Week 2/EDLD 5306 Post #2

Reflection: Progress Report on the Long-Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2020

This plan was originally adopted a little over twenty years ago. The last adoption was more recently in 2006. Over the twenty years since it's adoption, the internet was introduced, capabilities of software and hardware has increased and many new technologies have brought many opportunities for education. The goal of the LPRT 2006-2020 is to prepare students to be able to work, thrive, and survive in the 21st century. Students need to be able to interact in a global marketplace.

Several different bills were introduced including the Virtual School Network, Internet Safety, a Technology-Based Supplemental Pilot Program, and a Technology Literacy Assessment Pilot. Along with these were legislatively mandated programs. These programs are the Technology Immersion Pilot (TIP) and the Texas virtual School Network (TxVSN). It was interesting to read about this. I hadn't heard anything about it. Data from the TExas STaR charts is used to follow progress of schools, teachers, and students in meeting the goals of the Long Range Plan for Technology.

The NetDay Speak Up 2007 survey was used to feedback from students, teachers, and parents. K-2, 3-5,6-8, and 9-12 grades were all surveyed. In K-2 (61%) had a computer at home with Internet access. And at school 68% said they use computers to play learning games. In the 3-5th grade the survey indicated that they're using technology more frequently. 51% said they use the computer at school to do school research and 49% said they play educational games. In grade 6-8 the use of technology becomes an integral part of student life. 66% reported using technology to complete writing assignments and 60% to conduct online research. In grades 9-12 75% of students reported that completing writing assignements was their biggest use of technology. Creating slide shows, videos, web pages or online research are other uses of technology. The survey indicated that a little over half of the teachers surveyed feel that they are average computer users. Overall the survey indicated what I would have thought, as far as how it is used and how much computer time is available for some schools.

The report also provided feedback on a program called TIP. This pilot is being used to explore the relationship between student performance and educational technology. Each student and teacher is provided with a laptop, software, online resources and other learning technologies that have been shown to improve student achievement. They're hoping to carry the act of learning past the classroom walls and beyond the school day. Teachers reported increased enthusiasm and student engagement, increased collaboration and communication among staff, students, and parents, and increased parental involvement and community support. Unfortunately, my school district was not one of the chosen ones.

This was interesting to read how Texas is working towards making an empowering experience for our Texas students. There are so many times we hear students in other countries are so far ahead of us. I believe it is about time, we do something about our education system. I look forward to learning more about the changes to come. I'm already thinking about ways to implement blogs for next year.