Recommendation Two:
Provide more convenient and consistent access to instructional technology, communication technology and office materials.

 

Role Group Strategies:

Principals
Lead a building level assessment process to recognize strengths and weaknesses in access to technology.

Instructional Module for Technology Integration
The George Lucas Educational Foundation
http://www.glef.org/modules/TI/index.php
The GLEF technology integration module is designed for a two- to three-hour class or session. It can be used in conjunction with trainings of software applications that are used in classroom settings. Part One, Guided Process, is designed to give participants a brief introduction to technology integration. It answers the questions "Why is technology integration important?"; "What is technology integration?" and "How do you integrate technology into the classroom?"  Part Two, Group Participation, guides participants in envisioning technology integration. It asks participants to visit various educational websites and brainstorm ideas for technology integration garnered from visiting and discussing these sites.

Principals
Set technology as a school priority by infusing it into the daily working of the school. Demonstrate mastery and commitment to technological tools, and advocate for their continued use.

A “Fantastic Super” Use of Technology
Mary Scroggs Elementary School, Chapel Hill, NC

George Lucas Educational Foundation
http://www.glef.org/php/article.php?id=Art_1013

This pre-K-5 school’s technology infrastructure supports use of the Internet, a daily closed-circuit school television news show, wireless laptops, computers in every classroom, and a range of software programs that have become an integral part of the school’s learning package.  Email is a common means of communication among teachers, administrators, parents, and students, and every Scroggs teacher has a web page that may include a daily or weekly newsletter, homework assignments, announcements, volunteer opportunities, student work, etc.

A High-Tech School with a Down-Home Feel 
George Lucas Educational Foundation (November, 2003)
http://www.glef.org/php/article.php?id=Art_1061
San Pasquel Elementary School in Escondido, California is an old-fashioned looking complex, but inside the K-8 school is state of the art technology. Every classroom has multiple computers and most students in grades 6-8 use laptops. Teachers have access to technology for research, presentations, and communications, and technology controlling lights and termperature conserve energy and reduce costs.

The CEO Forum
Interactive School Technology and Readiness Chart
http://www.ceoforum.org/downloads/star3.pdf
The CEO Forum’s Interactive School Technology and Readiness (STaR) Chart is a self-assessment tool designed to provide schools with the information they need to better integrate technology into their educational process. The STaR Chart identifies and defines four school profiles ranging from the "Early Tech" school with little or no technology to the "Target Tech" school that provides a model for the integration and innovative use of education technology.

The Big List of Technology and Professional Development
George Lucas Educational Foundation
http://www.glef.org/php/biglist.php?id=239
The site provides a comprehensive list of professional development opportunities, books, resources, and experts for training teachers to more effectively use technology in the classroom.


Build Tech
Gross, Mark. Edutopia (June 2005)
http://www.edutopia.org/magazine/ed1article.php?id=Art_1307&issue=jun_05
Mark Gross provides strategies for better integrating technology into schools in ways that are central to the school’s mission. He addresses the use of technology to fix “pains” within schools, integration of school improvement plans and technology plans, technology that enhances learning communities, and operating costs.

Education Technology Initiative
The Milken Family Foundation
http://www.mff.org/edtech/
The site features a series of issues, discussions and projects intended to better prepare and develop teachers to meet the needs of students in a digital age of technology.  The page includes original research and reviews of emerging research on technology in the classroom, along with some examples of technology approaches in schools.

Futurekids.com
Futurekids, Inc.
www.futurekids.com
Futurekids, Inc. provides school technology solutions to help more than 2,000 schools use technology to improve classroom teaching and learning. These solutions also help schools ensure a high return on their technology investment, providing a comprehensive model of integration including technology planning and assessment, professional development training, K–12 curriculum, integration, etc.

Technology Tools
Kennedy, M. (2005). American School and University
http://asumag.com/mag/university_technology_tools/
This article discusses how new technology, beyond the personal computer, can enhance education. In particular, the author describes innovations in communication systems, library check-out systems, and interactive white boards.


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