Independence+Middle

Independence Middle


 * What matters most?** All programs up and running at the beginning of the year. Our students should not have to wait to start their entire program because the technology portion is not functioning/functioning properly.

What matters most is student access to information. In our Current Events class, we work on the enhancement of verbal and written skills by utilizing current topics that are local, state, national and world.

Having the technology to develop 21st century skills in our students. Being treated like a professional who can monitor and decide what tools to use on the web...ie, having access to web based tools that are currently blocked. Hands on training/pd where when you go to use the tools that you're learning about, you actually have access to them.

What is needed is a daily computer lab setting and/or minimally-a classroom with a smartboard. Students need constant access for reseaching individual projects. We are doing a great job just trying to keep up with all the changes made available to us. I would really like to have an Elmo instead of the over head projector. It transmits exactly what is presented on its table. No need for visa-a-vis or cleaning of overhead sheets.
 * What is needed?**

Most everything costs money -- I would like the ability to communicate through interactive web tools, to get in the computer lab more than 1 time per year to use the online classroom tools that go with my textbook or have the ability to use it in the classroom in a lab situation. I need to have multiple pd on new technology-so that when I start using it, I don't get frustrated by not being able to remember everything and then just stop using it (because that's human nature when trying to change--it's just easier to go back to status quo than being frustrated by something new). I need to have a person in charge who does not send or say rude comments when I ask a question. If I knew the answer to it, I wouldn't have asked! (that doesn't cost anything and would do a world of good for morale)

I think we are doing a great job just trying to keep up with all the changes made available to us. I would really like to have an Elmo instead of the over head projector. It transmits exactly what is presented on its table. No need for visa-a-vis or cleaning of overhead sheets. We could use more in what is expected from us on web pages. Are we changing to Nings or not?
 * What do we need now?**
 * Communication** as to what we have and why it is being purchased--and why for certain schools and not others. What is our vision for technology and what are we doing to get everyone-or most everyone-moving the same direction without terrorizing them with new mandates and time impositions for using the new technology.