Imaginary County
Public Schools
Educational Technology Plan 2011-2016
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Table of Contents
Vision, Mission, and Goals …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 1
Needs Assessment …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…… 3
The Planning Process …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 4
State Goals and Objectives with Local Strategies and Measures …………….…………………….……… 7
Environment ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………....…..….. 7
Engagement ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...… 8
Application …………………………………………………………………………………….......……………………………….. 10
Tools …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….….…… 11
Results ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 12
Implementation: Timetable and Budget for Goals, Objectives and Strategies …………….…….. 13
Executive Summary …………………………………………………..………………………………………………….………. 15
Vision, Mission, and Goals of Imaginary County Public Schools
Mission
Imaginary County Public Schools – making tomorrow the focus of today!
Vision
Imaginary County Public Schools’ vision is to implement technology in such a way that students can be truly engaged in learning not only the content but 21st century skills that can be used today and in the future.
Goals and Strategies
Goal #1 – Students, faculty and staff will be able to collaborate and communicate with others in various districts, states and beyond to contribute to the learning environment.
Goal #2 – Students, faculty and staff will become confident researchers and problem solvers through the use of technology.
Goal #3 – Students will understand the importance of being and productive digital citizen.
Goal #4 – Students will have an understanding of the basic operations of day to day technology and its uses in education and real world situations.
Goal #5 – Students, faculty and staff will have adequate access to necessary technology to meet state and national technology standards.
Strategy #1 – Faculty and Staff will have opportunities for professional development. Professional development opportunities will be offered throughout the school year. A technology academy will be held during the summer with several sessions each day for five consecutive week days.
Strategy #2 – Funds will be allocated to purchase needed technology that can be used to engage students in the learning environment. Technologies to be purchased include, but may not be limited to classroom computers, student response systems, iPods, iPads, smart boards for classrooms that are not already equipped and laptops for classroom teachers. Professional development will be offered for faculty and staff to understand how to use these technologies in the classrooms.
Strategy #3 – Students will have at least one 45 minute class per week that is designated for time in the computer lab where students will receive instruction on the basic operations and how to use the computer for research and problem solving. Specific lessons will be conducted to teach basic computer skills, research, problem solving with technology, and the importance of being a good digital citizen.
Needs Assessment
Strengths – What are the current strengths?
Imaginary County has a very diverse group of faculty and staff. Our employees range in age, nationality, background and skills. This gives the county a wealth of ideas from many different angles. In addition the faculty and staff are devoted to the students and willing to learn new things to better assist and improve the learning environment. The faculty and staff are dedicated to the students and are always looking to implement fresh learning tools.
Weaknesses – What are the current weaknesses?
The students also come from a variety of backgrounds. Several of the schools in Imaginary County qualify as Title 1 schools due to the low socio-economic status of the students. This presents a weakness in that the students have not been exposed to a variety of technology. Many of them do not even have a computer in their home. Second, they do not always have a great amount of support at home because their parents are working multiple jobs to make ends meet.
Opportunities – What are the future opportunities?
Imaginary County has set apart a portion of the budget to purchase classroom technology. The district has also qualified for a few grants to purchase technology for the mainstream classroom as well as assistive technology for our special education resource classes. Our district has also chosen to pilot the use of a Course Management System for grades 5-12. The CMS is called Moodle and is open source.
Threats – What threatens those future opportunities?
The budget can always change as the board sees areas of greater need. Also, though the grants have been accepted, the funds can take several weeks to process. It is a possibility that there may be a delay in the purchase of some equipment while awaiting on the arrival of those funds. In addition, our students of lower socio economic status may only have access to these technologies at school. The use of the CMS can be offered and required at the school, but must only be optional away from the campus.
The Planning Process
State Goals and Objectives with Local Strategies and Measures
Virginia Computer/Technology Standards of Learning
Grades K-2
Basic Operations and Concepts
C/T K-2.1 The student will demonstrate knowledge of the nature and operation of technology systems.
• Identify the computer as a machine that helps people at school, work, and play.
• Use technology to demonstrate the ability to perform a variety of tasks; among them turning on and off a computer, starting and closing programs, saving work, creating folders, using pull-down menus, closing windows, dragging objects, and responding to commands.
C/T K-2.2 The student will demonstrate proficiency in the use of technology.
• Demonstrate the use of mouse, keyboard, printer, multimedia devices, and earphones.
• Use multimedia resources such as interactive books and software with graphical interfaces.
Social and Ethical Issues
C/T K-2.3 The student will practice responsible use of technology systems, information, and software.
• Know the school’s rules for using computers.
• Understand the importance of protecting personal information or passwords.
• Understand the basic principles of the ownership of ideas.
C/T K-2.4 The student will use technology responsibly.
• Demonstrate respect for the rights of others while using computers.
• Understand the responsible use of equipment and resources.
Technology Research Tools
C/T K-2.5 The student will use technology to locate, evaluate, and collect information from a variety of sources.
• Identify information in various formats.
• Identify available sources of information.
Problem-solving and Decision-making Tools
C/T K-2.6 The student will use technology resources for solving problems and making informed decisions.
• Recognize that technology can be used to solve problems and make informed decisions.
• Identify and select technologies to address problems.
Technology Communication Tools
C/T K-2.7 The student will use a variety of media and formats to communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences.
• Identify the best tool to communicate information.
• Use technology tools for individual writing, communication, and publishing activities.
• Demonstrate the ability to create, save, retrieve, and print document.
Grades 3-5
Basic Operations and Concepts
C/T 3-5.1 The student will demonstrate knowledge of the nature and operation of technology systems.
• Discuss common uses of computers in their daily life and the advantages and disadvantages those uses provide.
• Communicate about basic technology components with appropriate terminology.
C/T 3-5.2 The student will demonstrate proficiency in the use of technology.
• Use skills and procedures needed to operate various technologies such as scanners, digital cameras and hand-held computers.
• Identify basic software applications such as word processing, databases, and spreadsheets.
Social and Ethical Issues
C/T 3-5.3 The student will demonstrate knowledge of ethical, cultural, and societal issues related to technology.
• Identify how technology has changed society in areas such as communications, transportation, and the economy.
• Discuss ethical behaviors when using information and technology.
C/T 3-5.4 The student will practice responsible use of technology systems, information, and software.
• Understand the need for the school division’s acceptable use policy.
• Discuss the rationale of fair use and copyright regulations.
• Follow rules for personal safety when using the Internet.
C/T 3-5.5 The student will demonstrate knowledge of technologies that support collaboration, personal pursuits, and productivity.
• Work collaboratively when using technology.
• Practice and communicate respect for people, equipment, and resources.
• Understand how technology expands opportunities for learning.
Technology Research Tools
C/T 3-5.6 The student will use technology to locate, evaluate, and collect information from a variety of sources.
• Collect information from a variety of sources.
• Evaluate the accuracy of electronic information sources.
• Enter data into databases and spreadsheets.
Problem-solving and Decision-making Tools
C/T 3-5.7 The student will use technology resources for solving problems and making informed decisions.
• Determine when technology tools are appropriate to solve a problem and make a decision.
• Select resources to solve problems and make informed decisions.
Technology Communication Tools
C/T 3-5.8 The student will use a variety of media and formats to communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences.
• Produce documents demonstrating the ability to edit, reformat, and integrate various software tools.
• Use technology tools for individual and collaborative writing, communication, and publishing activities.
• Use telecommunication tools to communicate and share information with others.
Grades 6-8
Basic Operations and Concepts
C/T 6-8.1 The student will demonstrate knowledge of the nature and operation of technology systems.
• Describe how technology impacts learning.
• Explore how software and hardware are developed to respond to the changing needs of technology.
• Describe compatibility issues, between various types of technology.
C/T6-8.2 The student will demonstrate proficiency in the use of technology.
• Understand that hardware and software have different operating systems that may affect their use.
• Use self-help features such as online tutorials and manuals to learn to use hardware and software.
Social and Ethical Issues
C/T 6-8.3 The student will demonstrate knowledge of ethical, cultural, and societal issues related to technology.
• Demonstrate knowledge of current changes in information technologies.
• Explain the need for laws and policies to govern technology.
• Explore career opportunities in technology related careers.
C/T 6-8.4 The student will practice responsible use of technology systems, information, and software.
• Demonstrate the correct use of fair use and copyright regulations.
• Demonstrate compliance with the school division’s Acceptable Use Policy and other legal guidelines.
C/T 6-8.5 The student will demonstrate knowledge of technologies that support collaboration, personal pursuits, and productivity.
• Work collaboratively and/or independently when using technology.
• Practice preventative maintenance of equipment, resources, and facilities.
• Explore the potential of the Internet as a means of personal learning and the respectful exchange of ideas and products.
Technology Research Tools
C/T 6-8.6 The student will use technology to locate, evaluate, and collect information from a variety of sources.
• Use databases and spreadsheets to evaluate information.
• Use technology resources such as calculators and data collection probes for gathering information.
• Use Internet and other electronic resources to locate information in real time.
C/T 6-8.7 The student will evaluate and select new information resources and technological innovations based on the appropriateness for specific tasks.
• Use search strategies to retrieve information.
• Evaluate the accuracy, relevance, and appropriateness of electronic information sources.
Problem-solving and Decision-making Tools
C/T 6-8.8 The student will use technology resources for solving problems and making informed decisions.
• Employ technology in the development of strategies for solving problems.
• Use a variety of technologies to identify and provide possible solutions to real-world problems.
• Use content-specific tools, software, and simulations such as environmental probes, graphic calculators, exploratory environments, and web tools.
• Participate in collaborative problem-solving activities.
• Select and use appropriate tools and technology resources to accomplish a variety of tasks.
Technology Communication Tools
C/T 6-8.9 The student will use a variety of media and formats to communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences.
• Choose the appropriate tool, format, and style to communicate information.
• Independently use technology tools to create and communicate for individual and/or collaborative projects.
• Produce documents demonstrating the ability to edit, reformat, and integrate various software tools.
Grades 9-12
Basic Operations and Concepts
C/T 9-12.1 The student will demonstrate knowledge of the nature and operation of technology systems.
• Discuss the inherent advantages and limitations of technology.
• Define the relationship between infrastructure, electronic resources, and connectivity.
• Identify and describe the impact of new and emerging technologies and their applications.
C/T 9-12.2 The student will demonstrate proficiency in the use of technology.
• Identify and resolve hardware and software compatibility issues.
• Develop and communicate strategies for solving routine hardware and software problems.
Social and Ethical Issues
C/T 9-12.3 The student will demonstrate knowledge of ethical, cultural, and societal issues related to technology.
• Assess the potential of information and technology to address personal and workplace needs.
• Demonstrate knowledge of electronic crimes such as viruses, pirating, and computer hacking.
• Explore and participate in online communities, and online learning opportunities.
• Identify the role that technology will play in future career opportunities.
C/T 9-12.4 The student will practice responsible use of technology systems, information, and software.
• Adhere to fair use and copyright guidelines.
• Adhere to the school division’s Acceptable Use Policy as well as other state and federal laws.
• Model respect for intellectual property.
C/T 9-12.5 The student will demonstrate knowledge of technologies that support collaboration, personal pursuits, and productivity.
• Respectfully collaborate with peers, experts, and others to contribute to an electronic community of learning.
• Model responsible use and respect for equipment, resources, and facilities.
Technology Research Tools
C/T 9-12.6 The student will use technology to locate, evaluate, and collect information from a variety of sources.
• Integrate databases, spreadsheets, charts, and tables to create reports.
• Use available technological tools to expand and enhance understanding of ideas and concepts.
C/T 9-12.7 The student will evaluate and select new information resources and technological innovations based on the appropriateness for specific tasks.
• Analyze and draw conclusions about the comprehensiveness and bias of electronic information sources.
• Design and implement a variety of search strategies to retrieve electronic information.
Problem-solving and Decision-making Tools
C/T 9-12.8 The student will use technology resources for solving problems and making informed decisions.
• Investigate and apply expert systems, intelligent agents, and simulations in real-world situations.
• Select and apply technology tools for information analysis, problem-solving, and decision-making.
• Use technology resources such as educational software, simulations, and models for problem-solving, and independent learning.
• Produce and disseminate information through collaborative problem-solving activities.
Technology Communication Tools
C/T 9-12.9 The student will use a variety of media and formats to communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences.
• Determine the most effective tool, format, and style to communicate to specific audiences.
• Use technology-based options, including distance and distributed education, to collaborate, research, publish, and communicate.
• Practice self-directed use of advanced technology tools for communicating with specific audiences.
Environment
Currently, Imaginary County has several available technologies that are actively being used.
- SmartBoards in grades 3-12 classrooms
- Projectors in all classrooms
- Two desktop computers per classroom
- One computer lab per school containing 32 desktops
- Several laptops available for faculty checkout at each school
- Access to discoveryeducation.com
- Access to readinga-z.com
- 3 digital cameras per school
To being this implementation process, each school’s ITRT will inventory their building so that we are aware of what is being use and what may be hidden away not in use. They will then take the time to meet with the teachers and survey them about their use of technology as well as their ideas about what is and is not useful in the classroom. Teachers can make suggestions about what they feel would be useful to have that Imaginary County does not already have.
Engagement
One of the goals of this implementation plan is to have student engagement through the use of technology. The availability of technology is greater in our 3-12 classrooms but not so much in the K-2 classes. It is important to keep our younger students engaged as well and expose them to technology early on in order to prepare them for today’s world. In order to promote this engagement we must bring the level of technology availability up in the lower grades.
In addition to the students’ engagement, teachers must also be on board and engaged in the implementation process. By surveying the teachers and taking their input into account during the implementation we hope to have an engaged faculty and staff as well. Without the entire team being onboard, the implementation will not be a success.
Application
Tools
To add to the list of already active technology, Imaginary County must also purchase the following technologies to begin the implementation.
- SmartBoards for K-2
- Web cameras for each classroom
- Document cameras for each grade level/department at each school
- At least 1 class set of iPods and iPads per school
- At least 2 class sets of laptops per school
In addition to these items, other technologies may also need to be purchased after receiving input from the faculty and staff of Imaginary County.
Results
We hope that the results will be of a positive nature. It is our hope that the faculty and staff of Imaginary County Schools embrace the implementation plan and works together to meet the goals of the technology implementation plan.
Implementation
Budget and Timetable for Goals, Objectives, Strategies, and Measures
The technology budget stands at $400,000 annually. Grants will be searched and applied for as they are offered.
Goal #1: Communication and Collaboration
When
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Action
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Year 1
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Purchase district-wide educational social networking accounts (Thinkquest) for students and faculty. Renew annually.
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Year 1
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Set up voicemail for all faculty members, link voicemail to individuals’ email.
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Year 1
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Set up websites for each school. Each school will select a faculty member to update the school’s website on a weekly/monthly basis. Individual teachers will have their own pages to update weekly with current information.
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Year 1 - 3
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Set up online course management system, Moodle, for all courses offered in the district beginning with grades 9-12 in year 1 so that they are ready for access in year 2. Set up courses for grades 5-8 in year 2 so that they are ready for access in year 3.
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ongoing
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Maintain current email and intranet system
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ongoing
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Maintain current electronic grade book to ensure that parents can access students’ information in a timely manner.
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Goal #2: Research and problem solving
When
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Action
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Ongoing
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Students will complete one research project per grading period that applies to various areas of curriculum.
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Ongoing
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Each school site will hold quarterly professional development meetings where the staff is presented with a hypothetical situation; they will use various classroom technologies to find solutions for the presented situation.
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Goal #3: Digital Citizens
When
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Action
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Ongoing
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Internet safety lessons will be presented to each grade level in various subject areas. Lessons will include information about safe online practices, proper technology use, cyber bullying and copyright information etc.
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Goal #4: Basic Operations
When
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Actions
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Year 1
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Hire 1 technology teacher per school site. Rehire for the position as needed in the event that the faculty member does not continue in the position.
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Ongoing
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Students, K-12 will have a 45 minute block in the school computer lab each week. Organized lessons will be taught and carried out by a certified technology teacher.
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Goal #5: Adequate Technology
When
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Action
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Year 1
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Purchase SmartBoards for K-2 classrooms and have them installed before the beginning of the school year.
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Year 1
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Purchase document cameras for each grade level in each school
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Year 1-2
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Purchase laptops for teachers of grades k-5 in year 1, grades 6-12 in year 2. Replace laptops every three years to begin in year 4.
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Year 1-2
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Purchase laptop carts for middle and high schools in year 1 and for elementary schools in year 2. Replace laptops every three years to begin in year 4.
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Year 2
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Purchase iPod carts for each school.
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Year 2
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Purchase web cams for each classroom.
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Year 2 - 3
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Purchase iPad carts for middle and high schools in year 2 and for elementary schools in year 3.
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Year 3
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Purchase student response systems for each school.
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Ongoing
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Technical support will be available via the intranet system as well as through the ITRTs in each building.
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Professional Development Plan
Monthly staff development workshops will be held at each school site to expose faculty to the available technology and will help them understand how to implement it into their classrooms.
Lesson Plan
Bar Graphs – 3rd grade
Mathematics – Common Core Standards 3.MD.3 - Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with several categories. Solve one- and two-step “how many” and “how many less” problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs. For example, draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets.
Objectives: The students will collect data through the use of surveys conducted in ThinkQuest and use the data to create a bar graph.
Materials:
• student computers with Internet access
• student access to ThinkQuest
• graph paper
• markers/crayons/colored pencils
• bar graph worksheet (http://www.superteacherworksheets.com/graphing/bar-graph-simple-2.pdf)
Mathematics – Common Core Standards 3.MD.3 - Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with several categories. Solve one- and two-step “how many” and “how many less” problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs. For example, draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets.
Objectives: The students will collect data through the use of surveys conducted in ThinkQuest and use the data to create a bar graph.
Materials:
• student computers with Internet access
• student access to ThinkQuest
• graph paper
• markers/crayons/colored pencils
• bar graph worksheet (http://www.superteacherworksheets.com/graphing/bar-graph-simple-2.pdf)
Technology inclusion: ThinkQuest (educational social networking site), Discovery Education (formally United Streaming)
Procedure:
1. Anticipatory Set – students will view "Learning to Use Graphs" on Discovery Education (http://player.discoveryeducation.com/index.cfm?guidAssetId=C75D8BCC-CA02-4AA9-AE11-3D437956CE71&blnFromSearch=1&productcode=US#)
2. Direct Instruction – the teacher will review the different types of graphs (I.e. Bar graphs, pictographs). He/she will model how to put information into each type of graph.
3. Guided Practice – students will use the Coins Bar Graph worksheet to practice making a bar graph.
4. Independent Practice – students will create a poll on their individual ThinkQuest page. They will then explore the ThinkQuest pages of their peers and cast their votes on other's polls. Once they have collected their data from their poll, they will use the data to create their own graph using graph paper and either crayons, markers or colored pencils.
1. Anticipatory Set – students will view "Learning to Use Graphs" on Discovery Education (http://player.discoveryeducation.com/index.cfm?guidAssetId=C75D8BCC-CA02-4AA9-AE11-3D437956CE71&blnFromSearch=1&productcode=US#)
2. Direct Instruction – the teacher will review the different types of graphs (I.e. Bar graphs, pictographs). He/she will model how to put information into each type of graph.
3. Guided Practice – students will use the Coins Bar Graph worksheet to practice making a bar graph.
4. Independent Practice – students will create a poll on their individual ThinkQuest page. They will then explore the ThinkQuest pages of their peers and cast their votes on other's polls. Once they have collected their data from their poll, they will use the data to create their own graph using graph paper and either crayons, markers or colored pencils.
Evaluation/ Assessment: The final product, the bar graph, will be the evaluation of this lesson.
Executive Summary
At Imaginary Schools we have created a plan that aligns with the national as well as the state technology standards. It is important in both national and state standards that students understand the basic concepts and operations of computers and common technology. The first step in having students familiar with these systems and concepts is having them available for student use. Imaginary County has also incorporated instruction on these concepts into the learning day.
Within the incorporated instruction, the students will also be taught about being a responsible digital citizen and how to use the technology resources to problem solve and gather information which are also included at the state and national level. Imaginary Schools is also dedicated to providing ways for both students and teachers to communicate and collaborate through the use of technology.
No technology can be effectively used without knowledge of how to use the different resources that are available. Imaginary County Schools has elected to implement regular professional development throughout the school year to aid teachers in understanding how to operate and incorporate the new technology into their classrooms and daily instruction.
Crosswalk of Goals
A goal comparison of the National Educational Technology Plan, the Educational Technology Plan for your state, and the Imaginary County Public Schools’ Strategic Plan.
National Educational Technology Plan
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Educational Technology Plan for (your state)
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Imaginary County Public Schools’ Strategic Plan
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Learning:
Sound understanding of concepts, systems and operations
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Students learn basic operations
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Students learn basic operations
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Assessment:
n/a
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n/a
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n/a
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Teaching:
Teaching importance of digital citizenship
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Teach students ethics and personal safety
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Teach students how to be a good digital citizen
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Infrastructure:
Use digital media and environments to communicate and collaborate
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Using various forms of technology for communication
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Use of various technologies for communication
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Productivity:
Use digital tools to plan and research to gather info, make decisions and problem solve
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Use technology for research and information and problem solving
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Research and problem solving
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References:
International Society for Technology in Education. (2007). NETS for students 2007. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-students/nets-student-standards-2007.aspx
Board of Education Commonwealth of Virginia. (2005). Computer technology. Retrieved from Virginia Department of Education website: http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/sol/standards_docs/computer_technology/complete/computertechk-12.pdf
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