Key Ideas of the Long-Range Plan for Technology

As a fairly new teacher, I was aware of a lot of the "technology goings-on" that were discussed in this long-range plan for technology. I think that we all know that the educational era has changed to a much more heavy handed push in the direction of technology. I was surprised to learn that the Texas educational system is pushing for all students to have access to networked access. I think that would greatly help my students as 21st century learners. I think that it would also be great to offer access to distance learning to our students in an effort to reduce costs and strain on teachers who have to teach over full classes and subjects they aren't completely comfortable in. I do also agree that more professional development is necessary. I also think that more stringent requirements of the use of the items presented in the professional development sessions is important. In learning about todays teachers, I was pleasantly surprised that most teachers do incorporate technology in their instruction. As an administrator, I would nurture this fact and encourage teachers to share ideas and new things they learn with each other. I was shocked to learn that only 10% of teachers use computers to do some of their professional tasks from home. While I do not like to do so, I am definitely one of those teachers who takes her work home with her! There are just not enough hours in the day while I am at school to do everything I need to do without interruption.
I also think that the support end of this technology push is extremely important. Technology is great, but only if it works! I am glad that the Texas education system is asking districts to have technology and networking specialists on hand to fix the issues that come up. As an administrator, I will try my best to make sure we have quality people that fall into both of these categories on my campus. I also agree that it will be important for me (as an administrator) to model the behavior that I expect out of my staff in many areas, technology included. By setting this example, it will be must easier for me to ask others to do the same.