cnstable

cnstable TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY	xi
LEGISLATIVE MANDATE AND PROJECT METHODOLOGY	1
Legislative Mandate	1
Project Methodology	2
TECHNOLOGY IN TEXAS SCHOOLS	4
Overview	4
Technology Infrastructure	6
Technology Support	12
Technology-Related Professional Development	13
Internet Use	15
CASE STUDIES: TECHNOLOGY USE IN 11 SCHOOL DISTRICTS	21
Case Study Methodology	21
District Characteristics	27
Technology Infrastructure	28
Technology Support	30
Technology-Related Professional Development	32
Technology Use and Integration	36
Technology Impact on Instruction	38
Technology Impact on Student Performance	39
Technology Impact on Administration	41
Technology Impact on the Community	41
Technology Programs for Special Populations	42
Distance Learning	44
Practices to Note	45
Practices to Note(Charts to be posted soon) Summary of District Technology Structures and Strategies	45
ACCESSIBILTY OF INFORMATION IN ELECTRONIC TEXTBOOKS FOR ALL STUDENTS	77
Overview	77
History	77
Accessibility of Information	78
Electronic Textbooks	78
World Wide Web Consortium	79
The Need for Accessible Electronic Textbooks	80
Which Textbooks Should be Made Accessible?	81
What Must Be Made Accessible?	82
Direct Accessibility Compared to Compatibility with Add-on Assistive Technology Devices	85
Direct or Built-In Accessibility	86
Compatibility with Assistive Technology Devices	86
Advantages of Direct or Built-In Accessibility	86
Advantages of Access via Assistive Technology Devices	87
Strategies for Making Electronic Textbooks Accessible	87
Variety of Formats and Media	88
Accessibility Requirements for Electronic Textbooks	88
Compatibility Guidelines	89
Accessibility of the Major Components of Electronic Textbooks	89
Media Specific Strategies	101
COST OF TECHNOLOGY IN PUBLIC EDUCATION	103
Overview	103
Technology Expenditures in Texas Schools	105
Estimating Costs of Technology	107
Costs of Providing Computers to Students and Teachers	107
Costs of Using Computer Networks to Deliver Instructional Content	109
Costs Associated with the Development of Accessible Instructional Materials	115
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS	116
Costs of Using Computer Networks in the Schools	116
Benefits and Impact of Using Computer Networks in the Schools	116
Technology Infrastructure	116
Technology Support	121
Technology-Related Professional Development	122
Technology Use and Itegration - Electronic Delivery Of Content	124
Feasibility and Cost-Effectiveness of Developing Accessible Electronic Textbooks for Students with Disabilities	127
APPENDIX A: COMPUTER NETWORK STUDY PROJECT ADVISORY COMMITTEE	129
APPENDIX B: DISTRICT REPORTS	133
Canyon ISD	134
Corsicana ISD	140
Houston ISD	147
Keller ISD	154
Lake Worth ISD	160
Lubbock-Cooper ISD	166
Pittsburg ISD	169
Rogers ISD	173
San Benito ISD	179
Spring Branch ISD	186
Ysleta ISD	193
APPENDIX C: ACCESSIBILITY REFERENCES RESOURCES, AND GLOSSARY	199