Our K-4 Technology Plan
The NES
Technology Plan has been in existence since the 1993-94 school year.
The plan is updated regularly, as the need arises. The most recent modifications
occurred during the 95-96 school year with the arrival of Grade 4. As work
begins on a comprehensive K-12 Technology Plan, we will have an Update
2000 in September 2000.
What's Going On?
NES is completely online. All
classrooms, the Lab, and Library have direct Internet access. The 21st
Classroom Project has been highly successful. Initiated with a grant, interested
teachers applied to become part of this project. Equipment was supplied
to create a technology-rich environment, providing a computer to student
ratio of 1:4, as well as access to digital camera, scanners, and projection
equipment. Teachers met regularly to share and discuss teaching strategies
in an effort to determine the relationship, if any, between appropriate
technology use and reformed
teaching and learning. Assessment of teachers and students, both in
skills and attitudes, is conducted yearly and tracked for significant changes.
Currently, 14 classrooms have participated in this project. In accordance
with the Technology Plan, we hope to include all classroom as soon as possible.
During the summer of 2000,
20 teachers and 1 teacher aide attended a week-long technology workshop.
This time was spent exploring email and Internet use and developing web-based
projects for publication on the school web site and dissemination to the
staff. An additional 30 hours will take place throughout the 00-01 school
year. Those projects can be viewed here.
The SWAT Team will soon enter
its 4th year. Interested 4th graders may become involved in:
1. The Narragansett SCOOP (the
school newspaper)
2. The Computer Buddy Task
Force
3. The Tech Trooper Task Force
4. The Web Weavers
More information and a more
detailed explanation can be found here.
NetDay was a wonderful success,
as we have wired the entire school. With the assistance of community members,
teachers, and parents, we now have direct access to the Internet and E-mail
capabilities in all classrooms. This task involved physically running 23,000
feet of wire from room to room and back to a central hub.
10 Reasons For Technology in Schools
1. Students learn and develop
at different rates.
2. Students must be proficient
at accessing, evaluating, and communicating information.
3. Technology can foster an
increase in the quantity and quality of students' thinking and writing.
4. Students must solve complex
problems.
5. Technology can nurture
artistic expression.
6. Students must be globally
aware and able to use resources that exist outside the school.
7. Technology creates opportunities
for students to do meaningful work.
8. All students need access
to high-level and high interest courses.
9. Students must feel comfortable
with the tools of the Information Age.
10. Schools must increase
their productivity and efficiency.
Just
what do 70 educators from across the US think is the appropriate technology
for students in grades K-5?
Technology
and School Reform - Is there a Relationship?