Technology Plan
Introduction
Today’s J. L. Mann graduate will be compelled to compete in an increasingly
sophisticated global marketplace. We believe the computer literate graduate who
is comfortable with technology and capable of using the computer as a tool will
have an advantage over those who are not. Hence, we have created the J. L. Mann
Technology Plan as a living document to aid our students in having bright and
fulfilling futures. Across the nation, communities are calling for a change from
rote learning to higher-order thinking and problem solving. Technology plays an
important role in this change.
Mission
The mission of J. L. Mann Academy’s technology plan is to provide
technological opportunities that prepare students to access and analyze
information, and to apply knowledge in a changing society so that Mann’s
graduates are independent, life-long learners, and are able to compete
successfully in the community, the workplace, and/or at institutions of higher
learning.
Needs Assessment
Beginning with the 1997-1998 school year, J. L. Mann became a
magnet academy for Mathematics, Science and Technology. J. L. Mann has taken
action to meet the criteria set forth in the district technology plan. A primary
consideration in addressing the educational needs of the students at J. L. Mann
is to integrate the use of technology to enhance and expand the learning
process. The students, teachers and administration must be computer literate if
they are going to be prepared to live and work in the 21st Century.
In accordance with the District Technology Plan, each
classroom has a minimum of five student drops and a minimum of one teacher drop.
The entire school infrastructure has been wired according to district
specifications excluding the portables. Administrative software has been
upgraded to SASI and the necessary hardware upgrades have been completed.
Faculty and staff will be using district email for inter- and
intra-communication, will maintain a teacher web site and will be encouraged to
use InteGrade Pro for grades.
Technology literacy is more than knowing how to use
technology for word processing, spreadsheets, and Internet access.
Fundamentally, it is using the powerful learning opportunities afforded by
technology to facilitate learning in academic subjects and increase students’
skills. Technology encompasses not only computers, printers, CD-ROMs and
Internet access, but also graphing calculators, the Calculator Based Laboratory,
laser disks, laser disk players, scanners, digital cameras, camcorders, LCD
panels, TVators, special software for all curriculum areas, satellite systems
and electronic distribution systems. According to national guidelines, students
should have access to facilities for production of materials, including
graphics, photography, video taping, and audio production.
To better serve our students and faculty, the Media Center is
open from 8:00am to 4:00pm each school day. The A/B schedule also allows
students sufficient time to use the available technology.
Need:
Training in use of software and hardware
Training in integrating technology and curriculum
Training in computer security and maintenance
Technology training for new teachers at Mann to promote continuity
Goal:
All faculty members will be comfortable enough with technology to assist
students and integrate technology in their curriculum.
Objective:
The teacher will be familiar with security policies and maintenance
procedures by reading the handbook
The teacher will satisfy the state requirements for technology training in
the time period specified by the state
The school will provide technology training through Common Planning
throughout the year
Technology training will be provided via Common Planning and/or in-service to
all new teachers at the beginning of every school year
Need:
Media Center (Network)
OCR software (non-network)
General
Updated Office (97 to 2000) for the Business and Science Labs
Software for the Accelerated Reading and Writing Lab
Various discipline-specific software applications
Java compiler for 2002-2003 for AP Computer Science
CD package from National Geographic for Social Studies department
containing World Maps throughout history
Science Experiment Simulation Software
Goal:
All students and teachers will be comfortable using technology for teaching
and learning.
Objective:
All teachers will make an effort to integrate within their disciplines when
appropriate
Use current software comparable to that being used by business and potential
employers
Need:
TV, VCR and TVator for every classroom
Overhead projector for every classroom
Minimum of ten computers to upgrade / complete Science Lab
A writing lab capable of being adapted for an elective Special Education
keyboarding class
A teacher and student workstation in each classroom
Laptop computers (i.e. Dreamwriters) for student checkout
Light pens (hand-held scanner) for resource/special education
Scanner for science lab compatible with Windows 98
Replace 19 media center computers (include some with zip drives)
Another LCD projector
Portables connected to the Internet via a wireless system
Electrical and Internet wiring moved from the middle of the floor in the
Business lab
15 new computers for Newspaper/Journalism program (Software will also need to
be purchased.)
Computer with network capabilities for the Computer Technology Specialist
New Tables for Business Labs
Goal:
All students and teachers will be comfortable using technology for teaching
and learning.
Objective:
More technology will be made available for students to check out
More technology will be made available in the classroom
A wider variety of technology will be made available to students
Hardware will be regularly upgraded and increased to equip classrooms to
reflect realistic view of available technology
A general $5 technology fee will be assessed to each student when they enroll
for school to pay for printer cartridges, paper, etc.
Need:
Improved monitoring on the part of teachers
Teachers must be responsible and knowledgeable about the use and maintenance
of the machines in their classroom
Support for security policy enforcement
Screenwatch software for Business labs
Goal:
Faculty, students, staff and visitors will use computers ethically and
responsibly.
Objective:
Implement a student login / password policy. Students will be allowed to use
the networked computers when they have submitted a signed Internet permission
form and have received and assigned login name.
Consequences for unethical or irresponsible actions on the school’s
computer or computer system will be established and enforced. Specific
recommendations of consequences will be made and submitted to the Policy and
Procedures Committee and SIT. Consequences will be added to the student handbook
/ Internet permission form so parents will be informed of our technology policy.
Classrooms with computers will be secured when not monitored by a teacher or
staff person.
Computer systems will be positioned so that teachers or Media Specialists can
see all screens.
Priorities to be accomplished each year:
Replace any broken or outdated TVators, VCRs, TVs and overheads in each
classroom
Priorities to be accomplished in year one:
Complete wiring all portables ~$3000
Move wiring from the middle of the floor in the Business labs
Update the Science computer lab; older computers can be redistributed to
begin a writing lab and provide computers for some teachers that do not have
computers
Purchase 19 new computers for the Media Center; place older computers in a
writing lab
Update to Office 2000 software in the Business labs
Computer with network capabilities for Computer technology Specialist
Priorities to be accomplished in year two:
15 computers for the Newspaper/ journalism program
Purchase light pens (hand-held scanners) for special education (resource
students)
New tables for Business Labs
Java Compiler for Science Lab
CD package from National geographic for Social Studies department
containing World Maps throughout history
Science Experiment Simulation Software
Screenwatch software for Business Labs
Software for Reading and Writing Accelerated Learning
Priorities to accomplish in year three:
Purchase enough computers for 1/3 of all classrooms to have an up-to-date
teacher and student station
Priorities to accomplish in year four:
Purchase enough computers for 2/3 of all classrooms to have an up-to-date
teacher and student station
Priorities to accomplish in year five:
Purchase enough computers for all classrooms to have an up-to-date teacher
and student station
The Technology Committee will discuss and evaluate the Technology Plan’s
progress once each semester and submit any revisions.
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160 Fairforest Way Greenville, SC 29607 Phone: 864-355-6300 Fax: 864-355-6329
