H.C.R. No. 104 HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION WHEREAS, Technology has revolutionized the way we think, work, interact, and play, and in the educational setting, it can engage learners, promote discovery, and enhance the acquisition of knowledge and skills; and WHEREAS, Today, many students are comfortable with and practical in the use of technology; a 2012 study by the national nonprofit organization Project Tomorrow found that a large percentage of Texas students access the Internet through their personal smart phones, laptops, and tablet computers at home but are rarely allowed to employ them in the classroom; moreover, 72 percent of Texas parents indicated that they would provide a mobile computing device for their child if the school would permit the use of such learning tools, for instance through "Bring Your Own Device" programs; and WHEREAS, Outside the classroom, young people are able to use technology to create personalized learning environments that directly fuel their passion for knowledge; schools frequently do not offer such a highly customized experience, causing a growing disconnect between how students acquire knowledge and collaborate with others in their daily lives and how they are expected to learn and participate in the classroom; and WHEREAS, The use of technology in the classroom can make education more student-centered and offer the ability to tailor instruction to serve youths who come from diverse backgrounds and have different interests and goals; although children may be "digital natives" with high technical ability, they still need guidance in developing critical thinking skills that will allow them to maximize their potential to thrive amidst the rapid change of the information age; teachers are likewise eager to take advantage of the vast digital resources available to broaden horizons and deepen the learning experience; and WHEREAS, Technological proficiency is a requirement for success in an increasingly global economy, and the use of mobile computing devices in schools can better prepare young Texans to become productive members of society; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the 83rd Legislature of the State of Texas hereby encourage school districts to adopt policies that promote the use of technology and technological devices in classrooms; and, be it further RESOLVED, That the Texas secretary of state forward an official copy of this resolution to the commissioner of the Texas Education Agency. Button ______________________________ ______________________________ President of the Senate Speaker of the House I certify that H.C.R. No. 104 was adopted by the House on May 8, 2013, by the following vote: Yeas 147, Nays 0, 2 present, not voting. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House I certify that H.C.R. No. 104 was adopted by the Senate on May 20, 2013, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0. ______________________________ Secretary of the Senate APPROVED: __________________ Date __________________ Governor