“Laptops in the Classroom” A Technology Initiative By: Dianna Ferris EDT 6040 Dr. Todd Fishburn

Proposal Use laptops in order to motivate, engage, and excite students about learning. Expose students to different types of technology uses and applications. To use the laptops to implement classroom instruction that directly relates to the State Content Standards as well as the state and national (ISTE) technology standards for students. For students to be more confident using technology by addressing and providing student accessibility. To use as a platform for the DCAS. To improve student achievement in all areas, but especially in the subject areas of reading and math via this technology initiative. Provide both long and short-term professional development trainings/workshops for educators on how to integrate and align the use of the laptop initiative in the classroom with the state and national standards.

“Pros/Cons” Pros: Engages and excites students about learning and content. Research supports improvement in academic student achievement opposed to schools that do not have “laptops in the classroom.” Students produce better quality writing pieces. Research supports gains in academic achievement in students who are labeled “at risk.” Students direct their own learning. All students are able to participate in the lesson/activity at the same time. Cons: Cost of the technology/funding issues Can be a distraction for students and teachers Students go on inappropriate websites: extra task for teachers to assume responsibility Not everyone is “on board”

Updating of Existing Hardware Required Hardware 20 Dell Inspiron 15 Laptops per grade level (K-4) All Laptops will have Windows 7 and Microsoft Office Home/Student 2010 installed along with, Renaissance Place, Mimio, and Virus Protection. Updating of Existing Hardware Replace and/or recycle Dell Dimension E310 Desktops. Recycling Procedures Used as “back-ups” in the classroom and in other parts of the building Given to families who do not have home computers Recycled through DSWA (Delaware Solid Waste Authority) Sold for revenue to replenish school costs

Proposed Cost Proposed Funding Laptops: $399.99 ea. X 20 (per grade level)= $7999.80 x 5 (grade levels)= $39999.00 Total cost of software ($99.54 x 100 laptops): $14994.99 Total cost of the technology initiative: $54993.99 Proposed Funding Laptops/Software: Title One Funding Race to the Top Funding Intel Technology Grants Education Grants through Dell and other affiliates Professional Development Funding: Allocated building and/ or curriculum monies, and/or educational grants

Evaluation Procedures Short-Term: Periodic review of assessment scores in reading and math Chart students’ progress in grade level data meetings Discuss what applications are being used and how Discuss pros and cons of the technology use in the classroom Conduct formal and informal classroom observations Long-Term: Review DCAS scores (grades 2-4) to see if the initiative impacted and improved student achievement Review end of “unit” assessments (grades K-1) to see if the initiative impacted and improved student achievement * Based on the evaluation results of the technology initiative, a decision would be made to modify the plan or take it to a higher level to further increase student achievement.