June 24, 2004
Updated: November 9, 2004
Updated December 17, 2004
Updated February 2, 2005
Updated April 15, 2005
Updated September 18, 2006

School Technology Plan-Report

Young Achievers Science and Mathematics Pilot School

By Robert Lamothe, Technology Coordinator/Educator

Young Achievers Science and Math Pilot School

A major emphasis for the technology curriculum is to integrate their work with class assignments that have meaning, relevance, and purpose and provide a basis for creating real and meaningful content. Project based technology education provides for exposure to many technology skills and does it through meaningful engagement in projects that integrate subject knowledge with technical knowledge. A major goal is to maintain student work through their years at Young Achievers culminating in an Eighth Grade portfolio in digital CD Rom or DVD format.

To accomplish integration of technology with the existing and future curriculum of the teachers and the various subjects, the technology educator will engage in careful planning of how technology can be used to challenge and motivate students.  Technology will also be used to present information in such a way that will excite, motivate, and challenge students that integrates subject based knowledge with technology skills and knowledge.  Through integration of subject matter with technology, an avenue will be created for students to share their writings, projects, research, through various multimedia outlets such as the class/school web site and through content and portfolio based CD Rom and DVD creations. When students have the opportunity to share there work with the class, school, parents, and virtually unlimited members of the education community through the web site, the pride and motivation to create the most impressive work is increased greatly.   

The technology curriculum is designed to allow and encourage students to achieve high level competencies at all grade levels. They are encourages to take their technology learning as far as they need to and are capable of. We are striving to build a foundation for technical knowledge and skills that will be expanded as students carry their knowledge with them to the next grade. Thus, students in grade 6 could achieve high level competencies that eight graders might be achieving. Students can build on their existing technical knowledge and advance accordingly.

In class collaboration/team teaching is an ideal situation for on the job technology education for both technical skills and how technology can be used to teach subject matter.  As students build their skills to an advanced level, the technology educator will be available to guide them and continue to provide high level technology assistance.  This will be especially valuable and needed as students build their skills to an advanced level as they progress through the grades. It is also especially valuable to be able to assist students at all technical level who are in need of specialized help and additional help in developing their technical skills.  The potential is great students to engage in high level technology projects in such areas as web development, advanced graphics, 3D animation, movie making, advanced non-linear digital movie editing, and advance multimedia such as streaming video of student animations, movies, and YA events over the web. 

We are also setting up our development technology environment to be like what you would find in a high tech company.  For example, working with a creating web pages means that students will need to understand web servers, uploading and downloading files, and how networks and the Internet work.  When students first create web pages, they create them on their computers that they work on in class. They are then taught about uploading their web files to a development web server that acts as the preview web server. On this development-preview web server students can view their web pages and test the functioning similar to the way a professional web developer would test their site before it was put on a “live” web site.  Also part of the process is the use of MS Word, PowerPoint, and Excel Documents that are used in conjunction with their web site.  For a brief description of the Web Development environment/process, please see below web pages:

Understanding Web Servers and the Web Development Process: http://www.youngachieversschool.org/rlamothe/server_info.cfm

Understanding FTP - File Transfer Protocol: http://www.youngachieversschool.org/rlamothe/understanding_ftp.cfm

Rubrics are being developed to specifically define what is meant by base, mid, and high level competencies for the various technology areas: Tech Literacy including such applications as Thinking Reader, CAST EReader, individual Ebooks created by teachers, MS Word, PowerPoint, and MS Excel.  Web Development including such applications as Macromedia Dreamweaver and Adobe Photoshop, and Multimedia applications-functions such as Digital Still Cameras, Digital Video-Film, Non-Linear Digital Editing, and Mediator Pro

CD Rom application.

Teachers and staff will continue to strengthen and expand upon the use of Technology Education applications that have been developed.  We will continue to work closely with CAST and other educational organizations to expand our integration of technology into all aspects of education, especially in the areas of reading, writing, science, and math.

Tech Boot Camp

Young Achievers Staff will be taking part in a technology boot camp in Fall of 2004 in an effort to advance staff technical abilities and use of technology in the class room.

The concept of the Technology Boot Camp is that good progress can be made in advancing the technology skills of staff if they have intensive training in sessions where they can concentrate on the technology for extended periods of time without interruptions and without having to jump up to another task after a short 50 minute workshop where not much immediate reinforcement occurs and people are just beginning to scratch the surface of a topic.

One of the major goals of the Tech Boot Camp is for staff to concentrate on things that they will actually be using in their classrooms and have something to show for their efforts that they can actually use.  Part of that is customizing the training as much as possible in addition to conveying the whole staff necessary technology information that people need to know, i.e, specifically how to use the specialized group email tool or the specialized Laptop Signup Calendar of the Middle School Homework Calendar.  See the Young Achievers school web site to see what I am talking about.  Note, some of the tools are only available from within the Boston Public School network or behind pass word protected directory.  Most of the training materials are accessible without a password.

 Some of the applications that we will continue to use include many professional industry standards and many dynamic cutting edge reading and writing applications. Below is a partial list of applications that we have been using at young achievers.

• Thinking Reader
• Inspiration 7
• Dreamweaver
• Adobe Photo Shop or Paint Shop Pro
• EReader
• Inspiration 7
• Kidspiration
• Folktales
• Write Outloud
• CoWriter
• Ocean Adventure
• Island Adventure
• Wiggleworks
• MS Word
• Power Point
• MS Excel
• Intellitalk II
• Mediator Pro 7 – CD Rom Software
• 3D Animation Applications such as 3D Studio Max, Maya Complete, Poser, Flash
• Other Applications not listed

It is important to note that applications and related skills introduced in the fall of grade 6 will continue on in the winter and spring as well as grades 7and 8. 

 

Technology Update to Staff  – December 8, 2004

 

YA Video and Audio Production Studio
We now have a very good quality video and audio production studio available to students and staff.  It features very sophisticated filming capabilities, non-linear digital editing, and music/sound production that is capable of recording originally performed music through a computer midi interface and a keyboard.

We currently have a couple video projects underway including a film on Ms. Williams Pond Organisms unit and Public Service Announcements relating to the environment with Mr. Dower's class using a blue screen technique.

If you would like to discuss the possibilities of working on a video project, please contact Mr. L.

CD Rom Content CD's and Portfolio's
Content CD Rom projects are another possibility.  Currently we have a couple CD Rom projects going on, a poetry-writing CD Rom for Ms. Quessa's students and 8th grade Portfolios.

Please contact me if you would like to discuss the possibilities of working on a CD Rom project.

Writing Center Cart
The writing cart is up and running and has 14 to 16 laptops in it that can be brought to your room for an extended period of time to work on writing projects and other technology integration such as Inspiration etc..  It features a scanner and full bound book publishing capabilities.

Some Technology Projects Currently Underway

December 14, 2004

• Poetry Writing – CD ROM – Ms. Quessa – Middle School
  Students are writing poetry and other writing and will be including their writings on a classroom CD Rom that can be shared and read by other members of the YA community.
  
• Pond Organisms - MS. Williams, Mr. Lamothe – Grade 6
  Video project/movie, LCD Projection of live samples and Pond CD Roms that include video of organisms.  Students viewed live animals through the use of an LCD projector and a mini-dv video camcorder.  They also view specially created pond organisms CD’s created by an organization that Ms. Williams collaborated with the creators of the CD’s.  These CD’s include video of live pond organisms. 
  
• Video Project Using Interview and Blue Screen Technique - Mr. Dower – Mr. Lamothe,  Grades 4/5
  Students are creating PSA’s relating to their Pollution unit.  Students are writing 60 second PSA’s and will be filming it in front of a blue screen using a computer as a teleprompter.  They will be using Final Draft AV, a specialized application specifically for professional audio-visual scripts.  Separate footage of video relating to their PSA will be place behind the student in place of the blue screen filmed area. 
  
• Animal Habitats Writing Project and Study of Beavers and Their Habitat – Mr. Johnson, Mr. Henderson
  
• Writing Project – Where I’m From Poems - Power Point Shows – Ms. Brown – Middle School
  Students composed a poem that described the people, places, and events that shaped their lives.
  
• Video Project – Personal Journal of Two Students – Mr. Lamothe - Mr. Henderson, Ms. Curet
  Two students from Mr. Henderson’s class are taking part in learning filming techniques and the use of the video camcorder.  Each student filmed each other’s comments relating to themselves, their school.  They then will be learning non-linear digital video editing techniques to make a short movie of their comments.
  
• Writing Project - Ms. Ford and Ms. Sadowski – grade 2
  Students are writing stories that will be transferred to the computer and published using Power Point.  In the process they are learning how to log on and how save stories in their grade directory on their H drive.  They also are learning how to use Power Point as they are creating their stories.
  
• Inspiration Word Diagram for Showing Possession – Ms. Balgobin for Ms. Ford’s 2^nd grade.
  
• Timeliner Software- Ms. Murray - Creating a timeline of significant events (that they are using to expand upon for the writing component) in their lives-learning how to scan photos, record voice.
  
• Type to Learn-Keyboarding – Ms. Murray
  
• Logical Journey of the Zoombinis-Ms. Murray - Math Class
  
• Film Elective Class – Students are learning about film making and creating their own film.
  

Classroom Multi-Media Presentation Package

A classroom multi-media package has been created to provide a multi faceted means to presenting information, lessons, displaying student work, and printed information from books, etc. The package consists of

• Computer System with Digital Video Editing Capabilities -
  Cost: $1700
• ViewSonic PJ501 3 Panel LCD Video Projector
  Cost: $1000
• Canon ZR85 Mini DV – for displaying information, taking classroom video, and still digital photos
  Cost: $400
  
  
  
• Tripod for Video Camera
  Cost: $40
• Clip on Light for Illuminating Display Material
  Cost: $15
• Epson Perfection 2480 Scanner
  Cost: $100
• Metal Utility Cart
  Cost: $200
• Multi-Plus 2.0 USB Card Reader / Writer 08310
  Cost: $20
• Various Cables - fire wires, svhs, rca etc.
  Cost: $30

Total Tech Classroom - presented to YA Tech Meeting - April 15, 2005

Brief Description of Concept

This proposal is to establish two classrooms that have a computer for every student at their desks. By using flat screen monitors with the main computer being placed in a hanging device under the table students can have a computer available at any time that is needed therefore affording the opportunity to readily use technology in accomplishing educational goals. Fifteen inch LCD monitors have come down significantly in price currently estimated at approximately $150 - $175.

The advantages of this can be numerous. Using flat screen LCD monitors and the ability to move the keyboard and mouse provides enough desk space for students to use their desks area for all other kinds of educational tasks. Part of the plan is to use Lanschool technology with gives the teacher the ability to blank out all screens, monitor all screens, send messages, etc. (see http://www.lanschool.com). Many schools at the college level and increasingly at the high school level are incorporating a plan that includes laptops for all students. Our plan is a modification of that concept in that we are thinking of doing this in second grade and with mostly donated desktop computers. I am proposing that we consider doing this plan in the 2nd grade classrooms. There has also been suggestions to carry out this plan for middle school and 4th grade and possibly other grades.

Science Section and Math Section Created On Web Site

Two new sections have been added to the web site, a science section and math section.  The concept is to provide a central location for students, staff, parents, and the extended community the opportunity to focus on science and math.  It can serve as a location for students to read and learn about science and math.  The two sections can be a collaboration between the science and math teachers in both the middle school and the elementary school.  It can also be a location to showcase student work in science and math in addition to each individual teachers and staff web sites.

Publication of Student Work on the Web Site Beginning

Recently Ms. Brown’s students worked on Where I’m From Poems -  Power Point Shows.  A number of students have returned special permission slips to have their work published on the school web site, http://www.youngachieversschool.org.

Also, plans for Ms. Quessa’s student’s poems being published on the web and on CD Rom.

Teacher and Staff Web Sites Added

Recently there have been a number of teachers who have added material to their individual web sites.  This will provide students and the YA community with information, curriculum material, and things such as assignments.  Content will continue to be added by teachers and staff.

Overview Chart of Technology Educator Objectives

First Year 2003-2004	·        Wireless Laptop Lab individual computers functioning properly regarding logging on, wireless connection, network connection, administrative rights and configuration. ·        Configure and Test CISCO Wireless Access Point ·        Determine best solution to wireless antennae for Wireless Access Point ·        Design plan for multiple wireless access points allowing for whole school wireless access based on educational goals and objectives and for eliminating the need for constantly moving the wireless access point ·        Determine best solution for multiple wireless access points ·        Deploy, configure, test, and troubleshoot multiple wireless access points ·        Organize scheduling and use of laptop computers ·        Write application for on line scheduling of laptop lab and train staff in use of scheduling tool ·        Reconfigure Library Tech Lab ·        Oversee deployment of 10 new library tech lab computers ·        Install applications on computers based on educational needs and goals ·        Maintain software and hardware and upgrade all computers in the school ·        Maintain student technology database ·        Provide account/logon information for students ·        Train teachers in account use, logon procedures, file saving/use of network drives ·        Teach students teachers in account use, logon procedures, file saving/use of network drives ·        Integrate technology class curriculum with the goal of assignments that have meaning, relevance, and purpose and provide a basis for creating real and meaningful content.  ·        Develop and maintain school web site ·        Write application that allows for individual teachers, administrators, students, and other members of the school community to be able to develop their own web pages without having to know complex html programming. Through the use of a web browser form they are able to add content and create new pages. ·        Install antivirus application – Norton Corp Antivirus ·        Install and maintain security software on computers – Fortres101 ·        Work with Boston Public Schools OIS department in maintaining the networks, troubleshooting problems with software and hardware ·        Work with Boston Public Schools OIT department in meeting the system’s educational goals for software, curriculum, and equipment-hardware ·        Work with educational partners such as CAST in meeting educational goals.  Install, maintain and troubleshoot applications of educational partners ·        Train teachers in the use of partner applications
Second Year 2004-2005	·        Orientation of new staff to YA technology ·        Develop and carry out comprehensive technology training for teachers and staff ·        Install applications on computers based on educational needs and goals ·        Maintain software and hardware and upgrade all computers in the school ·        Maintain student technology database ·        Provide account/logon information for students ·        Train teachers in account use, logon procedures, file saving/use of network drives ·        Teach students teachers in account use, logon procedures, file saving/use of network drives ·        Integrate technology class curriculum with the goal of assignments that have meaning, relevance, and purpose and provide a basis for creating real and meaningful content. ·        Install CD Rom creation software for portfolio creation and other CD Rom educational compilations such as YA Literary CD, Student Work CD etc. ·        Train teachers and students in the use of CD Rom creation software ·        Oversee student use of network drive and ongoing maintaining of their files for future portfolio use ·        Develop and maintain school web site ·        Train teachers and staff in the use of the on line web development application ·        Assist teachers with adding content to their web sites ·        Assist teachers and students with adding student work to the school web site ·        Maintain the network, troubleshoot problems, ·        Continue to Install antivirus application – Norton Corp Antivirus on new and donated machines ·        Continue to Install and maintain security software on computers – Fortres101 on new and donated machines ·        Work with Boston Public Schools OIS department in maintaining the networks, troubleshooting problems with software and hardware ·        Work with Boston Public Schools OIT department in meeting the system’s educational goals for software, curriculum, and equipment-hardware ·        Work with educational partners such as CAST in meeting educational goals.  Install, maintain and troubleshoot applications of educational partners ·        Train teachers in the use of partner applications ·        Purchase and maintain digital camera ·        Purchase and maintain digital video camera and related equipment ·        Train teachers and staff in the use of digital camera and digital video camera ·        Develop curriculum for using digital video in the class ·        Purchase and maintain video editing systems ·        Purchase applications for computer animation ·        Develop a plan for film making studio and motion animation studio ·        Develop curriculum for scene study and screen play writing to be integrated with video filming and video editing ·        Develop plan for streaming video presentation on the web ·        Develop plan for live streaming video event ·        Develop Process/Plan for LCD Projector, Projection Device (mini dv Camcorder) for Paper Documents, Student Work, Objects ·        Present Quote/Proposal for All Classrooms to have LCD, Paper Projection Device (mini-dv camcorder), and scanner for each classroom.
Third Year 2005-2006	·        Orientation of new staff to YA technology ·        Continue to develop and carry out comprehensive technology training for teachers and staff ·        Continue to install applications on computers based on educational needs and goals ·        Maintain software and hardware and upgrade all computers in the school ·        Maintain student technology database ·        Provide account/logon information for students ·        Train teachers in account use, logon procedures, file saving/use of network drives ·        Teach students teachers in account use, logon procedures, file saving/use of network drives ·        Integrate technology class curriculum with the goal of assignments that have meaning, relevance, and purpose and provide a basis for creating real and meaningful content. ·        Install CD Rom creation software for portfolio creation and other CD Rom educational compilations such as YA Literary CD, Student Work CD etc. ·        Train teachers and students in the use of CD Rom creation software ·        Oversee student use of network drive and ongoing maintaining of their files for future portfolio use ·        Develop and maintain school web site ·        Train teachers and staff in the use of the on line web development application ·        Assist teachers with adding content to their web sites ·        Assist teachers and students with adding student work to the school web site ·        Maintain the network, troubleshoot problems, ·        Continue to Install antivirus application – Norton Corp Antivirus on new and donated machines ·        Continue to Install and maintain security software on computers – Fortres101 on new and donated machines ·        Work with Boston Public Schools OIS department in maintaining the networks, troubleshooting problems with software and hardware ·        Work with Boston Public Schools OIT department in meeting the system’s educational goals for software, curriculum, and equipment-hardware ·        Work with educational partners such as CAST in meeting educational goals.  Install, maintain and troubleshoot applications of educational partners ·        Train teachers in the use of partner applications ·        Purchase and maintain digital camera ·        Purchase and maintain digital video camera and related equipment ·        Train teachers and staff in the use of digital camera and digital video camera ·        Develop curriculum for using digital video in the class ·        Purchase and maintain video editing systems ·        Purchase applications for computer animation ·        Develop a plan for film making studio and motion animation studio ·        Develop curriculum for scene study and screen play writing to be integrated with video filming and video editing ·        Develop plan for streaming video presentation on the web ·        Develop plan for live streaming video event