Blog #2 Progress Report on Long Range Plan for Technology

The progress report for the Long Range Plan for Technology was released for the period from September 2006 to August of 2008. It offered several new programs including the Texas Virtual School Network, an increase of technology applications classes and internet safety curriculum. The Texas Virtual School Network is a program that would help schools offer a variety of classes that would not be available otherwise. The benefits offered by this program were expanded curriculum, an expanded base of qualified teachers, AP classes, and credit recovery. Students can work at a flexible pace as needed and also have the benefit of schedule flexibility. Teachers would also be able to receive new forms of professional development. ESC Region 4 and 10 were appointed to help implement the electronic courses. At the time of the report, the classes had not yet started so there was no data to judge the success of the program.

The introduction of technology applications classes in high school were also encouraged to increase opportunities for students in higher levels of education. Desktop publishing, video technology, digital graphics, and animation are only a few of the tech apps classes offered. The guidelines also allow for these concepts to be taught in core classes as well. Curriculum for internet safety was also to be implemented. Students use the internet so much, they need to be able to ascertain which sites are relevant, safe and will provide correct information.

All of the programs listed above are excellent ideas for today's learner. Students access to technology has increased exponentially in the last 10 years. I believe that the plan will be successful if the appropriate training and funding is put into place.