PEACE VALLEY ELEMENTARY TECHNOLOGY PLAN 2010-2013

Sashoi HindsArlene Rose-WrightEduardo E. Meza

MEDIA TECHNOLOGY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

E. Meza - Media Coordinator (Co-chair) A. Rose-Wright –Technology Facilitator (Co-chair) S. Hinds – Web Tools Coordinator B. Watwood – Principal T. Walker – Fifth Grade Teacher J. Walsh-Davis – Fourth Grade Teacher K. Bourne – Third Grade Teacher A. Gordon – Second Grade Teacher S. Vaughans-Oliver – First Grade Teacher A. Perdomo – Kindergarten Teacher N. Rosales – E.C. children Teacher M. Thompson–Nugent – Enhancements K. Robinson – Parent N. Wright – PTA / Community – Business Leader

VISION

In Peace Valley Elementary School all students and staff will experience continuous academic and personal growth through the effective use of current and emerging technologies.

Every facility in Peace Valley Elementary School will be an information-rich, technology-based environment. Through accessing and utilizing a variety of information resources, students and staff will be empowered to be active participants in a global Village, McLuhan. Every student in Peace Valley County Public Schools will use technology to learn successfully. Students will obtain the technological skills necessary to become productive citizens in a democratic society. They will be processors of knowledge rather than passive recipients of information.

VISION CONTINUATION.

Effective utilization of technology will enable all staff to meet the needs of our diverse student population. Greater individualization of school programs will prepare students to master critical skills and concepts essential for higher levels of thinking and learning. Each Peace Valley County public school will be an effective learning community able to network locally and connect globally. All members of these school Communities will be empowered with the technological skills needed to succeed in the Information Era.

MISSION STATEMENT

It is the mission of Peace Valley Elementary School to provide a comprehensive, technologically enhanced learning experience for our students and teachers as well

provide a valuable resource by ably preparing future members of the community, and exploring with Web 2.0 and what it has to offer. We believe that strong, safe understanding of technology and its applications are essential to develop well educated students.

MISSION STATEMENT CONTINUATION.

In order to achieve our goals we will strive for the following:• Provide the best possible tools and the most effect training for

our staff. • Stay abreast of developments in educational technology and

technology in general. We will endeavor to implement these advances as prudent for our school district.

• Develop relevant and challenging courses for our students providing them with the knowledge and skills they need to be successful and this global connecting era.

• Ensure that both teachers and students have Internet access throughout the school.

• Evaluate by fact and data to provide effective solutions

CURRENT SITUATION

Peace valley Elementary School is currently is attempting to reestablish itself technologically . Several years of being overcrowded and underfunded have left the school’s technology in dire straits. It has been the goal of the past year to begin to first remedy the deficiencies and then begin to work on future needs.

Every computer in the building has access to a minimum of two network printers.

The media center currently has six stand alone data projector available for check out and each grade level has a multimedia cart with a computer, data projector, digital microscope , document camera and speakers to be shared by the members on that grade level.

CURRENT SITUATION CONTINUATION. The school also has three computer labs available on a

flex schedule and one laptop cart with 20 laptops in it. At the start of the school year the school only had one computer per classroom that was shared by all the students of the class as well as the teacher. The MTAC decided to make the purchase of an additional computer per classroom a top priority . The majority of current technology funds as well as funding from PTA were allocated to this and as a result, every classroom now has two computers.

The school’s network infrastructure is 10 years old and several switches are beginning to fail and are in need of replacement.

The school file server is currently a Pentium III model and will soon be in need to be Updated. The school is in the process of acquiring various web tools to enhance learning.

LEARNING Implementation of the 2010-2013 Technology Plan and

its updates has enhanced learning and created active learners. Administrators and teachers have promoted the use of technology among students to assist them in achieving state and federal standards as outlined by the ABCs of Public Education and the No Child Left Behind Act. With a current ratio of four students to each computer and 100% internet connectivity in the classroom, every student is assured convenient access to technology-based resources in the Peace Valley County Public Schools system. Technology must be accessible to be used as a relevant tool by the students. The following are examples of technology-based instructional programs Peace Valley County Public Schools has put into use and/or supported to increase student achievement and enhance instructional offerings:

LEARNING CONTINUATION.

Peace Valley Elementary is committed to ensure that all students have the skills required to excel in today ‘s technology enriched world. There is a minimal chance that students will have jobs which do not require them the use of a computer. In most situations they will be expected to have a mastery of a wide range of skills.

Fortunately most of the students have a natural aptitude for technology and the enjoy opportunity to utilize technology in their instruction. Technology will be integrated into the students’ core curriculum by their classroom teachers. Support for integration will be provided by the technology facilitator through collaboration the classroom teacher, assisted in developing lesson plan and delivering relevant staff development.

THE SCHOOL WILL PRODUCE GLOBALLY COMPETITIVE LEARNERS

Strategy Resources neededHuman and Material

Person(s) responsible

Budget Needs

Funding resources

TimelineProposed(start/End dates)

Method of evaluation

Continue 3rd to 5th grade 2st, Century Skills Test

Classroom Teachers, computer labs. 21st Century Skills Test

Classroom Teachers, Technology facilitator, Web tools coordinator, media Coordinator, district level, director of instructional technology

Based on enrollment

Provided by District through funding

ongoing Assessment Data reports

Integrate use of MS Office into students’ core curriculum

Microsoft Office Technology Facilitator, Classroom teachers

Technology Facilitator, Classroom teachers

Based on number of workstations

Provided by District through State funds

Ongoing Teacher Lesson plan, Lesson plans, student performance on assessments

Integrate current Web 2.0 tools into student instruction and projects

Computer labs, classroom computers, Technology Facilitator, Web tool coordinator, classroom teachers

Technology Facilitator, Media coordinator, classroom teachers

Based on enrollment

ProvidedBy the PTA

Ongoing Student projects, student performance on assessment

ASSESSMENT

A few of these programs have become key technology programs for Peace Valley County Public Schools. To improve reading and math skills, Peace Valley Elementary School has embraced the use of PLATO, Compass, and Study Island. As learning management systems, these programs allow the schools to efficiently assess student achievement and then address individual student needs at a level and pacing that is appropriate. Other programs, which allow schools to assess and benchmark student achievement through the use of technology, are STAR Math, STAR Reading, Read 180, and reading first. The use of web-based resources has become an integral part of

ASSESSMENT CONTINUATION Peace valley Elementary School’s mission to provide

comprehensive resources for student and teacher use. SAS in School is utilized in the high schools as an enrichment resource for Core Academic classes and some elective classes (i.e. Spanish). Kaleidoscope, while comprehensive in nature, is used by the elementary and middle schools to support Specific learning objectives.

ASSESSMENT CONTINUATION

The breadth of Kaleidoscope prevents many instructors from using the program in its entirety. Peace Valley NC Wise Owl is promoted as the web search portal of choice for students and teachers in our schools. Students are encouraged to utilize the online media center to assist in research. NC Wise Owl is also promoted to teachers as a resource for a variety of professional resources such as online journals and as a source for web based resources.

TEACHING – PREPARE AND CONNECT

Identify and provide staff development for technology integration coaches who will work with teachers to integrate technology into their classrooms. Develop a cadre of highly-skilled educators to be instructors of technology staff development (e.g., for- credit classes, Tech Tuesdays, Technology Cafe) Develop an online clearinghouse of experts willing to assist colleagues with technology integration. Develop web site with collaboration space. Provide staff development to site and district personnel on how to use technology to facilitate communication with parents. Development of 30 and 60 minute presentations for classes created. Provide training for parents on use of

the school and district resources online.

TEACHING CONTINUATION

Teachers must endeavor to create a positive, fun filled technology atmosphere in their classroom. Therefore the following will be implemented: 21st Century learning will be effective when integrated into classroom instruction. 21st Century skills revolve around student-centered learning which is far more relevant when it takes place in the classroom than in the computer lab. 21st Century tools go beyond computers and include PDA’s, digital cameras, MP3

players, cell phones, etc. Technology changes so rapidly it is difficult to predict what technologies will be available in the future.

TEACHING CONTINUATION

So, although the term ‘technology tools remains difficult to pin down, the concept of having current and useful technology must be clearlydesignated as crucial to successful classroom learning. Teachers need examples of how technology can be integrated into the curriculum. The district should identify tech-savvy, early-adopters at all grade levels and content areas who integrate technology into classroom instruction. These teachers will become mentors tofacilitate integration across the curriculum.

TEACHING CONTINUATION Benefits for Learning Students will learn to use

21st Century skills and tools similar to those they will use personally and professionally as adults. Engaging and relevant classroom instruction will reduce drop-out rates and increase student performance. The work of the student and teacher will be more professional, require less time, and allow access to the resources of the technological world

INFRASTRUCTURE Peace Valley Elementary School has been wired to provide at

least six network drops in every classroom. It currently has a Local Area Network (LAN) with a fiber optic backbone that enables all classrooms to connect with the Wide Area Network (WAN), and the Internet. Internet connectivity will provided using Broadband. All learning areas of Peace Valley Elementary School will be wired for network and Internet connectivity. Peace valley Elementary School currently uses two network servers of offer shared resources. The installation of three ISDN lines donated by Time Warner Cable allows for video teleconferencing learning activities. All classrooms and work areas have been wired for data, telephone, and video for Television. This school recognizes that it needs to upgrade its infrastructure on a continual basis to existing and projected.

PRODUCTIVITY

It is important to build time into the daily schedule allowing teachers time to collaborate and to work with their students. Engaged learning through technology is best supported by changes in the structure of the school day, including longer class periods and more allowance for team teaching and interdisciplinary work. For example, when students are working on long-term research projects for which they are making use of online resources (such as artwork, scientific data sets, or historical documents), they may need more than a daily 30- or 40-minute period to find, explore, and synthesize these materials for their research

PRODUCTIVITY CONTINUATION

As schools continue to acquire more technology for student use and as teachers are able to find more ways to incorporate technology into their instruction, the problem will no longer be not enough computers but not enough time (Becker, 1994). Besides pedagogical support to help students use technology to reach learning goals, teachers also need time to become familiar with available products, software, and online resources. They also need time to discuss technology use with other teachers

PRODUCTIVITY CONTINUATION

"Transforming schools into 21st century learning communities means recognizing that teachers must become members of a growing network of shared expertise (Fulton, Yoon, Lee, 2005)." Professional collaboration includes communicating with educators in similar situations and others who have experience with technology (Panel on Educational Technology, 1997). This activity can be done in face-to-face meetings or by using technology such as e-mail or videoconferencing. The effects of introducing technology on teacher professionalization include increased collaboration among teachers within a school and increased interaction with external collaborators and resources.

PRODUCTIVITY CONTINUATION Teachers cannot be expected to learn how to use educational

technology in their teaching after a one-time workshop. Teachers need in-depth, sustained assistance not only in the use of the technology but in their efforts to integrate technology into the curriculum. Teachers also need embedded opportunities for professional learning and collaborating with colleagues in order to overcome the barrier of time and teachers' daily schedules. Skills training become peripheral to alternative forms of ongoing support that addresses a range of issues, including teachers‘ changing practices and curricula, new technologies and other new resources, and changing assessment practices. This time spent ensuring that teachers are using technology to enrich their students' learning experiences is an important piece in determining the value of technology to their students. Teachers always have been the key to determining the impact of innovations, and this situation also is true of technology.

BUDGETING