Implementing Technology based instruction at bunker hill elementary

1. Implementing Technology based instruction at bunker hill elementary Founded in 1905 Teaches 522 students Grades Pre-K through 5 Mission for Bunker Hill Elementary School: To implement the use of technology in the classroom through: tablets game-based learning 2017

2. BENEFITS • According the Horizon Report, “Because of their portability, large display, and touchscreen, tabletsare ideal devices for one-to-one learning, as well as fieldwork” (p. 15). • Students are already comfortable using such devices in their everyday lives. Tablets would also benefit the learners who do not possess fine motor skills. There is only one touch screen computer in the school. Tablets would be an inexpensive remedy for the lack of resources for these particular students. • According to Saine, 2012, “Whether teaching in an urban, rural, or International school, teachers of literacy are integrating iPods, iPads, and the SMART Board in the classroom to make their instructional activities more appealing and exciting for their students” (p.79). • References • Johnson, L., Adams, S., and Cummins, M. (2012). The NMC Horizon Report: 2012. Higher Education Edition. Austin, Texas: The New Media Consortium. • Mims-Word, M. (2012). The importance of technology usage in the classroom, does gender gaps exist. Contemporary Issues in Education Research, 5(4), 271-277. http://web.ebscohost.com • Saine, P. (2010). iPods, iPads, and the SMARTBoard: Transforming literacy instruction and student learning. New England Reading Association Journal, 47(2), 74-79. http://web.ebscohost.com

3. Methods used to develop futuring Scenarios: Force organizations to think about circumstances that can hypothetically occur. Important to have procedures in place in regards to emergencies in schools. “One function of scenarios beyond the planning aspect is improving communication…”(Mietzner & Reger, 2005). Negative Aspect of Scenarios: No one can tell the future. Anything can happen.

4. Methods used to develop futuring Scanning: • Helps organizations make decisions through analyzing data. • Data is merely information unless it is analyzed and used to improve an organization. • Negative Aspect of Scenarios • Researchers can become overcome with information which becomes tedious to decipher (Albright 2004).

5. Educational Technology trends According to the NEA, “Some technology advocates believe technology training should be emphasized much earlier, during teacher education programs, but only 19 states have technology requirements as part of the licensing requirements” Opinions of teachers are being considered when important decisions regarding Implementing new technology are made.

6. BUDGETARY TRENDS • “In the current environment, approximately 275,000 school staff are expected to be laid off throughout the United States. Even with these and other cost reductions, however, there are no assurances that more budget cutting can be avoided” (Donlevy 2010) School leaders MUST take charge and find a way to increase funding and STOP budget cuts.

7. CHALLENGES • 1. Laws have not yet changed which would require the state of Connecticut to extensively train their future educators about how to implement technology into instruction. • 2. There are not yet specific standards put in place which require technology to be a major portion of the curriculum. It is not required to incorporate technology into instruction in the school district. • 3. In order for teachers to appropriately be trained, a professional would need to be hired. This advisor would need to visit the schools numerous times throughout the school year in order to keep the teachers up to date on any new trends or improvements which have been made that will influence technology based instruction. It is important to stay current on such issues in order for students to receive the best instruction available. • 4. Funding needs to be available in order for the classrooms to be appropriately filled with technological tools such as computers, tablets, or software. • 5. A leader needs to be appointed in order for the teachers to feel comfortable turning to someone in time of need. This person should continuously be available in the school in order for unforeseeable problems to be taken care of. Teachers need to feel comfortable using technology as a primary tool of instruction. It is necessary for a leader to be put in place in order for teachers to feel encouraged while using technology.

8. OPPORTUNITIES • 1. Bunker Hill will become a more competitive school. • 2. Teachers will feel comfortable using technology as a primary form of instruction. • 3. Students with benefit from differentiated instruction which will be facilitated through technology. • 4. Teachers will have the opportunity to further their education through continuous training. • 5. Implementing this plan will in turn allow students to use resources they may not have access to outside of the school environment.

9. . If Bunker Hill does not work towards this goal, they will be left behind while other school districts surely will adapt technology into their curriculum. In order for Bunker Hill to remain a competitive school, this change most definitely needs to occur.

10. CALL TO ACTION! . A leader will set goals and motivate teachers to do all they can to reach it. A strong leader will successfully convince teachers the positive effects this change will have on their students. A leader will remind the school community that this change will not be an automatic change, but a change over time. It is crucial for Bunker Hill to think about the future of education and where they wish to see themselves as a school in five years.