Technology Use Plan

 Draft Only - This document is in a working and editing phase.

 

TECHNOLOGY MISSION STATEMENT

Technology will be used to support knowledge acquisition, to help in learning new skills, to promote discovery and experimentation, to foster higher level thinking, to aid in student research, to assist in carrying out projects, to motivate resistant learners, to excite their imaginations, and to help students create their own individual and global vision.  

 

PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT 

We believe:  

  • Technological Resources will have a positive impact on students' success.
  • Combining computers with traditional teaching activities can significantly enhance subject retention.
  • Technology resources support the State of Tennessee Frameworks and the T. W. Hunter Middle School Middle School Instructional Goals.

 

     Goals 

  • To provide an atmosphere of high expectations for student success.
  • To develop a wide array of teaching strategies implementing the use of technology.
  • To provide staff development in the use of various technologies in the classroom.

 

  • Student Outcomes 
  • Utilize various technologies in student centered projects.
  • Utilize application software programs to access, manipulate and organize information.
  • Gain working knowledge of the types of technological resources available.
  • Access the Internet to maximize resources of the Information Age.
  • Develop an awareness, appreciation, and acceptance of the culturally diverse society in which they live and in the world around them.
  • Develop as contributing team players working to solve problems collaborative, cooperatively and independently.
  • Develop high quality, meaningful work utilizing technology based resources.
  • Develop a high self-esteem and strong individuality.
  • Adapt to rapid changes in a technologically dynamic world.
  • Foster life long learning and sharing utilizing the tools of technology. 

 

LEARNING ENVIRONMENT 

  • T. W. Hunter Middle School Middle School will create inviting learning environment conducive to learning:   
  •  Clean and well-lighted environments will be provided. 
  • At least one reliable Internet connection will be established in each classroom from the main hub so that all classrooms can have a functional technology center. 
  • Co-axial outlets to allow local cable transmissions of educational programming.
  • TVs and VCRs, overhead projectors, scanner, visual imaging camera, camcorder, tape recorder, and laptop computers will be available to all teachers for check out from the media center. 
  • Computer Work Labs will be identified and designed with safety standards. 
  • Resources in the library media center will include automated systems for circulation of textbooks, library books, on-line catalogs, and electronic media. 

 

INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES  

  • Instructional strategies supported by technology will be student centered and meaningful.  
  • Students will work cooperatively and collaborative to solve problems and communicate. 
  • Students will use technology to improve their critical thinking skills.  
  • Students will engage in active and interactive modes of learning utilizing technology. Student learning will be more relevant as technology based resources are implemented to simulate real life and historical situations.  
  • Students will use technology to participate in global learning.           
  • Students will have equal access to the Internet to explore a wide variety of cultural resources. 
  • Students will share information, projects and presentations with other students.
  • Students will regularly participate and use technology in interdisciplinary units and programs that involve solving real life problems. 
  • Administration will schedule time for interdisciplinary planning by teachers. 
  • Technology committee will meet monthly to assess classroom technology progress and determine weaknesses. 
  • Teachers and students will teach others to use technology.  
  • Technology resources will be chosen to support the curriculum and provide for the needs of all students on individual and cultural diversity and to promote aesthetic appreciation. 
  • Teaching strategies will be implemented that promote gender equity and cultural diversity. 
  • Special education students will use technology to facilitate learning in the least restrictive environment. 
  • Handicapped students will be provided with appropriate technologies, which will be improved and shared via the Internet and T. W. Hunter Middle School's file sharing networks. 

 

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT  

  • Training in technology will be on-going.  
  • School site will provide technology training through local workshops, district sponsored workshops, in-services,  mini sessions and similar interest groups. 
  • The T. W. Hunter Middle School Technology Committee will plan and provide specialized workshops for new and current staff supporting all levels beginning,  intermediate, and advanced. 
  • Administration will designate small work areas dedicated to continuous technology in non threatening  environments. 
  • The district will provide technical assistance for existing hardware and emerging technologies. 
  • Teachers will travel the information highway, both locally and nationally. 
  • School Technology Specialistwill be trained to trouble shoot basic technology problems. 
  • Technology mentors will be used as resource persons. 
  • The T. W. Hunter Middle bulletin board will post training opportunities for faculty and staff. 
  • T. W. Hunter Middle School Technology Specialist will attend workshops and continuing training to implement the most current uses of technology in education.

 

TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT 

  • Primary support will be T. W. Hunter Middle School's Technology Specialist.
  • Secondary support will be our Technology Committee Members.  
  • Technology committee will coordinate with district departments so that equipment can be purchased,  distributed, installed, and repaired in a timely manner.  

 

FUNDING 

  • School site members will utilize every available means to obtain advances in technology through traditional district, state and federal monies when available.
  • School site personnel will seek alternative funding sources.
  • Technology committee members will attend grant writing information, resources, and workshops. 
  • Technology committee members will establish links to private sector and business individuals and entities for technology funding sources and specialized services. Strict guidelines will be published whenever equipment donations are made directly to T. W. Hunter Middle School. Some equipment that is deemed as obsolete will be disposed of through Sumner County Central Office procedures.
  • T. W. Hunter Middle School Middle School's Parent Organization (PTO) may provide fund raising opportunities for specialized equipment.  

 

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