The most interesting comment in the 2010 Progress Report on the Long-Range Plan for Technology, 2006 - 2020 came from a student who stated, “every time I go to school I have to power down” (2010). That basically sums up the current level of technological instruction in the state of Texas. Although the past five years have seen vast improvements, students still seem to be ahead of the power curve when it comes to technology. They shift impatiently in their seats as elderly teachers – those of us over 49 – struggle to explain or illustrate a technological procedure. It is almost as if we are teaching shoe tying to eighteen year olds. However, as the summary states, “technology is a tool that can be used to make teaching and learning more efficient and effective” (Progress Report, 2010). Therefore, the schools and its educators must recognize “the need for a consistent, systemic approach to implementing educational technology…” (Progress Report, 2010). The state of Texas now gives us no choice. The State Board of Education must develop a long-range plan for technology. And well it should. If our students are to compete both nationally and internationally, they must be given the tools to technology. Their scope of learning is no longer within the walls of the classroom. If they are to be competitive, their learning has to reach the far corners of the world and be student-led and student-centered. The report clearly describes that learning will be a 24/7 experience and that parents will participate and learn alongside their children (Progress Report, 2010). Educators and school board members must also be ready to improve their technological skills. In conclusion, it will take a village to become technologically literate in order to help our children, who will be the leaders of tomorrow, succeed.
Texas Education Agency. (2010). 2010 Progress Report on the Long-Range Plan for Technology, 2006 – 2020. (GE11 211 01). Retrieved from www.tea.state.tx.us/WorkArea/linkit.aspx?LinkIdentifier=id&ItemID
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