Sanchez Elementary School
Technology Plan

Project Manager: Pam Grieve
Description:
Easy Tech is a technology integration system that helps teachers bring technology into the classroom. EasyTech delivers interactive, online technology instruction for teachers and students in kindergarten through eighth grade. It ensures all teachers are competent as technology integrators for improved classroom instruction and student achievement. All instructional material aligns to ISTE's National Educational Technology Standards (NETS) and reinforces state core curriculum standards as well as allowing universal access to all teachers, students, and parents at school and at home.
Project Integration with Current Technology:
The research literature on learning “with” technology versus learning "from" technology takes into account these larger issues of the learning context and educational benefits that are harder to quantify than basic skills. Current instructional technologies can give visual representation to higher-order concepts, use graphics and simulations to link mathematical concepts to real-world applications, provide tools for data analysis which can reveal subtle patterns in data, and supply contextual information through interactive dictionaries, encyclopedias, and similar resources. With technology, students can spend less time doing calculations and more time creating strategies for solving complex problems and developing a deep understanding of the subject matter. Word processors have greatly simplified some aspects of writing, editing, and rewriting. Video has long been a way to present unfamiliar material that would be difficult to conceptualize when presented verbally, and today’s interactive video combines the power of visual presentation with the interactive and information-processing capabilities of the computer (Knapp & Glenn, 1996).
Project Integration with Current Curriculum:
Evidence indicates that computers can help students improve their performance on tests of basic skills, but researchers investigating the use of technology in education have found that technology is most powerful when used as a tool for problem solving, conceptual development, and critical thinking (Culp, Hawkins, & Honey, 1999; Sandholtz, Ringstaff, & Dwyer, 1997; Means, 1994). To use technology effectively, teachers must understand how its use fits into the larger curricular and instructional framework. Courseware (computer software designed to be used in an educational program) should reflect curricular standards, and should take into account research on how students learn. Using technology within the curriculum framework can enhance important skills that will be valued in the workplace, such as locating and accessing information, organizing and displaying data, and creating persuasive arguments (Sandholtz et al., 1997; “Critical Issue,” 1999).

Benefits:
Provides integration resources for teachers to use and build upon
Integration activities further reinforce core curriculum as a problem solving tool
All technology curriculum offered meets state standards
Provides authentic, standards-based activities
Provides student and teacher training in technology
Integration activities provide all the materials needed to plan and teach class activities using technology to solve core curriculum problems
Provides resources for implementation of technology
Tracks and assesses teachers' technology and integration
Uses portfolios to assess students' ongoing skills and to track progress
The management system tracks class and individual progress

Components:

Budget:

Funding Sources:
State activities, Formula grants, Competitive, grants, and TARGET Grant

Project Start: 08/24/03

(1) Network Management and Support Training

Project Manager: Kim Fuller
Description:
When installing new or upgraded technology, a training program for the technology support staff should be established in order to ensure that staff obtains adequate skills for implementation and independent use. Technical support staff, who will be responsible for installing and maintaining our technology infrastructure, will need specific technical training. They should also attend the various types of user training sessions so that they will be able to learn about potential problems and user needs that are related to both the equipment and the applications. They will provide technical support for our computer system and should have fundamental technical knowledge. Training will include: · Understanding the hardware and network components. · Setting up computers or new components. · Loading software. · Answering questions of users. Performing troubleshooting for problems.
Project Integration with Current Technology:
The network support team will keep the current technology up and running. They will also ensure proper maintaince of all equipment, software, and network connections.
Project Integration with Current Curriculum:
The network support team will ensure that all curriculum software is usable by all teachers and students.

Benefits:
Provide ongoing help and support in a timely fashion-when teachers need it.
On-site, trained coordinators provide responsive assistance to staff.
Responsible for installing and maintaining our technology infrastructure.

Components:

Budget:

Funding Sources:
District Funds, State Technology Funds, Grants, and Partnerships

Project Start: 04/11/03

Project Manager: Kim Fuller
Description:
We will provide advanced training for persons who are "power users," people who already know more than just the fundamentals about applications. These people will be trained as effective resources within the school, will answer user questions, and be available to offer information that will refresh the memory of those who forget what they learned in training sessions. These people will be given periodic update training for new versions and releases of software before the upgrades are installed in the system and then they train other users how to use the upgrades. They will also provide information on new Internet resources that can be employed in the classroom.
Project Integration with Current Technology:
The selected teachers will be given in-depth training on the usage of current technology and they will in turn train and help others with the technology.
Project Integration with Current Curriculum:
The selected teachers will serve as resource guides for the integration of technology and the internet into the current curriculum.

Benefits:
Provides advanced media management for the school.
Provides computer management and trouble shooting for the school.
Serve as resources and trainers for peers.
Trainers will develop a hands-on program that includes applications training, information sharing, and integration of technology and Internet resources into the curriculum.
Provides a strong complement to our formal technology support infrastructure.

Components:

Budget:

Funding Sources:
District Funds, State Technology Funds, Grants, and Partnerships

Project Manager: Kim Fuller
Description:
Training on generic tools that may be used across content areas and include word processing, spreadsheets, databases, desktop publishing, multimedia, presentation, web development, attendance, and gradebooks. Administrative staff members, who will use the system for daily management purposes, will need training on the various applications they will use. This includes staff who may "use" the system for limited purposes, such as personnel who enter information about registering students. Administrators will also need training and a general understanding of the system. This includes administrators who do not access the system directly, but request information that comes out of the system. They should be aware of the steps they need to take to get the desired information and what types of information they are able to obtain. Teachers who have access to the system will need training on the various types of applications and resources available. These applications will include instructional management software that assists with record keeping (e.g., grades, attendance) and standard office applications that can be used individually as well as in the classroom (e.g., word processing, spreadsheets). Training will be geared toward the skills and experience of the users. All users will be provided training materials for later reference. All users will need basic information about the computer system and what applications are available. Topics should include: · System fundamentals, such as identifying components of the system and their location. · Logging on (or individually signing on) to the computer. · Establishing passwords. · Opening the desired applications. · Basic applications features. · Closing applications, logging out, and turning off the computer. · Network resources available. · Acceptable Use Policy · Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). · Seeking help.
Project Integration with Current Technology:
Staff will learn how to use current technology to streamline their administrative duties.
Project Integration with Current Curriculum:
Staff will have more time to spend on developing new curriculum. They will also learn how to use and teach the usage of generic tools in the classroom.

Benefits:
Staff obtains adequate skills for implementation and independent use of new technology.
Staff learns to use time-saving technology that decreases work loads.
Teaching time increased by the reduction of teachers' administrative duties.

Components:

Budget:

Funding Sources:
District Funds, State Technology Funds, Grants, and Partnerships

Project Start: 04/11/03

Project Manager: Kim Fuller
Description:
Training will be used to meet school and program teaching and learning needs. These include software programs whose content or functions are designed to address a component of a specific educational discipline or knowledge domain (e.g., learning specific mathematical or science concepts). Training will include instructional software specifically designed for integration into classroom lessons and the use of the Internet and its applicability in the classroom. Teachers need to receive training on the use of available instructional software and how to access other technology resources to meet nationally recognized standards for teacher technology proficiency. To meet these goals, training for teachers will be based primarily on their curricular needs and demands with a secondary emphasis on their administrative responsibilities. The focus of the training will be on the curriculum, not on technology for its own sake, so that teachers understand why they should include technology in their lesson planning. Training will include how to access the network and how the network and other technology can be integrated into classroom learning activities. It will also include how to test and evaluate instructional software so that any software purchased can be used within the infrastructure of our system and so that the concepts in the software fit with the learning goals of the school. Training on the use of integrated learning systems will also be provided. These are programs that address a specific curricular area such as reading, mathematics, science, etc. and are intended to provide the content for an entire course or academic year (in elementary schools).
Project Integration with Current Technology:
Staff members will learn how to use the current technology in the classrooms to improve student learning.
Project Integration with Current Curriculum:
Staff members will learn how to use new software, integrate it into the current curriculum,and create new, engaging curriculum.

Benefits:
Improved curriculum with technology integration.
Higher test scores.
Content related to real-world use.
Access to new people, places, and ideas from around the world.
Increase amount of student learning time.
Engagement of students in problem solving, research, and data analysis.

Components:

Budget:

Funding Sources:
District Funds, State Technology Funds, Grants, and Partnerships

Project Start: 04/11/0

Project Manager: Kim Fuller
Description:
A common mistake that organizations make is not to budget the resources for adequate training after the implementation phase. We will meet this need by holding an annual technology training academy for refresher training,to provide new training when changes occur in the software and hardware, and to provide training for new users to the system. We will also offer an ongoing series of computer system classes so that staff can take initial training or refresher training when it is convenient.
Project Integration with Current Technology:
The training will help all users learn current technology and new technology. It will also maintain staff's skills in all areas after initial training and help them keep up with changes.
Project Integration with Current Curriculum:
The staff will be trained yearly on new ways to integrate technology into the current curriculum.

Benefits:
Keep technology skills at a high level.
Training of new personnel.
Training on new products as they come available.

Components:

Budget:

Funding Sources:
District Funds,State Technology Funds, Grants, Partnerships

Project Start: 04/11/03

(1)Wide Area Network

Project Manager: Wako Takahashi-Welch
Description:
A WAN is a system that connects all of the sites of a district together. This allows for the sharing of resources and information between the various units of the School District.
Project Integration with Current Technology:
The WAN will be the method of transmission for the Internet from the District Office out to the individual sites.
Project Integration with Current Curriculum:
The WAN will allow for Access to the Internet and as means to share data between the schools.

Benefits:
Improved Information Distribution
District-wide Email
Increased connection between schools
Staff Support with an Intranet
Decrease in paper usage

Components:

Budget:

Funding Sources:
General Fund and Federal E-rate

Project Start: 05/15/03

(2) Campus Connectivity Upgrades

Project Manager: Wako Takahashi-Welch
Description:
As Sanchez Elementary becomes more technologically proficient, we recognize the importance of upgrading our infrastructure to support our technology goals. In creating and expanding technology systems, the school will ensure an efficient operation and support a collaborative, project-based curriculum.
Project Integration with Current Technology:
Upgrading existing connectivity will not only increase productivity campus wide, but will help us achieve our goal of designing and maintaining a state of the art technology network which keeps pace with district, state, and national standards.
Project Integration with Current Curriculum:
Upgrading technology will connect Sanchez Elementary students with the world. Technology tools will serve as a resource for teachers and students to coordinate, collaborate, organize, and facilitate the effective utilization of instruction in the classroom.

Benefits:
A state of the art network management system will increase collaborative ability and support efficient and effective use of technology resources.
Updating technology reference materials encompassing hardware, software, and print materials will improve student ability to access information and increase opportunities for greater achievement.
Improved connectivity and access will increase the opportunities for community involvement in use of technology resources

Components:

Budget:

Funding Sources:
Budget, District Funds, Federal E-Rate Funds, Federal Funds, Donations, Fund Raisers, and Grants

Project Time Line:

Project Start: 06/02/03

Project Manager: Principal
Description:
Based on the software standards and requirements, the administrators of the school will make a list of needed tools and curriculum-focused software.
Project Integration with Current Technology:
The contents and function of the software are designed to support the curriculum in each discipline or knowledge domain (e.g., learning specific mathematical or science concepts). Other software may be used across content areas.
Project Integration with Current Curriculum:
The existing technology infrastructure will be enhanced and improved by the new software. The new software is easy to install and easy to use.

Benefits:
Share expertise from different stakeholders.
Make wise decisions on software purchasing.
Fulfill our school vision and mission statements.

Components:

Budget:

Funding Sources:
School budget, District Funds, State Technology, Allotment Funds, and Donations

Project Time Line:

Project Start: 07/05/03

(4) Help Desk Support

Project Manager: Kim Fuller
Description:
A formalized Help Desk Support system would provide telephone support to all district staff. The help desk would assist the district's Technology Coordinator to track and identify problems. Help desk support would be available during normal business hours with limited support after hours.
Project Integration with Current Technology:
The help desk will have to be connected into the network. Additional network management software would be reccomenended that would allow the help desk staff to monitor the network and to remotely manage user workstations.
Project Integration with Current Curriculum:
This project does not integrate directly into the curriculum, but is needed to ensure that the classroom teacher has the working technology to integrate the technology at the classroom

Benefits:
Increased availability of computer assets
Increased availability of trained support staff
Centralized record keeping of support problems
Remote management of network and workstation troubles
Telephone support available to all staff during normal school hours
Components:

Budget:

Funding Sources:
District Budget, Partnership

Project Time Line:

Project Start: 07/07/03

Milestone Date Responsible Party
Telephone System Installation 07/07/2003 Technology Coordinator
Computer/Software Installation 07/07/2003 Technology Coordinator
Desk Support Training 08/05/2003 Technology Coordinator