StaR+Chat+Analyzis

=Please click on this link to review the StaR Char Analysis for our campus.=

**Teaching and Learning – the first domain of the Long-Range Technology Plan of Texas**
To be successful in school all students need to be actively involved in their learning process and their education regardless their background, diversity, ethnicity or learning ability. Each child deserves to be educated no matter the limitations or geographic locations. With the help of digital media and technology all education needs can be met to give the same opportunities and resources to all students. Specialized software, assistive devices for learning disabled students, online classes and distant learning opportunities are just a few of the examples available to aid students succeed in their accomplishments. As this domain states, to fully accomplish its goals learners must have a variety of resources available to them, including access to technology tools, resources, and instruction 24/7, the ability to collaborate and interact with other students around the world, research study opportunities and effective communication in a variety of formats (pg. 18). When looking at teaching, the role of the teacher must change to let students become more active participants in their learning process. Technology Applications must be included into instruction and into the curriculum to prepare Texas students for their future and the 21st century. Teaching students with the use of technology has come a long way. When I look back just ten years, it is simply amazing how this digital age has transformed local state and national progress in the world of education. Improvements in hardware components alone are amazing, from the chalkboard to the overhead projector to the Elmo or White board. Teaching was so much more difficult, especially in math, when it is such a benefit now with modern equipment to show students tables and charts and how they change. I am a visual learner, and many of my students are as well, so the benefits of the Elmo are incredible. In addition I can show math clips or tutoring on my screen through my projector to the entire class, which in my early years of teaching I could have never imagined. In the area of computer software, there have also been many good programs which I was able to integrate into my curriculum, to especially benefit special needs students and also GT students. Still, I know our school needs to do much more research in this area. We do not have an assessment program which I think all our students will benefit from. Also, our school does not allow access to collaboration tools like blogs or wikis which I think needs to be changed. In the end, as educators we are responsible for teaching our students. Without using all the technology and digital media available to us to help them be successful, I think we are failing them. The Long-Range Plan for Technology 2006 – 2020. Retrieved May 27, 2010 from website **[]**