Reflection on the Long-Range Plan for Technology 2006-2020

The Long-Range Plan for Technology is the state's way of providing Texas students with the experiences, knowledge, and resources to be 21st century problem-solvers, thinkers, and literate beings ready to navigate in a changing economy. As an instructional leader, I am responsible for the full integration of technology use on my campus, so I must share the same vision as the state of Texas. The vision is for students to have access to digital learning tools at all times that are appropriate for their learning situation and will prepare them completely for the technology-rich world. Students must be proficient in technology, beginning in Kindergarten. The technological instruction we provide them should be relevant and aid them in problem-solving. We need to teach our students to be ethical in their technology endeavors, to appreciate diversity, and to be conscious of the decisions they make when using technology. Students must become active learners and be able to acquire information, check for credibility, and determine the usefulness of gathered data.
Educators have multiple resources to diversify their teaching and receive professional development in an easier way. Professional Development must be provided and meet the needs of teachers so that they can move to areas of proficiency demonstrated the STaR Chart. A collaborative educational system will be of high importance. It will be the job of administrator and educators to meet the expectations of this plan. Teachers must use technology to make learning more meaningful and engaging. Students must be prepared to be problem-solvers, be thinkers, and active communicators. The LRPT helps to define the goals for instructing and assessing technology in the classroom. Technology must be vertically aligned throughout the grades to ensure a gapless and wholesome integration of technology applications. Professional development is the key to an educator’s ability to integrate technology successfully into instruction. Experiences must be provided in the classroom, and these experiences are based on the willingness of the teacher to promote technology in the classroom. The Technology Application standards must be met. For new teachers, this means that they are prepared by their university to effectively use technology in instruction. For veteran teachers, this requires on-going professional development and job-embedded activities. Distance-learning is available as well to provide an easy way to gather more knowledge.
The fast growing use of technology has catapulted the educational system into preparing our students to be ready for the changes that technology is constantly making. Texas students must be prepared in order to sustain a job in the economic state of our world amid all of the changes and advances. The leadership of the state is responding to these changes by providing the direction and resources to secure our future. With fewer jobs, more economic difficulty and an increasing diverse student population, it is now more important than ever that our students are challenged to become profient in technological tools and applications.
Leaders must fully embrace technology personally, corporately, and collaboratively to demonstrate its usefulness in creating a powerful learning environment. Administrators play a fundamental part in driving the vision for technological advances and changes in the district. Leaders and their committees understand the state and federal requirements regarding education and technology and will make the needed changes and decisions to help our schools make technology integration a number one priority. Leaders must budget for technology resources, create a collaborative environment where teachers can learn from one another, provide opportunities for growth and development, and use data in decision-making.