A Classroom Technology Plan for my Fifth Grade Inclusion Classroom

Rachel NachmanEDTC630 – Summer 2014

Classroom Needs Assessment

This classroom technology plan is designed for a fifth grade inclusion classroom at

Oakland Terrace Elementary School, which is part of the Montgomery County Public Schools

system. Within my classroom, there are twenty-three students, two teachers, and one

paraeducator. Given that this is an inclusion classroom, there are students both with and without

disabilities. Out of the twenty-three students in the class, five students have Individualized

Education Programs (IEPs) and receive special education services, eight students are identified

as Gifted and Talented and consistently require enrichment and acceleration, and ten students

consistently perform on-grade level. Additionally, there are two students who receive ESOL

support in the areas of reading and writing. Overall, this class is comprised of a heterogeneous

group of students with regards to strengths, needs, and academic performance.

There is a wide variety of technology that is currently available within my classroom.

First, there are three computers – two computers serve as “teacher computers” and are used

predominantly by the teachers for administrative responsibilities, lesson planning, and

communicating with staff and parents. Additionally, one computer serves as a “student

computer”. This student computer is connected to our Promethean Board as well as our

Document Camera. Furthermore, there is a wide variety of software that is found on the

computers within the classroom. This software includes productivity software (such as Microsoft

Office, ImageBlender, and Windows Live Movie Maker), Internet Explorer, assistive technology

software (such as Boardmaker Plus, Natural Reader, and Kurzweil), and educational software

(such as Kidspiration, Graph Club, and Type To Learn). Additionally, all computers are

wirelessly connected to the Internet through the school’s wireless Internet connection.

As stated above, the two “teacher computers” are primarily used by the classroom

teachers. Yet, at times, these two “teacher computers” are used by students due to the fact that

there is only one other computer in the classroom. One or two students can use this other

“student computer” at a time, and in some cases, additional students may wish to use a computer

as well. Furthermore, this “student computer” may not be able to be used because it is connected

to the Promethean Board. If a teacher is using the Promethean Board, whatever is projected on

the computer screen will also be projected on the board. Thus, the “student computer” cannot be

used at the same time that the Promethean Board is used. In both of these situations, it is likely

that students will use the two “teacher” computers within the classroom. The lack of computers

has proven to be an inconvenience for teachers and students - teachers are unable to access their

computers and students often need to wait in order to use a computer, which takes away from

instructional time.

Students use the classroom computers for various purposes. For example, students utilize

the productivity software to compose writing pieces or create presentations, they conduct

research using the Internet and other digital sources, and they visit educational websites to play

computer-based games. Additionally, the computers are also used for independent and small-

group centers, as well as to provide the electronic word processor accommodation for those

students who receive this accommodation on their Individualized Education Program.

Furthermore, the Promethean Board is used for both whole-group and small-group

instruction. It allows lessons to become more student-interactive, which often leads to an

increase in student engagement and motivation. Additionally, it is also used for independent or

small-group centers, to project educational videos or websites, and to play educational games.

A class-set of ActivExpressions, an interactive-response tool developed by Promethean,

is also available within my classroom. This technology is used for students to submit an answer

or response electronically. As a result of using technology in this manner, I have seen an increase

in student participation. The ActivExpressions have been used to collect data for both formative

and summative assessments and have served as a valuable tool within the classroom.

Additionally, my students have access to two iPads that are provided by the classroom

teachers. Students use these iPads to play different educational games that reinforce the academic

content that they are currently learning. Additionally, because these iPads are also connected to

the school’s wireless Internet connection, students have used these iPads to conduct research

using the Internet and other digital sources. Furthermore, as a more independent alternative to

having a scribe, some special education students use the Dragon Dictation software on the iPads.

This software allows students to dictate their ideas, which are then transcribed into typed text.

These iPads are extremely helpful when all three classroom computers are occupied or when a

teacher is not available to scribe for a student or group of students.

While there is technology available within my classroom, and while my students have

opportunities to utilize this technology, there are also areas of need with regards to educational

technology integration. Based on formal and observational data, it can be concluded that overall,

my students need additional support with utilizing technology to conduct research. More

specifically, many of my students struggle with using technology to apply research-based skills,

such as locating and evaluating information on a given topic, or taking and organizing notes.

While this can be attributed to the specific learning needs of my students, it is also due to the

limited proficiency they demonstrate with regards to technological skills. Additionally, many

students struggle with using technology to create multimedia presentations that express their

ideas.

There is also specific technology that is needed within my classroom. This includes two

additional student computers, one iPad or tablet (provided by the school), two computer

microphones, as well as access to speech-to-text software on a computer, digital note-taking

software, and word prediction software. A rationale for why these technologies are needed is

found in a later section of this document.

Vision Statement

The mission of Montgomery County Public Schools is to provide every student with the

education to acquire the academic, problem solving, and social emotional skills to be successful

in college and in their career (Montgomery County Public Schools, 2013). Technology is a

critical component of the world in which we live, and our students must learn the technological

skills needed to effectively participate in and contribute to today’s society. When purposefully

integrated into the classroom, technology can provide opportunities for students to apply higher-

order thinking skills, conduct research, and communicate their ideas. Through this plan, students

will use technology to aid them through the inquiry-based research process. Additionally,

students will be able to use technology to create multimedia presentations that express their

thoughts. Overall, technology will be integrated in an effective way to deepen students’ learning,

differentiate instruction to meet the individual needs of all students, and help students acquire the

skills needed to be contributing members of today’s society.

Goals

Technology integration must serve a meaningful purpose and align with the curriculum

standards and requirements. Thus, the goals and learning objectives of this plan reflect both the

Grade 5 Maryland Technology Literacy Standards for Students as well as the Grade 5 Common

Core State Standards.

Grade 5 Maryland Technology Literacy Standards for Students (2007)

Standard 3.0 – Use technology to increase productivity

C.1. Select and use technology tools to increase productivity

d) Use suitable electronic resources to refine presentations and edit texts for effective and appropriate use of language conventions, such as capitalization, punctuation, spelling, and pronunciation.

Standard 4.0 – Use technology to communicate information and express ideas using various media formats

B.1. Select and use technology to express ideas

a) Select and use the appropriate multimedia and publishing tools to express original ideas with print, drawings, digital images, video, sounds, and/or personal recording.

c) Change, edit, and revise graphs, graphics, presentations, and word processing documents

Standard 5.0 – Use technology to locate, evaluate, and gather, and organize information

A.1. Select and use information resources available through technology

a) Select relevant information from appropriate technology resources

b) Select and read to gain information from electronic personal interest materials, such as brochures, books, magazines, cookbooks, and websites

e) Understand search strategies for age-appropriate Web search engines/directories

Grade 5 Maryland Technology Literacy Standards for Students (2007) – CONTINUED

Standard 5.0 – Use technology to locate, evaluate, and gather, and organize information

B.1. Select and use technology tools to organize information

a) Use technology tools to support note-taking

b) Use technology tools to support data collection

Grade 5 Common Core State Standards (2010)

RI 5.7 – Draw on information from multiple print or digital sources, demonstrating the ability to locate an answer to a question quickly or to solve a problem efficiently.

SL.5.5 – Include multimedia components (e.g., graphics, sound) and visual displays in presentations when appropriate to enhance the development of main ideas or themes.

The following goals and objectives have developed from an analysis of the plan’s needs

assessment and vision statement:

Goal #1: Students will be able to utilize technology to conduct research.

Objective: Given access to a computer and to the Internet, students will be able to

independently use technology to locate at least one appropriate source for a given topic.

Objective: Given access to an electronic source, students will be able to independently

use technology to select at least 5 relevant, accurate facts on a given topic.

Objective: Given access to an electronic source and note-taking software, students will

be able to independently use technology to record at least 5 facts on a given topic.

Objective: Given access to note-taking software, students will be able to independently

organize at least 5 facts on a given topic into different categories.

Goal #2: Students will be able to utilize technology to create digital presentations.

Objective: Given access to presentation software, students will be able to independently

create at least two digital presentations with multimedia components that serve to

enhance the development of the main ideas and themes.

Objective: Given access to presentation software and reference materials, students will

be able to independently revise their digital presentations for capitalization, spelling, and

punctuation. Each presentation will contain less than three total mistakes in total.

Budget For Expenditures and Technology

The budget below solely lists the costs for technology that is not currently found within

my classroom. Additionally, technical support and staff development are taken into

consideration as well. The justification and purpose for each item or service is found in the

following section.

Item or Service Quantity Cost Per Item Total Cost For Item

Dell Inspiron 20 3000 Series (AMD) Non-Touch All-in-One Computer

2 $529.99 $1059.98

Belkin 8-by-9 Inch Mouse Pad (Black) 2 $2.99 $5.98

Plantronics Audio 326 Stereo PC Microphone

2 $12.90 $25.80

16 GB iPad Mini (Wi-Fi Only)OR

32 GB Dell Venue 8 Pro Tablet

1 $299.00OR

$249.99

$299OR

$249.99Dragon NaturallySpeaking Home Edition 3 $74.99

(per license)$224.97

WordQ v.3 1 $199.00 $199.00

NoodleTools Teacher Subscription 1 $60.00 $60.00

Belkin 6-Outlet Commercial Surge Protector with Rotating Plug (8 feet)

1 $10.09 $10.09

JVC – FLATS Over-the-Ear Headphones 2 $11.99 $23.98

Item or Service Quantity Cost Per Item Total Cost For Item

Technical Support N/A $0 (provided by MCPS)

$0

Staff Development N/A $0 $0

TOTAL$1908.80

OR$1859.79

Purpose and Justification For Expenditures

When determining what technologies are necessary, I considered what my students

needed in order to achieve the goals embedded within this technology plan. As stated in the

“Needs Assessment” section of this plan, my students are not yet proficient in using technology

to conduct research or to create multimedia presentations. According to both the Grade 5

Maryland Technology Literacy Standards for Students and the Grade 5 Common Core State

Standards, these are two areas in which students need to demonstrate proficiency. However, I

cannot expect my students to achieve the goals addressed above without adequate access to

technology in the classroom.

Therefore, I am proposing that two additional desktop computers be purchased which

will serve as “student computers”, as well as two sets of headphones and microphones for

students to use when creating multimedia presentations. In addition, two mouse pads and one

surge protector will be needed due to the additional two computers. Overall, both the pre-existing

and new computers will allow students more opportunities to practice research skills as well as to

create multimedia presentations. Thus, it will allow more opportunities for students to achieve

the goals of this technology plan.

Furthermore, an additional iPad or tablet will also allow students to access the Internet

for conducting research and to use technology to create presentations. With the additional iPad or

tablet being proposed in the budget, we will have three portable devices within the classroom

that students can use.

In addition, NoodleTools is a note-taking software that allows students to not only copy

information they retrieve from websites, but to also help paraphrase and organize this

information. Thus, this software will be useful in helping students develop their research skills.

The license of NoodleTools software that I am proposing allows unlimited access for one teacher

and all of his or her students. Thus, it will be installed on all computers.

Additionally, because special education students only currently have access to the free

Dragon Dictation software on the two iPads that are currently accessible, three additional

computer-versions of Dragon NaturallySpeaking Home Edition will allow students greater

access to this assistive technology tool. This software will be installed on the three “student

computers” that will be located within the classroom, as well as downloaded on the one

additional iPad or tablet (free of charge). This will serve as support for students who may

struggle with written expression or with fine motor skills while creating a multimedia

presentation or while taking digital notes during research.

WordQ serves as a word prediction software that can better help students with disabilities

in written expression or fine motor skills express their thoughts without worrying about the

laborious task of typing, spelling, or processing what it is that they want to say. The license of

WordQ that I am proposing allows for unlimited access given a single user activation code, and

therefore, this software can be installed on multiple computers. WordQ will aid students as they

complete their multimedia presentation, as well as while they take digital notes during research.

Lastly, staff development and technology support will be at no cost. As discussed in

greater detail below, staff development will be in the form of taking free courses offered by my

school as well as by the county. I will also collaborate with other professionals in both my school

and within the school system. Thus, no money in the budget needs to be allocated for staff

training. Furthermore, our media specialist and an instructional technology specialist provide

technology support, and therefore, no money will need to be allocated for this purpose.

Staff Development Plan

In order to further my knowledge and understanding of educational technology

integration, I will continue to take educational technology courses and workshops offered by my

school as well as through Montgomery County Public Schools. These courses are offered free of

charge to teachers and staff within the school system. I do not need to be trained on any of the

new technology or software proposed in this plan. However, I will seek courses that focus on

using technology to develop students’ research skills as well as their presentation-creation skills.

I will also seek courses that focus on educating teachers about the different technologies

available for conducting online research and for creating multimedia presentations. I plan on

taking these courses on a continuous basis while this technology plan is being implemented.

Additionally, I will collaborate with my colleagues both in my school and throughout

Montgomery County Public Schools regarding possible ways to develop my students’

technological skills. I am interested in hearing ways that other fifth grade teachers help improve

their students’ research- and presentation-creation skills. Thus, I will be sure to listen to their

ideas and I am hoping that this will lead to my implementing new instructional strategies into my

classroom.

Timeline For Completion

Time needs to be dedicated for raising and obtaining funding for the budget of this plan,

as well as the actual implementation of the instruction that utilizes the technology and aligns

with the learning goals of this plan.

In order to raise the total amount of money needed for the plan’s expenses, I will raise

money through Scholastic Book Clubs. The profit from these book clubs will go towards

purchasing the technology and expenses outlined in the budget. Additionally, I will also create a

project on “Donor’s Choose”, which is a website that allows teachers to request and publicize the

items they need within their classrooms. I will describe the mission of my technology plan, the

goals of the plan, and the technology that is needed to implement the plan. “Donors” can then

donate to my “project”. Rather than asking for cash or checks from my students’ parents, I will

provide the link for my Donor’s Choose website, and thus, they can donate if they choose to do

so. I will also share my Donor’s Choose website with my family, friends, and colleagues. Just as

with the Book Clubs, the money raised in this fundraising effort will be used towards purchasing

the technology and expenditures. I would like all of this technology to be purchased and installed

by the middle of next school year (January 2015).

However, once the technology is purchased, I will need to then utilize this new

technology in order to help my students make progress towards achieving the learning goals of

the plan. These goals can be aligned with any academic subject, and therefore, students can

practice conducting research and creating multimedia presentations quite often within the

classroom (due to the greater availability of necessary technology). Explicit instruction will be

delivered that focuses on developing students’ research- and presentation-creation skills. While

progress will be monitored from January (should all of the technology be purchased and

installed) through June, a final summative evaluation will be conducted at the end of the year. A

description of this summative evaluation is discussed in the following section of this document.

Lastly, my personal and professional training will occur on an on-going, continuous

basis. As stated above, I will take educational technology courses offered by either my school or

by Montgomery County Public Schools.

Evaluation

In order to assess whether this technology plan is successful, I will need to measure my

students’ progress towards achieving the goals stated within the plan. Thus, I will use the data

I’ve collected (through work samples and observations) as baseline data to measure my students’

current performance with regards to each of these goals.

I will then continue to assess my students’ progress in each of these goal areas throughout

the entire duration of the plan’s implementation. From January through June, students will be

given multiple opportunities to use technology to conduct research and to create multimedia

presentations. I will then use students’ work samples, as well as observational data, to assess

their progress. The information in the box below outlines the data that will be collected.

Each quarter, students engage an inquiry project in which they take part in the entire

research process. As a summative evaluation of this technology plan, during the fourth quarter,

students will utilize technology to conduct the research for this project. As a means of

demonstrating what they learned from their research, they will then be asked to create a

multimedia presentation. The information in the box below outlines the data that will be

collected and evaluated for assessment purposes. Students’ performance throughout this inquiry

project will reflect their progress towards achieving the goals of this technology plan.

Data Collection

To measure students’ progress, data will be collected in the following areas:

Students’ ability to locate appropriate digital research sourceso Students’ ease with utilizing technology to locate digital research sourceso Students’ strategies for locating appropriate digital research sourceso The number of appropriate research sources located

Students’ ability to use technology to select accurate informationo The number of relevant facts selected on a topico The accuracy and relevance of the facts selected

Students’ ability to use technology to record information on a given topico Students’ ease with utilizing digital note-taking software to record informationo The number of relevant facts recorded on a topic

Students’ ability to use technology to organize notes on a given topico Students’ ease with utilizing technology to organize noteso The categories in which the information is organizedo The number of facts appropriately organized

Students ability to use technology to create multimedia presentationso Students’ ease with utilizing technology to create presentationso The use of multimedia to enhance themes and main ideas of the presentationo The spelling and grammatical conventions of the information within the

presentation

References

Maryland State Board of Education. (2007). Maryland technology literacy standards for students.

Retrieved from

http://mdk12.org/instruction/curriculum/technology_literacy/vsc_technology_literacy_sta

ndards.pdf

Montgomery County Public Schools. (2013). Guiding tenets: Vision, mission, core values.

Retrieved from http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/about/mission/

National Governors Association Center for Best Practices & Council of Chief State School.

(2010). Common core state standards (English language arts). Retrieved from

http://www.corestandards.org/ELA-Literacy/

Budget Sources

Apple 16 GB iPad Mini (Wi-Fi Only) - https://www.apple.com/ipad/compare/

Belkin 8-by-9 Inch Mouse Pad (Black) - http://www.amazon.com/Belkin-8-by-9-Inch-Mouse-Pad-Black/dp/B00006HTZ0/ref=sr_1_2?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1403223300&sr=1-2

Belkin 6-Outlet Commercial Surge Protector with Rotating Plug (8 feet) - http://www.amazon.com/Belkin-6-Outlet-Commercial-Protector-Rotating/dp/B000JV3CKA/ref=sr_1_1?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1403223473&sr=1-1&keywords=surge+protector

Dell Inspiron 20 3000 Series (AMD) Non-Touch All-in-One Computer - http://www.dell.com/us/p/desktops.aspx?cp=18&~ck=mn#!dlpgid=all-in-one-desktops

Dell 32 GB Venue 8 Pro Tablet - http://www.dell.com/us/p/dell-venue-8-pro/pd

Dragon NaturallySpeaking Home Edition - http://www.nuance.com/for-individuals/by-product/dragon-for-pc/home-version/index.htm

JVC – FLATS Over-the-Ear Headphones - http://www.bestbuy.com/site/jvc-flats-over-the-ear-headphones-blue/4125209.p?id=1218456767230&skuId=4125209&st=pcmcat144700050004_categoryid$abcat0204000&cp=1&lp=12

NoodleTools Teacher Subscription - http://www.noodletools.com/support/templates/quote_singleteacher.html

Plantronics Audio 326 Stereo PC Microphone - http://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-Audio-326-Stereo-Headset/dp/B001S2RCXW/ref=sr_1_2?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1403223373&sr=1-2&keywords=computer+microphone

WordQ v.3 - http://www.goqsoftware.com/product-details/wordq/