The document analyzes the technology available at a school. It notes the classrooms have 3 computers, a Promethean board, document camera, and personal computer. The school has two computer labs (one also a classroom), a mobile lab, 28 iPads, and 28 iPods but cannot run all devices at once due to bandwidth issues. Strengths are the available technology, but it is old and unreliable. Improvements needed include increased bandwidth, compatibility with Promethean software, and ensuring equal distribution of new devices between schools. The document calls for more professional development in technology integration and ensuring teachers learn to use equipment like Promethean boards.

1. TechnoligyAnalysis
Amanda Borders

2. Summary
My classroom has three computers, promethean board,
document camera, and a personal computer.
School technology - two computer labs (one is a classroom),
one mobile lab, 28 IPAds, and 28 IPods. WE cannot run all
the IPads at the same time because of our bandwidth
issue.
District wise our classrooms are set up with the same
technology. The elementary and primary center has one
computer lab each. The high school has two labs.

3. Analysis
Strengths - we have computers to work with, they work most of the time. I feel
as if we are up to date in that we have computers.
Weakness- the technology that we do have is getting to the point where it is
unusable because it is so old.The computers in the classrooms turn on and off
by themselves, they freeze, they have been repaired many times. I have one
computer that only turns on at least one day a week.
Improvements- Our bandwidth needs to be increased in order for both labs to
run at the same time, we need to make sure that our computers are compatible
with promethean software.I had to bring in a personal computer so that I could
run my promethean board. We also need to make sure that when one school
received new computers, the others aren't getting the handme downs.

4. Comparison
Real world learning application - Our policy doesn’t address that, as it
should. Our students need the experience with the technology that they will be
using or expected to use in the real world.
Integration- I like the idea of using my technology differently to instruct,
rather than the norm or present, practice, test. I would like to have students
be more interactive in their learning, this requires more technology.
Project based learning- Our school does a lot of this in science and history,
and does require them to use technology. I would like to incorporate this more
in language arts.

5. Comparison
Professional Development- I believe that we are not offered a lot of
professional development in the technology area. The focus is more on Common
Core but their needs to be a balance.
Connection-Every year my english class does a video conference with a class
from somewhere around the world. I am lucky to have a friend who teaches
abroad. She is gracious enough to involve our lessons with her class. She
teaches ESL. Last year was a video conference once a month. My students
presented their book reports to her students.Not every teacher has connections
like this, but there are ways they could be made and programs to help do so.
Flipped classroom- I like the idea of this, but a realization is that not all
of students have access to the internet to view the lesson at home, before
coming to class. In theory it is a great idea, but the poverty levels do not
make it easy for us to switch from traditional to flipped method.

6. Comparison
STEAM Learning- I was not familiar with this topic before I
read the article. It prompted some investigation. I think
this would work well with a lot of our lower level students
and higher achieving students. It is not present in our
current plan.
Authentic learning experiences- I would agree that all of our
teachers are open to trying new things with technology,we
need to be taught how. So many times the older generation of
teachers are reluctant to change because no one is willing to
show them.

7. Comparison
Technology in teacher education- So many times new teachers
walk into a classroom and have no idea how to use a
promethean or a smart board. This is a skill that needs to be
taught. Technology has come a long way in the classroom since
I was in college eight years ago. Teachers need to be skilled
in working with new programs, new apps, new technology in
order to better the education of their students.

8. Conclusion
After reviewing our district technology plan, the next steps
we should take as a district are sending our teachers to
conferences to learn about new technology. We also need to
research grant opportunities to improve our technology in the
classrooms. We also need to think about our testing process,
since it is all computer based, we need to make sure we
maximize the use our computer labs. Fixing the bandwidth
issue is first priority, so that teachers can use the IPads
and IPods, while the computer labs are in use.