Technology has entered and changed our lives in many ways, but perhaps most profound is the change provoked by the appearance of the personal computer. Homes and schools are acquiring computers in rapid numbers; however, most users do not have the foundation skills to correctly use the tools in effective and efficient ways. The Productivity Academy provides opportunities for all participants to become more proficient with the tools of the computer and to use them at the fullest potential. 

The Texas State Board of Education and the Texas Education Agency have adopted essential knowledge and skills for each of fifteen curricular areas, including Technology Applications. Performance descriptors in Technology Applications have been identified for grades K-2, 3-5, and 6-8 as well as performance descriptors for eight high school courses.  A formatted copy of the K-8 TA TEKS can be printed. Compare the TA TEKS to the diagram illustrating the conceptual framework. An inventory in PDF format is available to to assess competency of these TEKS. An online inventory can also be taken.

The assumption is that all adults will operate at 8th grade Technology Applications literacy. As a result, the Texas State Board of Educational Certification has recently adopted standards for all education certification which includes the K-8 Technology Applications TEKS.

To assist in this endeavor, I offer professional developmemnt in the form of extended-time academies. Before Technology Applications can be truly integrated into the curriculum, we must know the possibilities and understand how to effectively and efficiently use the computer and its related peripherals.

The George Lucas Education Foundation provides a plethora of resources, including video examples, of technology integration.