Technology Plan 2004-2008

In this time of information technology, students and staff must learn to use technology as a way of accessing and managing information in a meaningful way. Using technology for communication, collaboration, data analysis and problem-solving, in conjunction with learned literacy skills, are key components of this technology plan.

• New technologies shall be used to enhance teaching and learning.
• Access to technology for learning shall be available for all learners regardless of their learning styles, differences, or capabilities.
• Technology shall be used to enhance and challenge each student's approach to learning.
• Technology shall be used to expand teaching and learning models.
• Technology shall be used to promote engaged learning.
• Technology shall be used to help the student in the following ways:
  1. Become a responsive citizen in an information technology age.
  2. Become an effective communicator.
  3. Become a critical thinker and analyzer.
  4. Create knowledge.
  5. Become a seeker, navigator, and evaluator of information.
  6. Develop real world skills and practices.

In addition, the future move away from Edison Schools will create a more centralized environment for the storage data, both administrative and instructional, along with providing better access to Seven Hills Charter Public School for students' families and the surrounding community.

The purpose of this plan is to provide a guide to the achievement of this mission within the 5 years encompassed by this plan and to meet those standards set forth by the Massachusetts Department of Education.

Overview of Technology Planning Process

The first order of business is to establish a Technology Planning committee that is comprised of Administrators, Teachers, Technology Team Members, Students and Parents. This committee will be formed in January of 2005 and will be responsible for evaluating the current plan and making modifications to the plan as necessary. The committee will also be responsible for making sure that the teachers and students are meeting the expectations that are set forth by the Massachusetts Department of Education.

Goals

Goal One: Integrate Technology throughout the curricula.

• Include a technology tools (LCD projectors, smart boards, calculators, probes), not just computers.
• Design instructional strategies that incorporate basic computer/technology skills.
• Increase student participation, awareness and interest in school web page design and maintenance.

Goal Two: Increase student and teacher access to computers.

• Increase labs (computer carts) for instructional and individual academic use, in an effort to integrate and provide access to the internet and other software resources.
• Increase the number of computers in the library/media center to research purposes.
• Provide the opportunity for individual classes to sign out the computer lab/computer cart during a period.
• Provide each classroom with four computers connected to the internet.
• Standardize common software.
• Standardize certain hardware (like printers and platforms).
• Provide teachers with a network and software resources that support the implementation on the Massachusetts learning standards.

Goal Three: Provide ongoing professional development to improve staff knowledge and skills, by offering in-service time for:

• Computer Use
• Lesson Design
• Technology Integration
• Web Page Design

Goal Four: Maintain an infrastructure that supports current and emerging schools needs.

• Improve the school network system to increase speed and capacity in all classrooms.
• Allow teacher and student access to important files and documents from home.

Goal Five: Improve classroom technology support by increasing the number of TIS (Technology Integration Specialists).

Goal Six: Improve communication among teachers, students, and parents via e-mail and school web site.

Goal Seven: Promote and enforce policies that encourage responsible technology use.

Identify Necessary Technology

Staff PCs

Provide a computer on every desk that supports e-mail, web browsing and word processing in accordance with developing a common software platform.

Student/Classroom PCs

Explore the possibility of wireless laptop carts to alleviate space issues and allow more students to use computers at one time. Increase the number of computers in the Library/Media Center to improve the computer to student ratio.

• Increase the number of desktop computers per classroom to four to accommodate a 1 PC to 7 students ratio.
• Over time increase the number of LCD projectors to 1 per classroom grades K-8.
• Over time increase the number of Smart Boards to 1 per classroom grades K-8.
• Purchase new desktop computers for each classroom, Pentium Processor, Windows XP Professional, Microsoft Office 2003.
• Replace the two current computer labs with wireless laptop carts. In addition add 1 Wireless Laptop cart per academy.

Printers:

• Increase the number of color laser printers throughout the school.
• Add a photo quality printer to the library/media center.
• Increase the number of network laser printers to 1 per academy in addition to the ones already located on the computer labs.

Network:

• Replace the two LBM Pentium 3 servers with two new servers running Windows Server 2003.
• Replace all 10mb switches with 1000mb switches throughout the building.
• Move all our currently hosted applications and web pages to an internal server that can be accessed through the WWW.

Goal One: Improve the ability of teachers to incorporate technology into the curricula.

• The Technology Integration Specialist will continue to help instructors integrate Smart Boards and other technologies in classroom instruction.
• The School will purchase software/hardware that will enable teachers to:
  1. Create and maintain web pages.
  2. Create Presentations.
  3. Effectively communicate with administrators, teachers, students and parents.
• The School will set aside a minimum of 15 hours per year for technology training of all teachers and staff through professional development opportunities.
• Teacher will continue to develop technological communication skill necessary to meet Massachusetts State Requirements.
• A folder will be placed on the server where technology integration lesson plans can be stored, viewed and modified by other teachers.

Goal Two: Develop and maintain a budget that supports the ability to purchase current, up-to-date hardware and software that will enable teachers to improve students' academic achievement.

Timeline

December 2004 - August 2006

Project	Completion/Implementation Date	Who is Responsible
Decide on IEP Software	Jan - 05	SPED and Tech
Purchase IEP Software	Feb - 05	SPED
Install Configure IEP Software Test.	March - April 2005	Technology Dept.
Research Laptop Cart Pricing	December 2004 - April 2005	Technology Dept.
Research Server Software for new network environment. (OS, Office, Ghosting, Antivirus, Spam)	December 2004 - August 2005	Technology Dept.
Research Hosting on our own or paying for someone else to host our applications	December 2004 - August 2005	Technology Dept.
Research Hardware Servers, How Many, What will we host? Everything? Etc.	December 2004 - August 2005	Technology Dept.
Research Student Information Databases	December 2004 - August 2005	SIM and Tech
Decide on Who to go with for hosting/internet connection.	September 2005	Technology
Purchase 1st laptop Cart.	July 2005	Tech and Admin
Install and configure laptop cart and laptops for Seven Hills Network.	July - August 2005	Technology Team
Disassemble Computer Lab 113	July - August 2005	Technology Team
Purchase Servers and required software to begin creating new Network	December 2005	Technology Team and Admin
Purchase Student Information Database	February 2006	Tech, SIM and Admin
Install Student Information Database and Test in thoroughly before going live August 2006	April 2006 - August 2006	Tech and SIM
Purchase new Teacher Laptops	June - July 2006	Tech and Admin
Purchase New Desktops for classrooms, offices and library.	June - July 2006	Tech and Admin
Purchase Software Application (Office Suites, Utilities, Antivirus etc.)	June - July 2006	Tech and Admin
Install and configure teacher laptops and new desktops for Seven Hills Network.	July - August 2006	Technology Team
Purchase 2nd laptop cart.	July 2006	Tech and Admin
Install and configure 2nd laptop cart and laptops for Seven Hills Network.	July - August 2006	Technology Team
Disassemble Computer Lab 319	July - August 2006	Technology Team
Convert half of 319 into Media Center for Video Broadcasting.	August 2006 - December 2006	Technology Team and Facilities

 

Educational Technology Standards for Students

Standard 1. Demonstrate proficiency in the use of computers and applications as well as an understanding of concepts underlying hardware, software, and connectivity.

Grade Level PreK-4

Exploratory Concepts and Skills

1.1 Develop basic skills for using hardware and applications (e.g., open/close a file, navigate using scroll bars, arrow keys, special keys, and mouse).

1.2 Use correct terminology for basic components of a computer system (e.g., monitor, keyboard, disk, printer, mouse), and develop understanding of their basic functions.

1.3 At district and teacher's discretion explore and develop keyboarding skills. (The district determines whether students will learn touch typing or simply become familiar with keyboard functions.)

1.4 Explore basic formatting features of a word processing program (at teacher's discretion).

1.5 Explore and understand the basic function and purpose of a database.

1.6 Explore and understand the basic function and purpose of a spreadsheet.

1.7 Collaborate with classmates to use teacher-selected Websites

1.8 Collaborate with classmates and teacher to send a class e-mail message (at discretion of district and teacher).

1.9 Collaborate with teacher and classmates to create a slide presentation with existing template.

1.10 Explore the use of drawing and painting applications for class projects (at teacher's discretion).

Grade Level 5 - 8

Performance Indicators

By the end of 8th grade students should:

(Continue to address earlier skills as needed.)

1.11 Identify components of a computer system, understand their functions, and use appropriate terminology in speaking about them (e.g., operating system, hard drive, memory, window).

1.12 Identify and use basic features of computer operating system (e.g., format/initialize disks; access information on size and format of a file; create folders on local hard drive).

1.13 Save a file to desktop, the hard drive, and external storage spaces (e.g., floppy disk, CD ROM, virtual electronic space).

1.14 Select a printer and print a document with appropriate page setup and orientation.

1.15 Operate peripheral equipment (e.g., scanner, digital camera, camcorder).

1.16 Develop efficient keyboarding technique.

1.17 Identify and use editing and formatting features of a word processing program (e.g., centering, line spacing, margins, cut and paste, fonts, styles, spelling, page numbers).

1.18 Insert images (e.g., graphics, clip art, tables) from other files into word-processed document.

1.19 Describe structure and function of database and identify components (e.g., record, field).

1.20 Create an original database, defining field formats and adding new records.

1.21 Perform simple operations in a database (e.g., browse, sort, search, delete, add data).

1.22 Describe structure and function of spreadsheet (e.g., cells, columns, formulas) and apply formatting features.

1.23 Create an original spreadsheet, entering simple formulas.

1.24 Produce simple charts from spreadsheets.

1.25 Identify and use navigation features of browser (e.g., "go," "back," "forward").

1.26 Using a browser, "bookmark" a Websites for future reference.

1.27 Identify basic elements of a Web site (e.g., URL, hyperlinks, site map. etc.).

1.28 Copy an image from a Web site into a file on desktop; write a correct citation caption in keeping with copywrite law.

1.29 Using e-mail, create and send a message. (Student use of e-mail is determined by district policy and may be a class-wide activity if students do not have individual accounts.)

1.30 Open an e-mail attachment and save it to the desktop. (District discretion applies.)

1.31 Use correct terminology in speaking about electronic communications (e.g., browser, search engine, online).

1.32 Create a slide presentation using appropriate applications.

1.33 Identify and use drawing and painting applications as appropriate for class projects.

1.34 Identify appropriate applications for a classroom project.

Standard 2. Demonstrate responsible use of technology and an understanding of ethics and safety issues in using electronic media.

Grade Level PreK - 4

Exploratory Concepts and Skills

2.1 Follow classroom rules for responsible use of computers.

2.2 Develop understanding of the school's rules for safe and ethical internet use. (Use of internet in this grade-div is under close supervision and determined by district policy.)

2.3 Explore practices for evaluating Websites (district policy determines internet use).

2.4 Develop understanding of how the computer is a tool for learning.

2.5 Explore issues of ergonomics and safety in using computers.

Grade Level 5 - 8

Performance Indicators

(Continue to address earlier skills as needed.)

2.6 Explain and demonstrate understanding of classroom rules regarding responsible use of computers (responsible behavior around equipment, respect for other people's work, and appropriate collaborative behavior).

2.7 Explain and demonstrate ethical and legal behavior in copying files, applications, and media.

2.8 Explain potential problem of computer viruses and exercise caution in opening e-mail attachments from unknown sources. (Use of e-mail is at district discretion.)

2.9 Explain safe practices for sharing personal information via e-mail and the Internet. (Use of e-mail is at district discretion.)

2.10 Explain proper e-mail etiquette. (Use of e-mail is at district discretion.)

2.11 Describe and demonstrate knowledge of the school's Acceptance Use Policy, and know consequences of violating that policy.

2.12 Validate a Web site for authenticity (e.g., find site, sponsor, author, and date the site was last updated).

2.13 Explain how media and technology can be misused to distort or exaggerate information.

2.14 Write correct citations for text and images gathered from electronic sources. Understand that use pf materials is limited by the fair use rule of copyright law.

2.15 Develop an awareness of the issue of ergonomics (e.g., Repetitive Stress Injuries) and how to use equipment safely.

Standard 3. Demonstrate ability to use technology for research, problem-solving, and communication. Students locate, evaluate, collect, and process information from a variety of electronic sources. Students use telecommunications and other media to interact or collaborate with peers, experts, and other audiences.

Grade Level PreK - 4

Exploratory Concepts and Skills

3.1 Explore and develop understanding of how to gather information from a variety of electronic sources, including teacher-selected Web site, CD ROM encyclopedias, and automated card catalog.

3.2 Explore the use of application programs (e.g., word processing, database, spreadsheet) for organizing information into charts, tables, diagrams, and charts.

3.3 Explore the use of content-specific tools to enhance understanding of curriculum content (e.g., environmental probes, sensors, robotics, simulation software, and measuring devices).

3.4 Collaborate with teacher and classmates in creating a multimedia presentation to communicate learning with others.

3.5 Collaborate with classmates and teacher to exchange e-mail with another classroom (at discretion of district and teacher).

Grade Level 5 - 8

Performance Indicators

(Continue to address earlier skills as needed.)

3.6 In keeping with the research process outlined in Standard 24 of the English Language Arts Curriculum Framework, identify electronic sources of information (e.g., Internet, CD ROM, online periodical databases, and online catalogs).

3.7 Use search engines effectively to find relevent, unbiased, and current information on a subject. (Standard 2 performance indicators apply - i.e. evaluate Websites and write correct citations for sources.)

3.8 Organize information that is collected using a variety of tools (e.g., spreadsheet, database, saved files).

3.9 Communicate results of research and learning with other using the most appropriate tools (e.g., desktop published or word processed report, multimedia presentation).

3.10 Manipulate data using charting tools and graphic organizers (e.g., concept mapping, flow charting, and outlining software) to connect ideas and organize information.

3.11 Under teacher's guidance, and at discretion of district, use e-mail to communicate with others (e.g., students in other classrooms, experts in a subject, teachers).