Blog Posting #2

My Thoughts about The Progress Report of the Long-Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2020

After reading the progress report, I have to admit that I am embarrassed to have taught Technology Applications for two years and not have known some of this information. I am very impressed with how the state of Texas has taken such a major step in preparing students, teachers, parents, communities and administrators for a technology-rich future.

The Technology Immersion Pilot (TIP) was both new and interesting to me. This pilot provided each student and teacher with a wireless mobile laptop, software and online resources. Certain schools in the state of Texas were chosen to observe and report gained data over a period of time. Their findings were remarkable. A few of their successes included increased parental involvement, collaboration among staff, students and parents, increased engagement and enthusiasm and fewer discipline problems.

Another section that stood out to me in the report was the Report for Virtual School. I was pleased to find out that TxVSN provides a statewide course catalog for Texas public school districts and charter schools. Students today can learn in an environment that fits their schedule, budget and overall needs. Five professional development providers also train educators to deliver online instruction through TxVSN. This resource is vital for the success of the online community of educational learning in Texas.

This report offers so many different vital components to the world of "Technology in Education". I feel that by reading this report, I now have a better grasp on what technology in education should resemble in our state, campuses and classrooms.

Resource:
Progress Report on the Long-Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2020. (2008, December). Retreived June 4, 2010, from Texas Education Agency: http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/comm/leg_reports/2008/08pr_to_lrpt.pdf


Shawntee' Cowan