Texas Long Range Plan For Technology

The Teaching and Learning area focuses on engaging students with opportunities in their school and surrounding communities. Technology access will allow for students to communicate with others across the glove. Technology being introduced into schools allows for increased learning and collaboration. The Texas Long Range Plan for Teaching and Learning goals for all learners/educators include access to technology 24/7, collaborations that provides solutions, use research based strategies, and effective communication. Progress in this area is improving but continues to face problems. Teachers are not yet ready to move past the typical classroom. A typical classroom is where teachers give information to the students that they want them to learn. There is no room for a learning process that involves teacher and student in this type of setting. In order for this area to improve teachers will have to take on the role as facilitator, mentor, and co-learner who are the driving force in his/her classroom. The first steps for improvement will have to be continued support for teachers and this initiative. If teachers are being asked to change in such a drastic way, there will have to be ongoing staff development that shows them how. Teachers will have to be open to change in order to improve this particular area, as it will benefit the learning process for students. Teachers will also need to receive hands on training as new technology is introduced to their campus. Students will also need to have easy access to technology and effective lessons that utilize the technology. The Teaching and Learning component is a community effort and it can benefit all stakeholders.