The document outlines a technology plan for a school district to modernize its use of technology for teaching and learning. It proposes replacing outdated textbooks and computer labs with laptops, wireless internet, smart boards, and collaboration tools to engage students accustomed to visual stimulation and technology. Teachers will need training to develop technology-integrated lessons. Parents are unsure about students' technology use but communication between home and school must improve. The plan is to purchase new technologies, keep records to monitor achievement, and provide online grading access for parents. Teachers will incorporate technology lessons routinely. Implementation can start immediately but future planning is needed to focus spending and help students explore learning freely with responsible internet use. Student achievement and engagement are expected to increase with the technology plan

1. Technology Plan 2010 Clinton Fortenberry EDLD 5362

2. Out With the Old Textbooks Sitting Still Not Talking Working Alone Computer labs

3. In With the New Laptops Wireless Internet Wikis Smart boards Collaboration Wireless internet

4. Students of 2010 Short Attention Span Bored easily Engrossed in Technology Need visual stimulation

5. Teachers Many are not technologically savvy Well meaning, but unable to develop technologically advanced lesson Not sure how to incorporate new technology Digital immigrant

6. Parents Unsure of letting children spend time with electronics See a very different version of school than what they grew up with Unsure children are learning and how to motivate a generation of children with no patience Get answers like “Nothing”, or “It’s boring” when asking children what they learned at school

7. What’s Next? Districts must facilitate communication between teachers, parents, and students Parents must feel welcome in schools Information must flow back and forth freely Districts must have a plan for creating communication and increasing student achievement

8. How Will it Work? Districts purchase and implement new technologies to capture student attention Districts must keep close records on test scores, contact information, and student attendance Online gradebooks allow parents to see grades at all times

9. How Will it Work? (cont.) Teachers will incorporate technology based lessons Technology will be in routine usage Internet will be available throughout the school Internet will be filtered to protect students/teachers Multiple laptop sets will circulate throughout all departments Technology funding will be used to purchase, install, and implement new technologies, including teacher training

10. How Will it Work? (cont.) Teachers will be trained and allowed to experiment with new technology before it is used in the classroom Administrators will hold teachers accountable for routine technology implementation District will research technology purchases and only purchase programs/software that will have lasting relevance Avoid purchasing cheap technologies on a whim

11. How Long Will it Take? Technology can be implemented immediately Internet lessons can be completed without expensive programs Immediate results can be expected, but future planning must be done to help the district focus on and budget these programs

12. Will it Work? Student achievement should be enhanced with increased focus on technology Students will be free to explore and take ownership of learning without the fear of internet predators Students can’t help but get excited about technology implementation

13. Works Cited 2009 Horizon Report K-12. http://www.nmc.org/pdf/2009-Horizon-Report-K12.pdf http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/students/earlycld/ea400.htm http://www.monroecc.edu/depts/instech/SmartClass.htm http://www.gdrc.org/kmgmt/c-learn/index.html

14. Works Cited (cont.) Arsham, H. (2002, March). Impact of the internet on learning and teaching. USDLA Journal, 16.3 . Graziano, M., Lenhart, A., & Simon, M. (2001, September 1). The internet and education: Findings of the pew internet and American Life Project. Hitlin, P., & Raine, L. (2005). The internet at school. Pew Internet and American Life Project . Levin, D., & Arafeh, S. (2002). The digital disconnect. The widening gap between internet-savvy students and the schools . Pew Internet and American Life Project.