Texas Long Range Plan for Technology

I chose to focus on the area of infrastructure for technology because I feel it has a direct impact on the ability to meet all components of the long range plan.  This part of the plan calls for a high performance infrastructure to be in place to take advantage of new technologies aimed at improving student success and improving communication and collaboration among all stakeholders.  While this seems to be a simple take the facts are that not all districts in the state have the same infrastructure in place to adequately meet the needs of Texas students.  The inequity of technology products across the state has really hindered the state from achieving their maximum potential.  I have been in districts of all sizes and have come to realize that smaller districts in rural areas are struggling to get the needed infrastructure in place.  I am sure this is happening in other areas across the country which is causing us to fall behind in the global technology race.  If this continues in Texas and across the nation I am afraid for my children and the students I teach that they will not be equipped to be successful in the global workforce and that should be motivation enough to change our current approach.  I believe technology should be a statewide commitment and all districts show work in collaboration to ensure all students can have equitable technology.  I know there are larger districts that have technology departments that could assist the smaller rural districts in this endeavor.  If we can require collaboration amongst our teachers why can’t we require it of our districts to collaborate for the betterment of our students in this state and nation so that our students can have ample tools and resources need to ensure there is technology available for all learners so they can be successful in the global workforce?