Opinion Piece on Teaching and Learning. The first domain of the Texas Long Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2020,

1. The area of the Texas Long Range Plan that I will be addressing is the first
domain, Teaching and Learning. In this domain, in order to meet the educational
goals for all students, whether it is local, national, or global, a better approach
than “one size fits all”, need to be implemented in the curriculum with integrated
technology. Students come in a variety of learning capabilities; therefore, they
should be offered the same type of learning. I agree that all students should have
access to relevant technologies, tools, resources and services. The information
should be available and communicated to the learner on a 24/7 basis. In this
area of the Texas Long Range Plan, distance learning is recommended.
Distance learning courses should be offered to build knowledgeable skills
through the use of technology.
The progress of Teaching and Learning is shown by the state summary STaR
Chart shows that the percentage of teachers have been steady with a slight
increase in Teaching and Learning and Educator Preparation. There has been a
slight increase in the Administration and Support and Infrastructure areas. The
STaR Chart shows that teachers were in the Developing Tech area and the
second level being the Advanced Tech. Texas districts should be able to adopt
standards to help teachers work more efficiently and effectively and integrate the
use of technology in the classroom and provide effective technology staff
development and training.
The trends from the Horizon report shows that technology use has had a
significant positive impact of teaching, student performance, attitudes and
behaviors, and on administration. Also, trends show that Texas teachers are
increasingly transforming students into engaged and independent learners as
well as preparing them for the future by incorporating emerging technology such
as game based learning strategies, globalization, collaborating and
communicating with integrated technology in the classroom. Online learning
should also be considered in having a significant impact on teaching, learning
st
and developing 21 Century learners. The benefits using technology in public

2. schools will provide students the opportunity to various technological learning
strategies that will have a tremendous outcome in their future. The ultimate trend
st
for the 21 Century learner is to have integrated technology into the curriculum
and instruction.
My recommendations for improvement on my school district and/or campus are:
• To have flexibility to try new methods of teaching and learning in
curriculum and instruction, including integrated technology.
• The need for curriculum alignment that is integrated into the classroom
activities and real world learning experiences.
• Districts should provide an innovative budget for their schools’ technology
use.
• Provide effective teacher training and staff develop aligned with the TA
TEKS.
• Strengthen leadership and administration support throughout the district.
• Support online virtual learning including distance learning.
• Provide wireless and broadband access and capabilities within the
schools.