Instructional Technology Planning Process
As the Director of Educational Technology, one of my responsibilities to to ensure all stakeholders have a voice in the process. The tech planning process has occurred through the our Technology Committee, Assistant Superintendent, building administrators, teachers, SRP, IT staff, parents and students. Instructionally, our goal is to implement a 1:1 computing solution for teachers and students in grades 1-12 with a sustainable plan for growing our teachers as technology leaders in and outside of the classroom.
My role is to facilitate this stakeholder group to make informed decisions in the key areas identified in our plan.
Instructional Technology Vision and Goals
HFCSD is committed to using technology to support learning in our school and homes by building a community of learners that extend beyond the physical spaces of our buildings. Our Instructional Technology Plan (ITP) is the current best representation of the District’s vision, goals, and objectives for instructional technology as it links to the students, support staff, teachers,
administrators, parents and community. As such, it is a living document that will be under review and revision by the committee during the three year time frame. While flexible, this plan is specific enough to act as a guide in decision making and budgeting funds. This three-year plan outlines priorities, provides guidance and corresponds to our district targets.
The recommendations contained herein are intended to provide direction for the Board of Education and its Technology Committee, Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, building administrators, teachers, support staff, parents, and students in planning for and implementing technology initiatives. Building on the existing infrastructure, this plan outlines steps needed to achieve the next level of technology integration while maintaining a core focus on the development of the foundational skills including reading, writing, speaking, listening and mathematical competencies. The concepts reflected in ISTE, P21, NETS STEM Education Coalition and TPACK are critical information, communication and innovation skills that can no longer be ignored in preparing our students for their future success. The implementation of this plan has implications for shifting the educational system and preparing workers with the necessary technological skills for higher ed and employment. Through these supports and resources the District will continue to deepen teachers’ and administrators’ understandings of the uses of technology to support learning and achievement.
Under this vision of technology being an integral component to how we teach and learn, the following four goals have been established for our tech plan. These goals are consistent with and fully support current research of the 14 critical elements necessary to effectively leverage technology for learning. (http://www.iste.org/standards/essential-conditions)
- To further expand teacher and student use of technology-based learning both in and outside of the classroom. Technology will support CCS instruction, provide alternative instructional methodologies for 1:1 and foster Information Communications Technology (ICT) skills. In line with further expanding its use, the district will explore the financial capacity create more interactive and immersive learning environments.
- To sustain existing professional development opportunities and plan for ongoing professional development as a means to build learning and leadership within the district. To that end, this goal will strive to develop PLC’s which focus on technology-based learning as a way to improve student performance. The focus of this goal will be on both learning to use technology and using technology to learn.
- To further define our vision of ubiquitous technology or access to technology anywhere/anytime. We recognize the ed-tech trends of flipped learning, device agnostic learning, assistive technologies and mobile learning continually evolve. Careful consideration of how these trends and/or services fit the District’s vision will be explored within the context of equity.
- To provide continued support and upgrades to our technology
infrastructure. Upgrades will be based on a network inventory lifecycle and factor in internet bandwidth accommodations. Interactive displays, digital signage, mobile devices and new technology developments that would enhance current capabilities will be explored.
While our goals and vision focus primarily on staff and students, we encompass all members of our community and the types of digital technologies that are reflected in this global environment. If you have further questions or would like to be part of our Technology Committee, please reach out to us at help@hfcsd.org