Project Integrate Texas is a three-year TARGET grant initiative awarded in 2003 to a collaborative including Apple Computer, Inc., Education Service Center Region 12, Baylor University and 16 districts in Region 12. This initiative utilizes a model of advanced integration professional development designed to ‘change’ teacher behaviors and develop ‘practitioners’ who are fully integrating technology into classroom teaching and learning. Participants experience project-based, student-centered, technology-enriched learning and develop lessons to apply this approach in their classrooms.

Project Integrate Texas is composed of three 2-day integration workshops. Each round of training builds on the processes and skills learned in the previous sessions.

Round 1: Technology and Curriculum Integration
In this two-day training, participants are introduced to a student-centered, project-based approach for integrating technology into the curriculum. After participating in a model lesson, teachers begin development of a unit of practice to implement in their own classrooms. Time is provided for teachers to create and present a curriculum-based project using Internet resources and technology programs available in the district. Closing activities examine the learning that took place and the differences between learning in a constructivist environment and a traditional environment.

Round 2: Internet and Curriculum Integration
In this two-day training, participants review the history of the Internet, practice effective searching strategies, explore Internet resources for the classroom, and develop web pages to support their TEKS-based outcomes.

Round 3: Multimedia and Curriculum Integration
In this two-day training, participants develop a multimedia project to accompany their unit of practice using tools available in their district. Projects can incorporate video, sound, and advanced graphics.