Part+1+-+Planning+Initiative

=**PART 1- PLANNING TECHNOLOGY INITIATIVES ** =

** A. Vision/Goal Statements **
 The purpose of this vision is to increase student achievement by the transformation of teaching with the school wide installation of SMART Boards. Using SMART Boards make the teaching process become more interactive and it appeals to a variety of learning styles. The Smart Board was designed to include students who have learning disabilities; it is extremely effective for review and recall. The Smart Board assists with developing visual learners while supporting logical and aural thinkers (Beeland, 2002). There are many different ways it can be optimized in the classroom. “Teachers found that this technological tool changes how students gain knowledge of material they are learning. Students are more focused, involved, and participate more when smart boards are being used. The primary advantage of smart boards or IWBs is there ability to integrate Web 2.0 tools and computer-based programs into any lesson" (Six Strategies).

 The goal of the Smart Board initiative is to start implementation with 6th, 7th, and 8th grade classrooms and to increase student achievement. “SMART Boards are a collaboration tool intended to engage the students and create a two-way, shared education process”(SMART, 2009). When used in addition with an effective teaching strategy, it tends to cause dramatic results in students achievements. The increased level of enthusiasm between students and teachers is an integral precursor to improving student scores: especially among those who traditionally have difficulties learning. Teachers will begin to create processes to promote interaction and stimulate discussions while learning is made easier and enjoyable. Most importantly, "Smart Boards or interactive white boards successfully promote the computer skills students require for success in the 21st century" (Smart, 2010).

**B. Current Technology Policies **
The school is equipped with a computer lab containing a projector, the only Smart Board, and sixteen networked computers with the Internet. Fifteen of the computers are for students throughout the school to use and are password protected (School policy). In addition, each classroom is currently equipped with only one computer with Internet for the teacher’s use only and is password protected (School policy). During this initiative, the Technology Committee will be accountable for overseeing the proper installation of the Smart Boards and projectors in the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade classrooms by the technology department. They will also make sure the software is installed on the teachers’ computers. The teachers will receive hands on training so that they will be able to properly use the Smart Board. Afterward, the teachers will be able to enhance their lessons and curriculum by integrating technology into their lessons by utilizing the Smart Board on a daily basis.

** C. Decision Making **
The Technology Committee for the Smart Board initiative consists of technology coordinator, several teachers, a specialist, an administrator, parent and student. Every committee member is responsible for providing the project coordinator with timely input and feedback regarding issues related to the Smart Board initiative. The committee will rely heavily on feedback from the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade teachers during the initial stages of the pilot program to assist with further implementation and success of the Smart Board initiative.

 **D. Communication **  The Smart Board Technology Committee with meet online @ http://edtmrscywaters.wikispaces.com/EDT+6040 to communicate, collaborate, and share ideas. The committee will meet three times to discuss various issues pertaining to the Smart Board initiative. All of the feedback received from the committee members will be documented on the COMMITTEE COMMUNICATION page.