Infrastructure for Technology

The Texas Long Range Plan for Technology is divided into four key areas that are very critical for the success of our students in the technology arena, Teaching and Learning, Education Preparation and Development, Leadership, Administration and Instructional Support, and Infrastructure for Technology. Although I believe that there should be emphasis placed on each one of these areas, I believe the most time and effort should be devoted to Infrastructure for Technology.

Infrastructure for Technology is the foundation of the educational technology platform. Infrastructure ensures that students and teachers have direct connectivity, that classrooms are fully equipped with technology, along with technical support. Students and teachers should not share computers and there should be a certain ratio of students per computer. Web based learning should be evident in classrooms and supplied with voice, data, and video enhanced technology.

However, this is not happening in most of our schools in Texas. Many classrooms only have on computer and often times that computer is shared by students and teacher. Often times, the schools with computers have slow or stalled Internet connections. Due to lack of funds in certain districts, schools are not provided with televisions, dvd players, cameras, or computers. These things would surely enhance the learning experience but they are not being provided in many areas.

Per the STaR Chart, the schools in Texas have slowly been increasing in the last three years. In some school districts in Texas and even national have begun to make advances in this area by providing teachers and students laptops. However, this is not happening in every classroom across the country. Current trends in technology has really impacted the education circuit. Teachers are now using online grade books. Students and parents are now able to check grades and attendance online. In Dallas, we are now taking attendance on the computer. Without the proper equipment and connectivity we would not be able to do these things.

I would recommend that the administration, school leaders, and school board members do whatever it takes to get the things our students need to advance. They could write grants for money or equipment to be donated. School districts should partner with the makers and suppliers of technological devices and have programs set that are geared just of student's learning. It should be a requirement from state that every school has Internet capability and that every teacher in incorporating technology into their classroom weekly.