Technology+Plan

**Rationale:** Technology is becoming a key component in our rapidly changing world, and as result we must prepare our students for success. Within the school setting, technology becomes an excellent tool to differentiate instruction, encourage higher order thinking, boost collaborating skills, facilitate inquire based learning and engage students to name a few. So how will we manage to get this done. With the implementation of LCD projectors and laptops in the classroom to increase visual learning and to provide opportunities to for project based learning.


 * Expected Outcomes:**
 * Students will be more engaged in classroom discussion.
 * Teachers can model curriculum content using authentic data.
 * Visual aids will help increase student performance.
 * Teachers can collaborate lessons and activities that are developed.
 * Teachers will increase their technological proficiency.
 * Curriculum related outcomes: **
 * In Reading, move away from the traditional flash cards and create interactive ways to help students in the lower grades learn their sight words. In the upper grades, display images as a writing prompt to boost creative writing skills.
 * For Math use multi-sensory activities that explores number sense, algebra, geometry, measurement, and data analysis.
 * Science - Using video to show various science experiements that may be too risky for the classroom.
 * Social Studies - Visit places around the world to learn about different cultures, forms of government, etc.

**Policy & Guidelines:** Pricing request will be sent to the approved vendors list for technology to evaluate and get the best price and product for this initiative. Other items that do not require use of an approved vendors list will be purchased by other means. School-wide, district-wide and state-wide personnel will be involved in this process.

There is currently one LCD projector for each grade level in the building to be shared during the year. Every classroom is equipped with a large screen. There is also one desktop computer for each classroom teacher in the building. The school is not equipped for any wireless connections.
 * Current Technology:**

This initiative will require purchasing LCD projectors, laptops, stands/cart, and cables. We have the option of leasing the equipment or buying. Leasing provides the opportunity to limit the start up costs of the project and options of upgrading systems to stay current with the rapid changes of technology. In addition, because the school will be moving to a new location in two years, leasing may also be beneficial. Funds are also available from the PTA for any small items such as the stands/carts and cables. Grant monies are also being considered to help with the initial start up of the initiative.
 * Analyzing Cost and Establishing a Budget**

Installation of the equipment will be handled by technology personnel for the district and they will also handle maintenance and security which is a district requirement for technology. No additonal funds are required since nothing is required of the technology staff outside of their normal work day. Training will be done on in-service days, and during faculty meetings by members of the implementation team, which also does not require any additional funding. For this initial phase, there is no additional software being purchased. Only the hardware will require funds for this technology plan. 30 NEC NP300 Projector ($699.99/each) - $20,999.70 [] 30 Dell Vostro 860 Laptop (499.99/each) - $14,999.70 [] 30 Media Carts with surge ($219.99) - $6,597 [] 30 Ethernet Cables ($11.99) - $359.70 30 Belkin Security Cable Locks ($20.99) - $629.70 Total costs - $43,585.80
 * Budget Projections and Funding Sources for installation**


 * None of the pricing includes any discounts that may be offered to K-12 institutions.
 * I have been in touch with IT for specifics in regards to installation. To date I have received no response but I did speak to the building technology representative who stated that it would be possible to have the equipment installed during the week of professional development in August of next year before the students return to school.

Each classroom will be apart of the pilot for this initiative. Student desks will be organized so that all of the students will be able to see the projector screen at any point in the day. The laptop cart will replace the current computer desk within the teachers classroom. The LCD projector will be housed on this cart and teachers will be able to wheel it into position when ready to use for instruction. Ideally, no matter if teachers where using desks or tables for the students, they would be organized around the perimeter of the class leaving a space in the middle for the teacher with the laptop cart during instructional activities.
 * Basic Design Parameters**

Teachers will be able to more effectively collaborate and share lesson ideas. Students will be more involved in the learning process. Students will be motivated to learn and will increase their academic performance. Increased opportunities to use authentic information during instructional lessons. Ability to effectively use technology components that supplement the curriculum. Ability to better differentiate instruction for the multiple learning styles within the classroom.
 * Benefits**