Technology Plan
Springfield Public School District 186
Springfield School District 186 has established a five-year plan that will increase the amount of technology in the classrooms. Additional technology and training to support the influx of computers must be focused and expand in a logical sequence. The plan prioritizes the grade level needs in the following order: middle school (5-8), high school, K-4. The rationale for this order is based on the fact that instructors at the 5-8 level have received the most in service training and are the furthest along with their technology skills and implementation. At the K-4 level the emphasis is on basic skills and core curriculum. The use of technology in the classroom, while beneficial, is less critical to the learning process at the K-4 level.
Springfield Public School District 186 has a long, proactive history of incorporating varied technologies as a component of the standard curriculum. The district's Technology Mission Statement reads: "To provide access to technology for all students, training for all teachers and administrators, and technical support for the instructional program. Technology should be an integral part of the regular instructional process rather than limited to drill and practice." The district's technology plan is actually an ongoing process and its evolution over time can be documented. In the paragraphs that follow, a summary of part of the district's five year technology plan, as it applies to the elementary students that I teach.
The plan calls for adding one Macintosh computer in every K-4 building and high school classroom and for adding two such computers in every 5-8 classroom in the first year of the plan. A total of $300 will be allocated for each of these computers for the purpose of purchasing software for each machine. By the end of five years the K-4 buildings will have a total of 4 computers per classroom, middle grades will have 6 per classroom and high schools will have 6 computers per classroom. In addition, buildings will receive TV/VCRs, laser disc players, printers and necessary equipment to display the computer monitor on a large screen television for whole class viewing. Each year of the five year plan, buildings will receive $10 per student for the purpose of purchasing software and peripherals. In addition, all buildings will be wired for computer networking, E-mail, Internet, and data sharing. Telephone systems will be installed as part of the wiring plan. The system will provided additional phone access in each instructional space.
To implement and support the influx of technology and the changing role of the teacher, additional staff allocations will be required. In addition to the current technical support staff and trainers, three new staff members would be hired. A technician will be added to support the repair and installation needs, two trainers will be hired to focus on the needs of (1) secretarial and administrative needs and (2) to assist in the ongoing training of the classroom teacher. Repair and maintenance funds will be needed in proportion to the increase in equipment.
Technology is constantly changing. The hardware that is in place today will be out of date in a few years. This technology plan adds hardware to the classroom in regular increments, rather that a single purchase. This allows current technology to be added to the classroom. To continue to stay a leader in instructional technology funding for hardware and support will need to be provided on a consistent, regular basis.
Services
With the increased amounts of technology entering the buildings, it becomes imperative that the District continue to provide training and in service opportunities for the classroom instructors. Teachers must be allowed to be learners in the changing role of technology in the classroom. Teachers must be aware of new and expanding technologies and they must have an opportunity to use these technologies and to learn to integrate them into their classrooms. They need time, support, and on-going training. On-going technology training in Springfield School District 186 must include:
1. In service opportunities during the day.
2. After school classes on specific topics.
3. Facilitator meetings.
4. Elementary Technology Resource Guide.
5. Opportunity for "just in time training".
6. Summer training.
7. Project LINCOL'N.
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Updated: June 16, 1998