1. What tools, software, operating systems, and equipment are available in your school and classroom? (including but not limited to: videoconferencing, streaming, photos sharing sites, video sharing sites, document sharing sites, podcasts, blogs, wikis, social networking sites, etc.)
This is not a thorough or complete list but the best I could do. Most computers in the buildings network run on Windows 7 with the Microsoft products. Teachers use daily, the eSchools Teacher Access Center for attendance and grades & Email Outlook Web App. Each classroom has at least one desktop computer for this purpose. There’s supposed to be one projector unit attached per classroom too. 300 laptops on ten carts were recently delivered along with wireless internet and document camera per cart. We have subscriptions to InfOhio, Nettrekker, Safari Montage, Atomic Learning and others. As the librarian I use the SirsiDynix Workflows system daily for attendance & cataloging.
2. How does your school make use of school and/or teacher websites?
We have a school website that is linked to the district website. Teachers can submit information they want on the website to our Information Technology class. The teacher who is also the current tech coordinator overseas editing.
3. How are you currently utilizing technology for learning?
I have a projector in the main room and in the computer lab. There are 30 computers in the lab with SchoolVue program for monitoring student activity at each computer and 7 in the main room with the same program. I recently added a hand-me-down SmartBoard for the lab. Our library catalog is online, teacher sign-up for LRC can be viewed from Google Calendars, were me and my assistant schedule times. For orientations and booktalks I always incorporate technology, either a web based scavenger hunt or PowerPoint presentations.
4. Which websites are blocked by your school's firewall?
Many websites are blocked. We have to request that our Principal unblock, and then she has to ask district tech people. No YouTube, Pintrest, Facebook, etc. Although it was mentioned that YouTube may be unblocked soon.
5. What websites and tools are colleagues in your building using?
The work tools, Microsoft tools, and specific sites related to their content areas. Most teachers I’ve worked with in the LRC have come with a website(s) they expect to use with their classes.
6. Is there a system for evaluating student technology literacy in your school? If so, how effective or helpful have you found the assessment?
We have TRAILS developed by Kent State University but it’s not a part of the curriculum. Right now, teachers can choose to have their classes participate, so it’s not that effective.
7. Gather suggestions from students on their ideas for integrating technology into their learning.
I Pad seem to be popular. The few I spoke with also suggested more cloud based applications and BYOD.
8. What tools that are not presently available would help to achieve district objectives?
The LRC needs to have wireless internet and printing, additional computers -a class set of laptop computers, easy to use eBook procedure and more access to blocked sites.
9. Does your school promote BYOD (bring your own device) policies for students?
No, but there is talk of BYOD. In my building some teachers already allow students to use their phones or bring their laptops but using the school server is a problem because of the limited and unresolved bandwidth and power issues.
B. Using Digital Learning Environment Inventory, develop a solution or suggest an improvement customized to your school/classroom circumstances. Include a paragraph describing:
1. The solution/suggestion
2. Reflect on what you learned from this process
Based on the Digital Learning Environment Inventory the main thing we need is a technology committee at the building level as well as the district level. This committee would need to have input from all departments. Needs assessment and grant writing come to mind. Reflecting on the list I can also see that we need more collaboration in our building. Multiple teachers have written grants for technology-I Pads, etc. but only accessible to their classrooms. It creates unbalanced use of resources. We could also use a fulltime technology coordinator and AV specialist in the high school building.
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