Planning for Technology

1. Planning for Technology A Report on Current Technology Programs and Suggestions for Improvement Teneika Punch

2. National Education Technology Plan • This plan was developed in response to NCLB. • The focus of the NETP is to have schools integrate technologies that will allow it to be comparable to the business sector. • The plan was developed in January 2005. • It is currently being revised, with the new draft expected to be released in early 2010. http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/os/technology/plan/2004/plan.pdf

3. Highlights of the NETP • Gives an overview of our nation’s current status. • Depicts trends among today’s students. • Highlights schools performing above average. • Suggests seven action steps for implementing technology in schools. http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/os/technology/plan/2004/plan.pdf

4. NETP suggested action steps • Strengthen leadership • Recommends that programs develop administrators who are well versed in technology. • Administrators will be more capable lead their staff in the implementation of technology. • Principals should be careful to supervise their staff and the integration of technology in their school. http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/os/technology/plan/2004/plan.pdf

5. NETP suggested action steps 2. Consider innovative budgeting • Individual schools and districts should be efficient and effective in their spending. • Allocate a percentage of the total budget to technology. • Schools should consider leasing equipment rather than buying. http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/os/technology/plan/2004/plan.pdf

6. NETP suggested action steps 3. Improve teacher training • Teachers need to have trainings in order to efficiently incorporate new technology resources into their classroom. • Teachers should have access to e-learning. • Universities should train new teachers to implement technology. http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/os/technology/plan/2004/plan.pdf

7. NETP suggested action steps 4. Support e-learning and virtual schools • Allows all students access to coursework. • Provides supplemental instruction for students. • Ensure the e-learning standards are equal to those of traditional courses. • Provide all educators with training to become e-instructors. http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/os/technology/plan/2004/plan.pdf

8. NETP suggested action steps 5. Encourage broadband access • Evaluate current broadband access • Access should be sufficient to allow students and teacher use for a variety of applications. • Tech support should be available and efficient to minimize the time taken away from instruction and planning. http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/os/technology/plan/2004/plan.pdf

9. NETP suggested action steps 6. Move toward digital content • Consider incorporating textbooks which include a digital component. • Make course materials available online. • Both teachers and students should be trained to use online content. http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/os/technology/plan/2004/plan.pdf

10. NETP suggested action steps 7. Integrate data systems • Allow teachers more efficient access to student data. • Enable teachers to individualize student learning. • Ensure all data systems work together. http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/os/technology/plan/2004/plan.pdf

11. Texas Long-Range Plan for Technology • This plan was developed in response to NCLB. • The plan outlines goals for the years 2006-2020. • The focus is on increased access to learning for all students through virtual schools. http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/technology/etac/LRPToct06.pdf

12. Highlights of the TLRPT • Provides a three phase plan for integrating technology. • Outlines a vision and makes suggestions for • Teaching and Learning • Education Preparation and Development • Leadership, Administration and Instructional Support • Infrastructure http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/technology/etac/LRPToct06.pdf

13. Current Standingsand Implementation

14. Teaching and Learning • The impact of the current technology plan has been the addition of tools for teacher and student use. • Some items are ostentatious and hold no value for students. • Many items go unused due to lack of teacher training.

15. Education Preparation and Development • There has been a great influx of technology training sessions being offered since the development of the TLRPT. • These trainings are often one day sessions. • Few of these trainings provide ongoing support. • New teacher programs are putting more emphasis on technology instruction.

16. Leadership, Administration and Instructional Support • School Administrators are being trained to lead by example. • Teachers encouraged to blog with colleagues. • Technology tips are incorporated in staff meetings. • Principals are requiring that lesson plans demonstrate technology integration.

17. Infrastructure • Older schools are being updated with wiring necessary for technology usage. • Student Information Systems are allowing parents real-time access to student grades, attendance and discipline. • Wireless internet access is becoming more reliable.

18. Suggestions for the future • Sites being blocked by filters should be documented and reviewed in a timely manner. • New schools should be wired in such a way that students and teachers have numerous options for setting up classroom technology tools.

19. Suggestions for the future • Technology trainings should be spread out into shorter sessions over longer period of time. • Administrators should continue to support and provide examples of technology integration, but also provide feedback on the ways they see teachers using technology in their classrooms.

20. References Texas Education Agency. Texas Long-Range Plan for Technology 2006-2020. Retrieved on February 14, 2010 from http://www.tea.state.tx.us/technology/lrpt/lrpt_lrpt.html. Us Department of Education. A New Golden Age In American Education How the Internet , The Law and Today’s Students are Revolutionizing Expectations. Retrieved on February 14, 2010 fromhttp://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/os/technology/plan/2004/plan.pdf