One doesn't have to be a rocket scientist to see that the personal computer has revolutionized virtually every aspect of life on our planet. Once thought to be primarily the tools of scientists and engineers, computers can now be found in all types of businesses, from auto repair shops to zoos. Our cars, microwaves, CD players and even wristwatches are all powered or run by computers. Computers help us wake up on time, pay our bills, balance our checkbooks, cook our meals and enable us to communicate instantaneously with people and organizations all over the world. But it is in the area of public education that computers can truly be modern marvels.

Since being introduced in schools in the 1980s, computers have improved both the teaching and the learning process for students. They have transformed learning, often considered a laborious, boring, and relatively passive activity, into a stimulating, fun, exciting, and more interactive experience for both students and teachers. They have enabled children once labeled as slow learners to catch up educationally to their more gifted peers by shoring up their weak areas, and building on their individual strengths and learning styles. Computers have made it possible for textbooks and other instructional materials to be instantly updated through the use of supplementary software and the Internet. With computers, a student's American history textbook adopted six years earlier no longer has to stop mentioning the Persian Gulf War, but can be updated to reflect the day's current events as soon as they are reported. But perhaps most importantly, computers and other technologies can enable the children in remote, rural areas access to the same high quality education found in the poshest of cities and suburbs.

In July of 1997, the State Board of Education adopted new curriculum standards in all subject areas for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. These standards, known as the Texas Essential Knowledge Skills or TEKS, define what students should know and be able to do and became effective with the start of this school year. Textbooks and other instructional materials will need to reflect these new standards. If these materials are adopted in all subject areas on the traditional six-year cycle that has been used for adopting textbooks, Texas will spend $1.8 billion for school textbooks. Before we commit such a large sum of money -- approximately 20% of the $8 billion in state funds currently earmarked for public education -- we should fully explore how technology, especially computers and other electronic devices, can be used to provide our students with the most comprehensive and up-to-date instructional materials. This way, we can ensure that we are getting the most out of every educational dollar spent. In fact, Texas has already adopted an on-line textbook, which is now available for use in our public schools. Educational publishers also offer websites that provide additional resources and current information. Texas schools need equipment, Internet access, and professional development for educators to take advantage of these resources.

The Texas legislature has asked the Texas Education Agency to conduct a study on the use of computer networks, including the Internet, in public schools, and the costs and benefits of using networks to provide updates to textbooks. Commissioner of Education Mike Moses also has appointed a broad-based committee to assist in this study and their report will be provided to the Legislature in 1999. Some of the schools participating in the study have a history of using technology. Many provide laptops to every teacher and extensive staff development and some provide laptops to students as well.

In May of this year, I hosted a Technology Summit for Texas legislators and their staffs. This summit provided an opportunity for legislators to hear from students, teachers, administrators, and software, hardware, telecommunications and other vendors on technologies now used in schools and those in development. It reaffirmed the beliefs of many individuals that computers, satellite systems, videoconferencing, and other technologies have a tremendous and cost-efficient potential for improving both teaching and learning in our schools. But as impressive as many of the product demonstrations were, they also showed that we have barely scratched the surface of the potential that technology holds for improving our schools. The State Board of Education's Long Range Plan for Technology, 1996-2010, provides a roadmap on how to fully tap technology's potential for improving our schools, students and teachers. With computers and other electronic and information technologies, Texas does not have to wait years for the world-class systems of public education that its people want and need. It is only a few keystrokes away.