daily task and data driven decision making. Leaders must be aware of all regulations regarding technology in schools and be able to implement different strategies in relation to the district's technology plan.
The infrastructure is the critical element for all four areas of the long range plan. The infrastructure must be safe, flexible, scalable, and reliable. It will provide easy access for teachers and students to information, resources, materials, and collaborative work. It will also provide easy access to student data for parents, teachers, and administrators.
The long range plan is great tool for leaders to use when implementing technology on their campuses. The star chart is a tool used by most districts to determine the levels of technology in the classroom. Each area has recommendations by the appropriate agencies as well. The main goal is maintain cohesion between the state and local agencies.