E-Rate & The AISD Technology Plan

EDLD 5306 AISD Tech Plan Blog 4

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The National Education Technology Plan 2010

     The National Education Technology Plan recognizes that technology is pervasive, ubiquitous, and constantly changing. 

     Students have access to information 24/7; need to become critical thinkers, and expert learners. The challenge for educators is to utilize learning sciences and with the aid of technology create engaging and individualized learning experiences.  Learning systems combined with technology-based assessments can simultaneously assess, grade, and diagnose students. Teachers use a connected teaching model.  They utilize learning data and tools to prepare for students and direct their own professional development that is collaborative and online. 

     To transform education in America, the NTEP presents five goals to address the key components of the plan: 

1.    All learners will have engaging and empowering learning experiences both in and out of school that prepare them to be active, creative, knowledgeable, and ethical participants in our globally networked society.

2.    Our education system at all levels will leverage the power of technology to measure what matters and use assessment data for continuous improvement.

3.    Professional educators will be supported individually and in teams by technology that connects them to data, content, resources, expertise, and learning experiences that enable and inspire more effective teaching for all learners.

4.    All students and educators will have access to a comprehensive infrastructure for learning when and where they need it.

5.    Our education system at all levels will redesign processes and structures to take advantage of the power of technology to improve learning outcomes while making more efficient use of time, money, and staff.

AISD Strategic Plan for Technology

      AISD’s 2010-2015 Strategic Plan for Technology was drafted in 2009.  The plan was designed to be consistent with the Texas LRPT, ISTE Net·S standards, SBEC Technology Applications Standards, and the district and campus STaR Charts. 

     The AISD Strategic Plan for Technology was developed by forming four working groups to ensure consistency and based on the four key areas of the Texas STaR Chart. Committee members were charged with drafting goal statements, objectives, and strategies.

Arlington Independent School District Strategic Plan for Technology 2010-2015
Teaching and Learning	Objective – All teachers will use emerging technologies. Strategies include:  Provide a variety of technology infused lessons weekly. Update library technology.
Educator Preparation	Objective – Provide all teachers and administrators with professional development. Strategies include:  Verify implementation of technology skills with walk throughs and documentation. Provide innovative online, 24/7 distance learning.
Leadership	Objective – Create an environment where stake-holders are life-long learners. Strategies include:  All administrators demonstrate ISTE’s NETS·A. Incorporate SBEC Technology Applications Standards into PDAS.
Infrastructure	Objective – Continually provide an adequate and scalable infrastructure.  Strategies include:   Work toward 1:1 personal computing ratio.  Continue to investigate relevant emerging technologies.

     The district uses critical indicators of technology to evaluate progress.  Some indicators include:  Student mastery of technology TEKS, teacher mastery of SBEC standards, integration of technology and curricula, and technology-related professional development. Assessments used to measure these indicators include:  TTCC certification completion, Technology Applications TExES exam, lesson plans, professional development documentation, the fixed access database, technology repair and troubleshooting data base, and STaR Charts.

To see the full AISD Strategic Plan for Technology visit:

http://www.aisd.net/aisd/techplan/Home/tabid/8608/Default.aspx

Is Testing for Technology Skills Necessary?

     Are teachers and students being tested too much? In Texas, teachers are self- assessed with the School Technology and Readiness Assessment (STaR Chart) to provide teachers with an overall consensus of how their campus feels they are progressing in the area of technology. Students are also measured for their understanding of the TEKS for Technology Applications.

     But, is this testing necessary? Teachers’ technology leadership knowledge and skills as well as students knowledge and skills are based on standards. The world and technology is constantly changing. Standards must be periodically, systematically, and comprehensively updated. This takes time and resources that local and state education agencies have little of. With these changes, assessment instruments will need to be updated as well; further straining budgets and stakeholders’ constitutions.

     What choice do we have? Technology has changed the planet. In our fast paced world where technology savvy societies are leading the way economically and educationally, educational stakeholders must be diligently paying attention. Once, the preferred word processor was a typewriter. Today word processors are mobile laptops and iPads. Teachers and students need to know their technology strengths and weaknesses. For teachers who are planning professional development and lesson plans, assessments are essential if students are to benefit from their pedagogical skills. Many students love technology, but often may not be aware of the particular skills needed to be successful in real world environments. Teachers must teach and assess and plan with an eye on changes in the culture of technology and changes in standards.