While there were nine sections under the Texas Long-Range Plan for Technology only four of them are the true focus. The four key sections are: Teaching and Learning; Educator Preparation and Development; Leadership, Administration and Instructional Support; and Infrastructure for Technology. These sections are the core of the Long-Range Plan. The other sections are not needed if the four key sections are not adequately met. The plan noted that it was only a basic one and that much more is still needed, especially in the department of skilled individuals to help maintain and use the plan appropriately. Even though it is a basic plan there were excellent recommendations for teaching and learning and for educator preparation to help teach our 21st Century learnerrs.
In my experience I find that schools seems to be willing to put the money into buying technology for the classroom but fall short of training or preparing teachers to use that technology to its greatest potential. This is especially true for smaller districts who are trying to keep up in the information age. The biggest shortfall is in hiring skilled individuals needed to support technology use. These individuals can find better paying, less demanding jobs outside of the educational system. This is a bit of a tragedy for our students who truly deserve to have an education that prepares them for the real world.
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1 comment:
Amber-
You have made an interesting point regarding technology training and support. It is very true that districts need to place a greater emphasis on technology training. Also, it is crucial to provide teachers with the support necessary to carry out the technology skills to promote student learning.
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