Texas schools take technology to next level

On May 12, dozens of bond packages will be presented to voters throughout Texas. Most are expected to receive approval. They all contain technology-related projects and purchases, ranging from technological improvements for elementary schools to career and technology centers designed to serve entire regions. One of the most ambitious technology projects has been proposed by Temple Independent School District. Under its $20 million bond issue, school officials hope to make improvements and replace outdated machines in 600 classrooms. The extensive overhaul will cost more than $3 million but school officials have explained the need to purchase laptop computers, digital document cameras, wireless connections and ceiling mounted projectors.

Many other districts across the state - Aldine, Crowley, Del Valle, D'Hannis, Floresville and Grand Prairie to name a few - have proposed millions of dollars in technology upgrades as well. Some of the bond packages also call for construction of new buildings and/or major renovations.

Is this unprecedented spending justified? Absolutely. Texas must not fall behind the rest of the world in technology. The economic prosperity of all Texans could hang in the balance. Beyond the classroom, students must be technologically savvy in order to compete for good paying jobs. In the 21st Century, almost all professional careers require technology skills.

In March, The Texas Education Agency awarded two grants, totaling $2.5 million, for the creation of two new Texas-Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (TSTEM) centers to be located at The University of Texas at Tyler and The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. These centers will develop innovative teaching materials that integrate engineering and technology concepts into curricula and provide training for educators. The goal of the centers is to assist districts as they try to improve student performance in math and science and prepare them for careers in these high-paying fields.

Fort Worth's Texas Wesleyan University recently invested in a new science building with cutting edge technology. Undergraduates will be able to dissect virtual frogs without having to wear plastic gloves or wield a scalpel. They will use technology. This unique science and technology center was built with the objective of improving Wesleyan's curriculum in bioinformatics technology, science and math. Students will also soon be able to experience touch-screen virtual technology which allows access to a three-dimensional world. No longer relying on textbook illustrations, students will be able to virtually step into a human cell on a flat screen at the front of their classroom.

Texas cannot claim "first mover" status in technology upgrades. The trend is sweeping through America. Perhaps in response to the fear of losing our technology edge, schools throughout the United States are embracing technology aggressively. It is in the best interest of all Texans for the state to be a leader in this movement.

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One recent trend Bettersworth has identified is "skill merger," the need for workers to have a broad skill set. As manufacturing moves away from "dark, dirty and dangerous" to increasingly automated processes, workers have to be skilled in IT as well as electrical, mechanical and control systems.

TSTC Emerging Technologies has already impacted the formation of dozens of programs, Bettersworth said. Two years ago, Houston Community College used the group's report on digital games as a "Bible" in developing its gaming technology program. Anyone is able to request "free research" online. The group looks into topics that show promise by conducting electronic surveys, site visits and phone interviews and studying available curriculum, labor market data and resources and parallel trends.

Techbriefs, which are four to six pages, are published free online at www.forecasting.tstc.edu. Technology Forecasts, full 150-page reports, are also available at no cost online or for order in hardback. Past topics include: biotechnology, M2M wireless communication and computer forensics.

TSTC Emerging Technologies' forthcoming publications will focus on Home Technology Integration and Mechatronics, both of which show promising employment opportunities in Texas, Bettersworth said. "What makes Texas unique is our ability to execute . . . Texas has historically been a leader in creating career and technology education programs."