Purpose

The purpose of this presentation is for the participants to gain valuable information related to 1:1 computing, especially those who are considering starting a 1:1 program in their schools. Through the Texas Technology Immersion Pilot (TIP), 22 campuses have been immersed for several years. The participants will be able to learn about the campuses and get an idea of what schools are experiencing. In addition, there have been numerous lessons learned that will be shared at this session through the TIP Toolkit. Research will be shared through this USDOE scientifically based study.

Objectives of Presentation

Participants will:
1. Learn about the vision of the Technology Immersion Pilot and details about the factors that are necessary for such a project to work through the TIP Toolkit available to participants.
2. Get a closer look at the schools that are a part of the TIP pilot and the key role of campus leaders.
3. Learn about the USDOE research study and about the factors that can impact schools' progress.
4. Find out strategies for beginning or extending an immersion project with the many lessons learned by TIP schools (TIP Toolkit).
5. Become aware of where you can go for additional information on the immersion pilot, its research study, and lessons learned (www.tea.state.tx.us/technology/tip).

Additional Information:

Pertinent project or study background information
See information on TIP and eTxTIP here: www.tea.state.tx.us/technology/tip. In addition, information can be found at the State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA) Technical Assistance Partnership Program (TAPP) Website at www.setdatapp.org.

Problem/solution implementations
Download TIP Toolkit here: http://www.tea.state.tx.us/technology/tip/TIPtoolkit.html
Toolkit includes many lessons learned and implementation strategies.

Electronic resources or tools used:
TIP Package components can be viewed here: http://www.txtip.info/abouttip/projectpartners.html

Evidence of success:
Success stories will be included in the presentation. Others can be viewed in the school newsletters at www.tea.state.tx.us/technology/tip.

Additional Description of Information that will be shared in presentation:

The Technology Immersion Pilot (TIP) provides a new vision for 21st century learning that involves six critical components for success bounded by strong leadership and support. The six components include: a wireless mobile computing device for each student for use at home and school; ongoing professional development for teachers and administrators; online formative and diagnostic assessment tools; productivity tools; and technical support. TIP creates an environment where technology becomes a partner to teaching and learning. Teachers still facilitate learning but they now have the technology to carry the act of learning beyond the classroom walls and beyond the school day.

The Texas Education Agency was awarded a federal grant in October 2003 to evaluate the TIP project using scientifically-based research to gather evidence about the effectiveness of educational technology in K-12 education. This research grant is called the Evaluation of the Texas Technology Immersion Pilot (eTxTIP). The Texas Center for Educational Research (TCER) is serving as TEA's primary partner in the Evaluation of the eTxTIP. TIP middle schools, grades 6-8, are being studied. The evaluation not only tests the effectiveness of technology immersion in increasing middle school students' achievement in core subjects, but also examines the association between immersion and student technology use, as well as the effect on the school environment, personnel, and parent and community partnerships. Most important, the research will determine the effect of technology immersion on intermediate and long-term student outcomes, such as technology proficiency, performance on Texas assessments, student attendance and dropout rates, as well as students' personal goals and aspirations.

A toolkit for planning a school technology immersion program has been developed. It contains TIP resources, factors for implementation, and TIPS for success. Content of the toolkit will be shared with participants.

Outline

Content and Time
1. The Vision of Technology Immersion (20% of session)
2. A Closer Look at What's Happening in the Schools (20%)
3. What the Data Tells Us (20%)
4. Suggestions for Starting an Immersion Project and Lessons We Have Learned If We Were to Do It Again (20%)
5. Discussion/Question and Answer (20%)-This will be an opportunity for audience sharing and participation as well as question and answers

Process
Presenters will share school examples of immersion and discuss successes and lessons learned. The TIP Toolkit will be shared. Participants will be invited to participate in the discussion on technology immersion and ask questions.

Supporting Research

The USDOE funded the ESTEP grantees to conduct scientifically based research. Texas, as one of the ESTEP grant recipients, will share initial results from the study and lessons learned. For more information on the study, visit: www.etxtip.info. In addition, information can be found at the State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA) Technical Assistance Partnership Program (TAPP) at www.setdatapp.org.

Presenter Background

Anita is the Senior Director for Instructional Materials and Educational Technology at the Texas Education Agency. This division is responsible for expanding opportunities for electronic instructional materials as well as traditional textbooks for Texas schools. Anita has led the educational technology efforts in Texas for over twelve years. She provides leadership for the integration, utilization, evaluation and expansion of educational technologies through the on-going implementation of the State Board of Education's Long-Range Plan for Technology 1996-2010. This includes integration of technology across all content areas K-12, Technology Grant Programs, Educational Technology Pilot Projects, Technology Planning and E-Rate. She makes numerous presentations at the state and national level, including conferences such as NECC, CoSN, FETC, TCEA, SIIA, SETDA and others. Anita is on the Board of Directors of the State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA), and held the position of Chair for three years. Anita also serves on the Board of Directors of the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) and serves as an Education Advisor to the Partnership for 21st Century Skills and the Center for Digital Education.

Prerequisites

None

Referenced Web Links

www.tea.state.tx.us/technology/tip/
www.txtip.info
www.etxtip.info
www.setdatapp.org