Texas+Long+Range+Plan+for+Technology

The Vision for 2020 includes the following elements:

 *  24/7 access for students, parents, teachers and the community.
 * School districts must provide an appropriate infrastructure that gives students access in their home or community centers via the Internet.
 * Teachers must be technology literate by passing the Technology Applications test and continue ongoing professional development. A technologically literate teacher will have the skills and knowledge to provide their students with appropriate instruction to help them develop communication skills, problem solving skills and research skills using technology.
 * The state must provide teachers with subject relevant professional development that is available 24/7. Through effective professional development, teachers can become advanced technology users and be able to meet the needs of their students.
 * Schools should be equipped with high speed internet access for all students, teachers and administrators. The appropriate tools should be in place to provide 24/7 access for teachers to educational resources and an effective network should be in place linking schools to the outside community.

Teaching and Learning 
Technology allows us to accommodate all learners. It gives opportunities to support special needs, ethnically diverse, and economically challenged students. It “levels the playing field” for all students. Students attending schools with limited resources can benefit from distance learning. It also allows students to make up credits required for graduation. Technology helps to engage the learners in the classroom and provides students with real-world problems. The common thread for using technology in the classroom seems to be these core elements; problem solving, communication and research. The challenges for educators include integrating technology effectively into current curriculum and giving teachers the flexibility to try new methods of instruction. ===**Educator Preparation and Developm**ent === In order for teachers to be effective in incorporating technology into their curriculum they must have appropriate knowledge of that technology. Through ongoing professional development, teachers can become proficient role models to show students how to effectively use technology and challenge students to learn and integrate technology into their learning. Professional development should help teachers understand the value of technology and engage students in learning. Teachers should have access to distance learning which will give them 24/7 access to a variety of professional development opportunities.

Leadership, Administration, and Instructional Support
The main idea is that administrators must model the use of technology. It is their job to identify new trends, model them to their teachers and give teachers the infrastructure and training needed to implement them into the classroom. Administrators must establish a “vision” for the future and provide teachers and students with the resources needed such as updated equipment, distance learning and cutting edge technology. They also need to make sure that plans are in place to protect student records and instructional materials.

**Infrastructure for Technology**
The Internet is an essential piece of any technology infrastructure. It connects teachers, students and the community to resources required for learning, communication and collaboration. Immediate access at any time is essential for a good technology infrastructure. The technology for a school district must be safe and secure, have technology assistance available around the clock, and support the needs of all users.

My Campus Analysis
I was pleasantly surprised that many of the initiatives that the state is requesting have been integrated into my campus and district. Plano ISD provides students, teachers, administrators and the community with fiber optic internet service that provides high speed connections for all computers in the district. A few years ago they implemented an online website called MyPISD which allows students and parents to have up to the minute grade and attendance reporting and easy communication with teachers. Teachers have remote access to the data on their PISD network in addition to remote email and grade book access. They provide the budgetary resources needed to give our educational community safe, secure and up-to-date technology.  Where I think our district can improve is in professional development and technology use by our administration. I think as a technology teacher, I can assist my teachers with their professional development and provide an additional resource for them on campus. I can help our administration with a vision for the future by keeping them up to date with new trends and opportunities for our students. I can continue to implement technology in my curriculum to engage students. In conclusion, the best way that I can be a resource to my campus and district is to continue to improve my own professional development.