The document summarizes the goals and plans for integrating technology at DeKalb Transition Academy, an alternative school. The school aims to utilize technology to enhance learning, increase student access to information, and improve communication. The plan includes acquiring additional hardware, providing staff training, and implementing an evaluation process to improve technology integration over time.

1. http://ozdb-techinterview.blogspot.com/2010/06/introduction.html

2. Introduction At DeKalb Transition Academy we recognize that technology has changed the way our society works, plays and learns. It is essential that all students learn to use technologies as powerful, versatile tools for enhancing their learning and creative expression across disciplines.

3. School Mission The mission of DeKalb Transition Academy is to nurture the unique learning needs of each student and empower them to build on their academic foundation

4. School Vision The school’s vision is for students to possess the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to succeed in an increasingly complex, global, information-based society.

5. Technology Vision Facilitate the integration of effective, learning opportunities through existing, and emerging technologies. Given students hands-on experiences necessary for today’s technically advanced society. http://animoto.com/play/vMkIc0UT0r9XiI61RDWLww

6. School Description Alternative school serving students returning from incarceration Small setting with a typical student/teacher ratio of 1:11 Students with disabilities 34% Majority of students are males (96%), and 4 % are females. The maximum class size is 18

7. Goal Statement and Rational Utilize technology as a medium to create and interactive partnership between the system, parents, community agencies, industry, and business partners http://ozdb-techinterview.blogspot.com/2010/06/technology-goals.html

8. Technology Initiative Description Support and implement technological advancement for students and educators. Use educational technology to develop strategies for solving problems, enhance access to information, analyze data, communicate ideas, and improve learning, Support shared development of technology-enhanced teaching and Learning

9. Current Status of Infrastructure: Majority of school computers are connected to the Internet and networked. Most classrooms have two computer stations for student School has one computer lab with 25 computers.

10. Needs Assessment (SWOT ) Strengths a. All classrooms are equipped with a mini lab b. All teacher have access to Smart Boards, Promethean Boards, LCD projectors c. Mobile lab equipped with wireless internet d. instruction offered in a small setting Weaknesses a. Utilization of current technology b. Teachers lack the time and the motivation to learn technology skills c. Professional development toward integrating technology Opportunities a. Obtaining sustained funding b. Expand services to meet broader range of student needs c. Arrival of new technology d. District Training Threats a. Parents and community support does not exist for technology implementation b. Incomplete mandatory training c. Expanded access to web sites d. Other district mandates/initiative

11. Objectives 1. Enhance educational experience: 2. Increase student Access 3. Integration of technology 4. Improve communication and collaboration http://ozzie58.glogster.com/glog-6594

12. Hardware, Software, and Facility Resource Requirements 12 additional Multimedia computers to create mini labs in classrooms 2 additional Promethean Boards for student support in classrooms 2 additional Mobil laptop computer lab, equip with wireless internet 3 additional respond (student response systems)

13. Instructional Resource Requirements Curricular documents that demonstrate integration of information literacy and technology Example of multimedia lesson plans Provide access for students and staff to a Learning Management system (LMS) and appropriate training to expand available curricular resources

14. http://www.teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?video_id=137152&title=Teacher_Professional_Development_in_Technology&ref=Florida2

15. Staff Development Plan Implementation Activities RESPONSIBLE PARTIES FUNDING SOURCES TIME LINES School technology support and collaboration Faculty 2010-2013 Provide opportunities for all teachers to enhance their educational technology skills District/School District staff development School Funds 2010-2013 Create a network of technology specialists with in the school District/School District staff development School Funds 2010-2013 Provide customized training for individual teachers in their own classrooms School School Funds 2010-2013

16. Itemize Budget and Rational Items Amount Purchase Date Mobile Computer lab 15000 July, 2010 Promethean Board 4000 July, 2010 Staff Development 2000 2010-2013 Instructional Software 1000 2010-1013

17. Evaluation Plan The process of evaluation will consist of online surveys, suggestions at staff meetings classroom observations, focus walks, annual and periodic reviews of our technology Collect, review, and analyze feedback to evaluate the technology Plan and improve professional development opportunities.

18. Timeline Task Implementation Instructional Software Fall 2010 Promethean Boards Fall 2010 Mobile computer lab Fall 2010 Desk-top computers Fall 2010 Staff Development Fall 2010

19. Cyber Safety While the Internet is an incredible resource with countless educational opportunities, there are also frightening dangers that kids can get involved in or be exposed to online. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qswceMRKSE&feature=related

20. Conclusion The problem is not necessarily lack of funds, but lack of adequate training and lack of understanding of how computers can be used to enrich the learning experience.