Markus Technology Use Plan

Grassy Knoll Elementary Technology Use PlanErin C. MarkusBoise State UniversityEdTech 501Summer 2009

1Rationale For Technology PlanWhy do we need a Tech Plan at Grassy Knoll?Addressing needs of school/districtClear picture of integration planFunding/BudgetSpecified planning teamPlans for Evaluation and Assessment of students and teachersProfessional Development for staffExpected outcomes and goalsGuide for full implementation of programSpontaneous decisions can often lead to disaster

2Who should be on the team?When creating a Technology Team for our program, it is important to factor in all levels and departments, since input from all groups should be represented in the decision making process. Some examples of people who should be included on the team are:Principals/SuperintendantsAccounting/Budget personnelTechnology TeachersClassroom teachers-preferably one from each grade levelSpecial Education TeachersLibrary StaffSchool Board memberParentsTechnical Support StaffParaprofessionalsESL/Migrant Educators

3Steps in Developing a Technology Use PlanStep 1: The Planning Process

The Planning Process includes forming the planning team or committee and preparing to create the document that will eventually be a full Plan. This document will be the guide for the entire program development, integration, evaluation, and outcome analysis.

4When planning, consider the following:What is the best way to assess the current technology usage and what are the future needs? What is the process for ongoing evaluation and assessment?Are there representatives from all areas/departments of the school/district?How often should the planning team meet?Are there any other programs that can be visited or read about that have had proven success?How should duties be assigned between team members?Planning is a continually changing process and flexibility is necessary. Goals should be realistic with achievable outcomesBudget and funding needs to be realistic based on the current economic crisisWhat facilities do we have available already, and what needs to be created?

5ImplementationImplementation is the beginning of the fulfillment of the vision, mission, and the purpose of the planning process. Implementation is ongoing and will improve as evaluations are made and changes are made accordingly.

6Implementation TipsAlways keep your vision and mission statements in mind as you progress through the processKeep everyone involved in the processBe flexible! Welcome any ideas or solutions from team membersDo not panic if things are not going as planned. Re-visit and troubleshoot.Stick to timelines as much as possibleThink about motivational factors to keep interest in the project

7Steps in Developing a Technology Use PlanStep 2: ResearchThe 3 I.D.sIdentify the technology needs of our schoolIdentify the technologies that can be applied to those needsIdentify how they can be applied

8Identify the needs of our school When identifying the needs of our school, a Needs Assessment will be administered. This assessment tool is a poll of the staff to find out their current training and usage levels when it comes to technology. The following Needs Assessment Survey has been created for our elementary school:Grassy Knoll Elementary Needs Assessment Survey

9Needs Assessment SurveyA Needs Assessment Survey will include the following topics:Demographic InformationBasic Computer KnowledgeMultimedia familiarityAdvanced Computer KnowledgeCurrent Usage (in classroom)Technology Integration SkillsEthics in TechnologyAssessment and EvaluationProfessional Development and Training

10Identify technologiesAfter completing the Needs Assessment Survey and the staff and training needs have been determined, identify which technologies can be used to address the deficiencies represented by the survey. These technologies can be either in the form of equipment or professional/educational development tools for staff or students.

11Identify how to apply technologyNow that the Needs Assessment survey has been completed and technologies have been determined, it is time to decide how to apply the technologies to the problems that have been addressed.

12Steps in Developing a Technology Use PlanStep 3: Create the Technology Plan

This is the creation of the document that takes all of the information gathered, along with the implementation plan, goals and objectives, and evaluation, and turn it into a package that is the new Technology Use Plan for the school. Use what we have learned from our research to define our vision/mission and to define the goals and tasks that will lead to fulfilling our vision and mission.

13Physical Components of the DocumentBelow is a list of important components of a Technology Use Plan Document:Attractive Cover SheetTitle PageTable of ContentsAcknowledgementsSummary of PlanVision/Mission StatementDemographicsTeam/Committee MembersData Analysis/Needs AssessmentGoals/ObjectivesOther Critical Issues (Facilities, Special Needs, Implementation, Etc..)EvaluationGlossaryIndex

14Vision StatementA vision statement expresses thoughts about what should happen in the future if everything goes smoothly with the Plan. Some important tips for a vision statement include:What roles do we desire to see for the future of technology and education?What will the classrooms use and look like in the future?In what ways will teachers convey lessons?What are the goal achievement levels for students?Can we involve the community in this process?

15Sample Vision StatementThe staff at Grassy Knoll Elementary School envisions our classrooms rich in technology and collaboration between: staff members staff members, staff members students, and students students. Students actively build their knowledge as they work cooperatively, and as teachers facilitate. Teachers and staff members build their knowledge through staff development, mentoring, tech coaches, and working with their students. Students become lifelong learners who are able to access information, integrate Information Literacy skills, manipulate data, solve complex problems, and effectively communicate their ideas with others using a variety of Media. As teachers integrate technology into the curriculum and students work collaboratively, they develop the flexibility, versatility, and higher-level thinking skills essential for the twenty-first century.

16Steps in Developing a Technology Use PlanStep 4: Formalize the Planning

This is the part of the process where the goals and objectives are addressed. The plan for training, facilities, and a timeline for goal accomplishment is set into a final document.

17Goals vs. ObjectivesGoals should say exactly what you plan to accomplishObjectives are part of the plan to accomplish the goals that have been stated in measurable terms

18Goals vs. Objectives GoalsWe will:

enhance learning opportunities by participating in quality projects that effectively integrate technology and the curriculumprovide the hardware necessary to help students and teachers use technology effectively, from school or homeprovide access to computer related devices such as scanners, video and digital camerasutilize best practices models for use of technology as learning toolmeet or exceed District and state standards of technology skillsmaintain alignment with ISTE and NETS standardsuse technology more effectively as a research tool

19Staff Development Questions:What research can be done to determine the level of training staff members need? (Needs Assessment)How much technology instruction is available?What are the specific technologies that should be focused on for training?Are there off-site trainings or conferences that staff can attend?How will this training be funded?Could a trained permanent staff member be the Technology Instructor for training staff? Could this person earn a stipend for training?

20Incentives and RewardsIncentives are given to staff as motivation to continue to learn and implement higher technology skillsRewards are compensation that staff receive for carrying out these objectivesCongratulate and celebrate technology learning achievementPossible awards: Cash rewardsExtra time offDistrict/School recognitionClassroom supplies

21Timeline for planA timeline should be set up for the plan to be carried out. The timeline should begin at the very first planning meeting and continuing through and including continuous evaluations until all goals and objectives have been met. Revisions may be made along the way, but sticking to the main plan will help maintain the fluidity of the program and ensure success in the long run.

22Timeline

23Timeline, contd.

24Steps in Developing a Technology Use PlanStep 5: Continually Implement, Evaluate, and Revise

25EvaluationThe purpose of evaluation is to see what is working and what is not working for the organization.Evaluation should be continuousUtilize both formal and informal evaluation measuresRe-visit and revise plan at least annuallyAlways utilize feedback and act on feedback quicklyConsider these three questions:What has been accomplished? (Implementation)How can it be improved? (Evaluation)What is the next step? (Revision)

26How to EvaluateStaff monitors students progress constantly through informal observation, products/rubrics, checklists, and portfolio comparisons between yearsUse a self evaluation tool in order to assist teachers in evaluating their own growth with technologyEach year teachers will be expected to set their own goals with regard to technologyUtilize the site technology committee to help the Principal and Technology Team Leader in evaluation of the school-wide technology programRe-visit the Needs Assessment Survey while conducting evaluations to ensure deficiencies are being addressed

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