|
Overview and Historical Perspective |
Dramatic changes are being demanded of the American educational system. A different vision of education is emerging, one that sees education as the hub of 21st century learning communities.
Students and teachers together will form learning partnerships. They will reach beyond the traditional schoolroom to people and resources that can help them study and solve real-life problems. The blending of technologies, from multimedia to satellite, and the emergence of virtual learning environments are creating unique opportunities.
Making this vision a reality requires more than just improving education. A transformation is required, and technology is an essential element!
TEXAS LONG-RANGE PLAN FOR TECHNOLOGY
The first Texas Long-Range Plan for Technology, 1988-2000 was developed and adopted in 1988. The plan formulated a vision for the future integration, application, and management of information resources technology in public education. The vision focused on achieving an educational system hallmarked by the characteristics of excellence, equity, and accountability. The use of technology, and provisions to ensure equal access for all students for that technology, were perceived as key requirements.
This initial plan called for the establishment of a statewide electronic information system; the development of an integrated telecommunications system, which became the Texas School Telecommunication Access Resource (T-STAR); and the creation of a center for research in educational technology, which became the Texas Center for Educational Technology (TCET).
Perhaps most significantly, substantial funds were appropriated by the state legislature to begin implementation of the plan. This legislation was the first in the nation to appropriate funds exclusively for the use of technology in schools. Subsequent funding resulted in the establishment of the Technology Allotment of approximately $30 per student annually to school districts in Texas. Since 1992, approximately $600 million has been distributed to Texas schools to purchase hardware, software, and provide training.
In 1995, the Texas Legislature established an annual $150 million Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund (TIF) to be shared among educators, libraries, and non-profit hospitals for projects in distance education, information sharing, and telemedicine. A TIF Board was established to oversee the distribution of these funds each year for a period of 10 years. More information on TIF, its Master Plan, and current grant opportunities may be found on its Internet homepage at www.tifb.state.tx.us.
In 1996, the Texas State Board of Education approved the new Texas Long Range Plan for Technology, 1996-2010. This plan defines an exciting vision for Texas and its citizens. Students, parents, teachers, administrators, taxpayers, and all community members will benefit.
In order to achieve this vision, recommendations focus on four areas:
The plans and recommendations encompass three general time periods: Short-term (1997-1998), Mid-term (1999-2002), and Long-term (2003-2010). Some of the highlights include the following:
As a foundation for the development of this new long range plan for technology in Texas schools, TCET conducted extensive research on the implementation of the initial 1988-2000 Long Range Plan for Technology and on the overall state of technology implementation in U.S. public schools. For additional information on this research study, or for a current copy of the Texas Long Range Plan for Technology 1996-2010, contact the Texas Education Agency, or visit its Internet homepage at www.tea.state.tx.us/technology/
The overall Texas technology plan is one of the most comprehensive technology plans and statewide infrastructures in the country. It addresses statewide initiatives and funding for providing equitable technology resources to teachers and students in the State of Texas, and has received national recognition.
TECHNOLOGY INITIATIVES IN TEXAS ...
Through its Educational Technology Division, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) has implemented several initiatives that address achieving the vision established in the Long-Range Plan:
TEXAS CENTER FOR EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY ...
The initial Long-Range Plan for Technology called for the creation of a statewide educational technology research and development center. The State Board envisioned that the Center would consist of public school educators, teacher training institutions, and technology vendors all working together, sharing perspectives, and dynamically applying technology to prepare Texas public schools to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
Through a competitive proposal process conducted during the spring of 1990, the site for TCET was awarded to the University of North Texas in Denton. The University of Texas at Austin would participate as a second-site collaborator. The consortium soon expanded to include the University of Houston at Clear Lake and Texas Tech University, who also conducted research and development activities on behalf of TCET.
Throughout its brief history, TCET has moved steadily from concept to action. The initial emphasis on defining the organization and its rules has now evolved into an aggressive effort to expand its membership base, and implementation of a multi-faceted program of research and information dissemination.
During the early years, TCET supported activities in fourteen laboratories, each managed by highly qualified, university-based researchers. This research explored new technologies including educational uses of telecommunications, distance learning methods, the use of brain-mapping to diagnose learning disabilities, multimedia planning guides, and other related research.
TCET supported projects included, in addition to university researchers, K-12 educators, and corporate partners. These activities resulted in the production of over forty products for teachers, including training guides, annotated bibliographies, sample science, math, and social studies lessons in a hypermedia environment, more than twenty training workshops and summer institutes.
TCET is uniquely structured to foster collaboration. Board membership brings together public school educators, faculty from colleges of education, and representatives from the business community. Cooperatively, these members create and support a research agenda that reflects the best thinking of all the partners.
TCET’s baseline funding was initially provided by the Texas Education Agency's Educational Technology Division. Additional funding is generated through fee services, cash and in-kind contributions of its Board members, and through other federal, state, and local grants. Since 1995, for example, TCET generated an additional four dollars of support for every one dollar provided by the TEA. The Financial Summary section provides further detail of this remarkable leverage.
As of the 1997-1998 fiscal year, TCET began operation on a project basis for the TEA's Regional Service Centers, Curriculum and Instruction Division, Educational Technology Division, and Administration, with grants and task payments tied to specific objectives of a particular project. It also expanded its scope with new federal grants and private school and corporate projects. In its first year in this new environment, TCET's total project revenues exceeded those of all prior years.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Texas Center for Educational Technology
Last edited Dec 98