According to the Appoquinimink School District’s e-rate technology plan, the goals and strategies for using technology to improve education are outlined as follows:
"•Strengthen our capacity to enhance education through interactive multimedia technologies
•Employ technologies to develop the creative and collaborative skills essential to success
•Tightly integrate our technology direction with our efforts in international education
•Continue to work toward our district’s Technology Implementation Standards
•Cultivate alternative sources of technology support such as students and volunteers
•Provide high quality, targeted professional development"
The goals outlined in the plan are on point to where we are as a district in the upgrading, implementation, employment, and integration of technology. This plan was written for the years 2009-2012, so we are coming to end of this stage and will be moving forward with a new plan in the near future.
During my tenure in the district I have witnessed many changes. We are a small district in comparison to most school districts throughout the country. However, we have grown from seven schools in 2000 to 14 schools in 2012 with two more schools opening in the 2012-13 school year and another the following year. Making us the fastest growing district in Delaware.
We have a technology coordinator who is responsible for coordinating professional development opportunities. Some are required while others are optional. Notifications about various opportunities are sent out on a regular basis and are either offered by the district or through e-learning by the state. An example of a mandatory training would be for teachers who are new to interactive white boards if one is being installed in their classrooms. I have been through many mandatory trainings over the years.
Installation of new technologies has taken place in tiered increments since this plan has taken effect. We are near completion and the budget seems to have allowed for the plan to progress smoothly.
I am hopeful that I will finally have a S.M.A.R.T. board installed in my classroom before this is over. Right now I have a document camera and a LCD projector but that does not allow for the interaction I would like to implement.
Our district plan is evaluated three times per year against the following success measures:
"1a-1h: hardware is present, installed, and in good working order.
2a-2c: computer labs are in place and in service.
2d, 2e, 3a-3c: LoTi results indicate technology use supports increased higher order thinking and engaged learning.
4a: standards worksheets indicate more standards have been achieved by 2012.
4b: resources available(such as electrician employed or or contract funds made available).
5a, 5b: student helper and parent volunteer logs indicate that these groups are engaged in assisting with technology.
6a-6d: Professional development tracking system indicates that professional development in these areas was offered and utilized."
Resource: Appoquinimink eRate Technology Plan 2009-2012
Resource: Appoquinimink eRate Technology Plan 2009-2012
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