Texas schools embracing technology – a trend that must continue!
by Mary Scott Nabers
CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc.
. . . continued from page one
Students are being introduced to technology at an early age. Mansfield ISD provides touch-screen handheld computers for its pre-K students. The technology helps prepare them for more new and innovative technology that will be used in higher grades.
In rural San Saba, high school students will be issued laptops in September. The computers were purchased with grant funding. Students will be able to access textbooks online and participate in interactive classroom discussions via the Internet.
The Irving schools have been providing laptops to students since 2001. And, at Goliad ISD, faculty and staff members as well as every student in grades 7-12 have access to a laptop owned by the school district.
Here are a few examples of what is happening statewide in Texas:
- Arlington ISD included nearly $60.1 million for technology needs in its recent bond election. Among the planned technology spending - $33.69 million for replacement computers, $6.8 million for network equipment, $2.5 million for classroom technology expansion, $425,000 for science classroom technology, $300,000 for library technology and $555,000 for IP phones.
- Deer Park ISD had a bond referendum that included $28.5 million which includes purchasing new computers, servers, classroom video projectors, classroom audio systems and software along with the district's video distribution capacity and wireless network.
- Harlingen ISD voters passed a bond issue that included $2.2 million for preparing classrooms for its 21st Century learning initiative.
- One-fourth of the entire $40 million bond package that was passed by Alamo Heights ISD was allocated to technology expenditures. Approximately $10 million will be spent for technology upgrades, new desktop computers, laptops and servers.
- Approximately $55.3 million of San Antonio's Northside ISD bond election was dedicated to technology. More than $25 million is allocated to maintaining a five-year replacement cycle of classroom and lab computers. Another $30 million is allocated for IT infrastructure such as servers, routers and equipment. Software licenses total $940,000 and desktop virtualization spending is estimated at $217,000.
Technology enhances the learning process for students and gives teachers the tools needed to engage students. Texas must not be left behind in the race to excellence in education. Kudos to the school districts in Texas that are making technology a priority.
