In this domain of the Texas Long Range Plan for Technology, Educator Preparation and Development, guidelines and criteria are presented to enable teachers to fully integrate appropriate technology into the curriculum and instruction in their classrooms.
We need education preparation programs that model current technologies in instructional practices. We need future teachers that exit the universities and colleges knowing how to use technology in the teaching and learning process. We need beginning teachers that can develop new learning environments that utilize technology.
On the Campus Statewide Summary in this area, it states that 74.2% of teachers are in the Developing Tech level of progress. This level of progress indicates that teacher use of technology is for administrative tasks and classroom management. There is use of online resources and 40% of educators meet SBEC standards. Administrators expect teachers to use technology and 6-24% of technology budget is allocated for professional development.
On the Texas Campus STaR Chart for my school we are also in the Developing Tech level of progress in this domain. Our lowest rated indicator in this area is in Access to Professional Development.
I believe we will need to improve teachers' access to professional development in the area of technology standards to see progress in this domain. I'm sure time will always be a factor for teachers. There just aren't enough hours in the day to learn all there is to learn about incorporating technology. We will need to investigate short online help sessions or presentations that focus on one idea or one instructional tool so teachers will feel less intimidated about jumping in and trying something new incorporating technology into their curriculum and instruction.
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We have quite similar impressions regarding this issue. I think the area of Teacher Preparation and Development needs to be addressed immediately. If we are to help our students pass the standards of technology use then we must do so ourselves. We need to have the ability and skill to handle currrent tools of technology to be able to integrate their use in the classroom. I consider myself one of those teachers in the developing tech level. There just isn't enough time to learn everything! But, I will resolve to find time in order to progress to a higher level.
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