Shedeck+Elementary


 * Shedeck Elementary

What we have now:**

We are equipped with several SMARTBoards (at least one per grade level). Each classroom is equipped with at least one computer for teacher and/or student use. We have access to overhead projectors, portable speakers, software and a computer lab. Students have access to the internet, and programs such as Odyssey, Type to Learn, STAR and OWL.


 * What do we need:**

We need all teachers to be equipped with a SMARTBoard (including specialty teachers). We would also like to have a networking site where we can post our lessons and templates for other teachers to download. We believe that all teachers should be equipped with a DVD player, as vhs tapes are not produced any longer and any media purchased has to be on DVD, which limits some classrooms from using DVD media. It would also be beneficial for each teacher to have an iPod to store music and other media that are used in the classroom. We have seen it put to use with our music teacher, and would find it very beneficial to have quick access to our media for instructional time.

Each classroom also needs a working printer. Our printers are old, work intermittently or not at all. Teachers also need scanners, especially those with SMARTBoards so that we can integrate documents into SMART Notebook.

Student laptops should be available in each classroom. If each classroom had at least two laptops for students with their program and assessment links available, they would not have to go to the computer lab just to take a test and interrupt the other classes. This would also be beneficial to the teacher who needs to work one-on-one with a student for RTI or other specific purposes. The teacher could build a specific portfolio of websites and activities for that student to help remediate their deficiency.

Professional Development that incorporates technology should include how to use the technology in the classroom. What benefits does it have? What are some unusual ways to incorporate the material (Thinking outside of the box)? How can we use it for Parent/Teacher Communication?


 * What do we want:**

Not many of our students have access to computers at home. We would like to provide as many computers IN the classroom as we can, to help students learn the basics on how to work the computer, and use it as an asset for their future.

We would also like to have SmartTables, Skype and access to blocked sites in the classroom that are appropriate. We would like to have new computer software, such as educational games, media software and other tools.

We would like to have professional development on how to incorporate podcasting, how to create your own podcast, skyping, blogging, etc. so that we are able to be on top of the trends that children are subjected to on a daily basis. The more media we can incorporate into our day, the better impacted our students will be.


 * Talk about pedagogy, practice and process as well as specific applications and hardware:**

More teachers should be attending the Oklahoma Technology Conferences, so they can have a good idea of what technology is available, ways to use exisiting technology and shortcuts for time management purposes.

The district should use professional development opportunities to show how technology can be incorporated into daily teaching, not just what the specific technology is. The faculty should be held accountable for the technology they are teaching. We need to make sure that the equipment is being used to help increase our student's knowledge base and not let the thoughts of inability or comfort keep us from stepping out and making sure that students are given every opportunity to learn.

We need to continue to encourage teachers to join Ning and use that great tool for sharing websites, lesson ideas and technology "shortcuts" to build a community within our district, and also to increase our knowledge base about what technologies we have and how they can be used. SmartBoards should be available to students on a daily basis. They should not only be watching them for instruction, but using them for enrichment through websites that provide games and other educational activities.

All schools should have the same opportunities for technology. Each school should receive the same equipment as other schools so that we can all be learning new ways to integrate technology, giving all students the same opportunity to learn, and providing a stable growth across the district in test scores.