A review by Julia AllenEDLD5362 5/15/2011

Vision Statement“In a dynamic learning community, technology

connects home, school, and the world, and supports learning as a continuous process. We believe that all students can develop

enhanced thinking and problem-solving skills through the use of technology as a basic tool

to help them enter the workforce and to become life-long learners” (Sullivan, 2006).

Plan ScopeThree year planA framework for response to changing needsImplemented in three phases:

Upgrade of infrastructure and expansion of staff development

Expansion of infrastructure, staff development, and technology integration

Evaluation and Improvements

Internet Connectivity100% of district’s 600 classrooms and 10

campuses have direct access to the internet. Internet usage does not reflect the problem-

solving and higher order thinking skills the district proclaims as its vision for the technology.

School NetworksEach site contains its own local area network

(LAN)provide access to shared instructional

resources comprised of file and print servers, Ethernet

switches, IP routers, web servers, IP telephony equipment, and Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS)

Wide-Area Network (WAN)LANs converge into WAN to provide access

to Internet and inter-campus communications Provides access to shared communication

tools such as E-mail, calendars, and web content

Allows sharing of firewalls, web filters, proxy servers, and other security gateways.

Wireless ConnectivityCalls for the purchase and implementation of

equipment and software to facilitate secure wireless access to network resources

Student Information ManagementMaintains accurate and secured student data

for reporting purposes including reporting PEIMS

Data includes: student enrollmentAttendanceparticipation in special programsstudent performanceeducational progress of mobile studentsexpenditures local accountability information

Student Information Management, ContinuedOther planned uses:

on-line attendance grade reporting

Online LearningImplemented for staff developmentFor student online instruction, district plans

to “stay abreast” of the market and implement “applicable” solutions

Plan does not emphasize non-traditional approaches but describes use of technology to support current curriculum

Course Management SystemsNo mention of such resources in the planAside from plan to implement online grade

reporting, no indication of any plan to utilize such resources

Staff DevelopmentDoes not address teaching staff effective

implementation of technology Seems to indicate plan to teach competency

rather than integration“Before technology can significantly improve

learning, teachers must first be competent with the hardware and technology

applications that facilitate their work in curriculum and support student learning”

(Sullivan, 2006).

Technology SupportEach campus has at least one Technology

Representative who assists with on-site staff hardware/software implementation and support

Beyond ComputersSpecifically addresses computers and

computer infrastructuresNo provision for use of handheld personal

computing devices No mention of technology resources such as:

audio-visual equipmentvideo-conferencing toolsstudent response systemsinteractive white boards

Cloud ComputingDescribes increased use by staff of online

record-keeping and data sharingNo other reference to use of cloud storage

solutions by teachers or students

Open SourceReference to students’ use of free online

resourcesNo specific discussion of open source

solutionsMention of proprietary software by name

installed on every device seems to support paid solutions over open source

ReferencesCavanaugh, C., Gillan, K., Kromrey, J., Hess, M. and

Blomeyer, R. (2004). The Effects of Distance Education on K–12 Student Outcomes: A Meta-Analysis. Learning Point Associates.

ICT Integration Guidebook (2008). ICTPD Online Professional Development.

Levin, D. and Arafeh, S. (2002). The Digital Disconnect: The Widening Gap Between Internet Savvy Students and Their Schools. Pew Internet and American Life Project.

Moore, R. J. (2006, August). The Five Best Accelerators in Schools. School Administrator 63.7.

See, J. (1992). Developing Effective Technology Plans. National Center for Technology Planning, Tupelo, MS.

Sullivan, F. L. (2006). Texarkana ISD Technology Plan.