STaR Chart Analysis--Teaching and Learning

The STaR Chart is a Texas statewide plan for schools and teachers to assess their campus and its use of technology in conjunction withe Long Range Plan for Technology. The plan is divided into four domains that include: Teaching and Learning; Educator Preparation and Development; Leadership, Administration and Instructional Support; and Infrastructure for Technology.

Of the four domains, I believe that Teaching and Learning is the most important to the success of schools and the Long Range Plan for Technology. Today's world is one where information is right at your fingertips. Students and teachers alike are able to access many different sources of information faster than ever before. With this change in availability of knowledge, it is my belief that the dynamic of education must therefore change. In the past, teachers were the gatekeepers of knowledge. Teachers taught and students listened. However, there is now a better way.

There may be better technology available to educators, but I believe that teachers must take that as a challenge to become better and not as an excuse to become lazy. It is very easy for educators to use technology to take the place of what they actually teach, instead of use technology as a supplement to what they teach.

The three other domains are important, but in the end education comes down to teaching and learning.