Thoughts on the Technology Long-Range Plan

Texas is currently working towards full technology integration in its classrooms - the idea is to achieve this goal by the year 2020. So far, only the first of three eventual plan phases has been detailed. Phase I includes information related to technology proficiencies, professional development, and resource allocation, among other topics.

After studying the long-range plan, it becomes clear how important it is to achieve these objectives. Students today are nothing like the students of yesteryear. They require individualized instruction tailored appropriately to their needs. While this seems an impossible task to a teacher of 20, 30, or possibly hundreds of students, technology can help to bridge the gap. Teachers, even those with many years of experience, have shown a willingness to incorporate appropriate technology into their classrooms if the resources are provided. As such, administrators must work diligently to provide the hardware, software, and professional development required to make this dream a reality.

After a baseline is realized, administrators must continually search for mechanisms to improve technology usage on their campuses. Technology requires not only continual maintenance, but also constant upgrading. Because technology improves day-by-day, administrators must not rest on their laurels when it comes to integrating appropriate technology.