WHAT'S NEW IN TECHNOLOGY

In the years since 2001, when the first computers were put into use at MCS, many changes have taken place.  Student instruction in computer science began immediately.  Big strides were made when the building was networked allowing everyone to function more efficiently.  Automated office and library procedures, gradebook systems, Accelerated Reader and web access all became possible.  In 2006 the first formal Technology Improvement Plan gave direction to the desired progress.  In 2008 the Plan was revised, and since that time technology improvements have skyrocketed.  Many improvements have resulted from the generous giving of parents and friends.  We praise the Lord for all He has allowed us to accomplish.  Summarized below are just some of the highlights of what has taken place over the last two years.

INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS

• Internet speed upgraded from 1.0 meg up/down load speed to 3.0 meg.
• Business level router / gateway with firewall installed.
• Smart switches with gigabit speed added.
• Expanded wireless access to new building completed.
• Improved virus protection added.
• Three host computers in the upper level lab were added that support seven students on each computer.  This improvement is a "Green move."
• Transition of computer monitors from CRT's to flat panel monitors is ongoing.  This improvement is also a "Green move."

SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE

OFFICE PROCEDURES AND COMMUNICATION

• Regular grade reports are available on-line for 7^th – 12^th grade students and their parents.
• Edline for web-based communication with newsletters, assignments, etc. is being used for all grades.
• Office-parent communication is now electronic (Friday Flier, etc. available on our website).

CURRICULUM

The school-wide technology curriculum is in the final stages of complete rewrite.  In addition to the Scope and Sequence and the Technology Curriculum Guide, all other subjects have imbedded technology objectives for each unit.  Sometimes technology is taught as a stand-alone subject, such as keyboarding and basic computer knowledge.  Advanced computer courses for High School are being developed.  Other technology goals will be accomplished as students actually use technology to complete the requirements of their subjects.  Goals and objectives are modeled after the National Educational Technology Standards (NETS) for students which have been established by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE).

PERSONNEL

We now have our first paid staff tech position.  Allison England has been able to devote an increasing portion of her time (she also teaches art and PE) to training and equipping our staff.  She has spearheaded professional development, the after-school training program, and the technology curriculum rewrite. 

TRAINING

MCS has become a “professional learning community” when it comes to technology.  Teachers are constantly learning from each other, and sharing skills and ideas. Formal training opportunities abound.

• In June, 2009, three teachers attended training sessions done by PCS, our supplier for Promethean boards, at a total cost of $600.
• The entire staff participated in a one-day basic training course taught by PCS personnel on July 9, 2009.
• Many teachers have taken advantage of on-line advanced Promethean training.
• In-service Technology Day for teacher training, held in fall 2009, kicked off an ambitious plan for training this year.  See detailed notes from Technology Day below.*
• After-school classes have been taught by Allison England one or more days a week.  In addition to classes similar to the one offered on technology day, she offered classes in Internet Safety and Procedures, Using New Innovations in Technology, and Integrating Technology into the Content Curriculum.

THE FUTURE

Some things we would like to add as finances are available:

• An on-site technical resource person with responsibilities for maintenance and installation.
• Promethean boards in every classroom added at the rate of 2 or more per year.
• More computer centers in the classrooms.
• BrainPop ($1000 per year for a subscription), as well as other software packages such as Scholastic Keys and kid-friendly versions of the Microsoft Office products.
• Personnel to teach elementary classes in 4^th – 6^th grades, the middle school technology classes currently taught by the librarian, and additional electives for upper level.
• More on-line textbooks.
• On-line classes to extend course offerings.

WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL ABOUT PROMETHEAN BOARDS?

Imagine having a giant computer screen up in front of the class to show your multimedia presentations.  On this screen you also have instant access to all the resources of the Internet: You Tube videos for science experiments, instant news flashes, and the latest up-to-date information on any topic.    

Now imagine that you could write over or alongside presentations.  On top of that, you could turn to the class and ask a question, receiving instant response from every student via their hand-held devices.  Never again would you have to wonder who is “getting it” and who is struggling with a concept. 

Imagine your delight to discover that thousands of presentations and resources have already been designed for you and are available free of charge on a website called Promethean Planet.  You could also design your own lessons for the Promethean board to fit the needs of your curriculum and students, and develop powerful assessment tools. Material is presented in a streamlined, attractive manner, getting instant input from the class. You would know immediately which students are struggling and the students would be totally engaged.

*Notes from Technology Day

Teachers spent a whole day on September 25, 2009 improving their technology skills.  We were challenged to become more techno-savvy and were introduced to many great resources that could revolutionize our teaching.  We learned about blogs, forums, message boards, social networking, creating a wiki for our classes, Google Earth, You Tube tutorials, and much, much more. 

Breakout sessions included:

• Activinspire Sessions 1-3
• Basic utilities of the program, general layout, the tools, annotating over a presentation
• Resources, browsers, expressions (the handheld devices)
• Creating a flipchart, adding shortcuts/links, inserting media, other tricks. 
• Managing Files and Folders
• Making the Digital Switch
• Turning hard copies into digital copies so that existing resources can be used on Edline or with promethean technology
•  Beginning and Intermediate Edline
• Managing the classroom Edline pages by changing pictures, adding news, calendar items and links
• Making pages more personal and helpful to parents and students
• Email, links, importing documents, cut/paste lesson plans, organize linking using the file locker and checking student reports
• Gradequick
• Transferring tests, deleting, zapping, filling, the seating chart option, statistics, customizing reports
• Laptops
• Using the new SmarT room