TCEA 2010

Wow! What a wonderful week it has been thus far at TCEA. I really wish that more teachers and principals could be here to learn first hand what is available and possible for Calallen ISD. There have been great presentations so far on technical aspects of server virtualization that could make a 1:1 computing environment possible for Calallen without the funds that would be needed for true 1:1 computers or laptops. As well, there has been a lot of instruction on Moodle, which is our online Course Management System. In other words, online courses.

Not only Texas Education, but national education, is moving more and more to online courses, collaboration and project based learning. Many think that technology integration simply means putting kids on the computer and having them type their papers, copy notes or play games. The world of today goes way beyond this. Technology is simply a tool in education to facilitate several shifts in how we learn:

1. Anytime, anywhere learning. If I've seen nothing else more impressive this week it has been this; where schools have online classes available, students are working on classwork between 8 and midnight during the week and also on the weekend.

2. Project based learning with collaboration among groups has IMPROVED TAKS scores. Yes, I've seen the hard cold numbers that have been tested, scrutinized, examined and verified. Manor ISD is the example.

I can't wait to apply some of what I've seen, but moreover, I can't wait to see teachers and students benefiting from the tools we now have available. Although it will take some time, and we'll hit potholes along the way, learning is growing, changing and being shared in Calallen ISD for the better.