Beverly+Powell's+Introduction

=Vision Statement:= The vision of the Instructional Technology Program is to utilize technology to enhance student learning and develp student tecnnology skills. It is also the mission to develop teachers' knowledge of available teaching technology and improve their skills to benefit overall student achievement. Additionally, by developing teachers' knowledge of technology student learning styles can be addressed and met. The philosophy is to view technology as an education tool that shall be utilized in a responsible, safe, creative and collaborative manner by which both teaching and learning can be achieved.

=The Need:= After analyzing the needs assessment survey taken by teachers at Bunker Hill Elementary School it was determined that teachers would like additional training and time alotted to learn more about the SMART Boards that exist in their classrooms. Most teachers responded that the original training was insufficient or adequate, but because it was done six to eight weeks prior to being able to access the working boards, additional training is needed. Teachers would like additional training for accessing appropriate internet resources, using the software Notebook which includes Gallery Essentials, and creating grade/curriculum specific interactive activities. Teachers would like the opporunity to explore creating SMART activities both independently and collaborating with peers. Teachers show an interest in sharing materials with thier peers, however the materials are created.

=The Technology Solution:= In order to address the needs brought forth by the needs assessment, the online resource, "Teacher Online Training" will be proposed. A subscription to the online professional development will offer a variety of courses for teachers to increase learning in thier classrooms using their SmartBoards and the software SMART Notebook 10. Differentiation for teachers will be available because teachers will be able to choose the courses based on their needs and interests. One benefit of the training will be that teachers can access the training at any time. Since the online video trainings will be ongoing knowledge about the SMART Boards will be continuously built upon and shared. The trainings can be revisited at any time for review and teachers can complete as many courses/trainings as they feel necessary. These trainings can be viewed collaboratively or independently at a teacher's own pace and schedule.

=Rationale for Adoption:= Bunker Hill Elementary is considered to be "state of the art" based on the technology that exists in the new school. In order to increase and address student achievement, SMART Boards are located in each classroom. Many teachers transferred to the new school due to its technological advances, so teachers are motivated to use the exisiting technology. The rationale for choosing "Teacher Online Training" is that teachers now have what they need including the motivation and excitement, but lack the professional development training necessary to use their SMART Board to the degree necessary to increase student learning. After being trained on its features and given specific lessons on how to create interactive activities, teachers will be able to use this resource in any curriculum area.