Blog Posting #2

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

It is important not only for students to gain the necessary and important technology skills for the 21^st Century, but also equally as important for educators to gain these skills, as well.  Schools, teachers, and administrators are embracing technology learning as they share their expertise and support one another.  Significant progress has been made in the implementation of the recommendations of the Long-Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2020.  

According to the NetDay Speak Up 2007 Survey, the majority of students in grades K-8 used technology for playing games (online or video.)  Downloading music was what the majority of 9-12 graders chose as their survey response as to how they used technology.  When it came to using technology for school work, grades K-2 used technology most for playing learning games, while grades 3-5 used the internet most for research.  Grades 6-12 used technology most for completing school writing assignments.

Results from the NetDay Speak Up 2007 Survey indicate that parents find technology a helpful means of communicating with their child’s school and teacher.  Because of technology, parents felt more informed about their child’s education and felt better equipped to help their child with their schooling needs.  In addition, the survey indicated that teachers felt that communication and collaboration were of utmost importance for the 21^st Century student to be successful, both of which are skills that could be taught using technology tools.

The Texas Immersion Pilot and Texas Virtual School Network have showed significant gains since their inception.  Both programs have provided students with opportunities to expand their technology knowledge. 

Improvements have been made in the key area of Teaching and Learning on the Texas Campus STaR Chart as more campuses moved toward the distinction of Targeted Tech.  In the key areas of Educator Preparation and Development and Leadership, Administration, and Instructional Support, fewer campuses were at the level of Early Tech in 2007-2008, as compared to those in 2006-2007.  In the key area of Infrastructure for Technology, more campuses were rated at the Target Tech level in 2008 than in 2007.