By: Nicole Falco
With the start of the school year, district officials hope to continue to integrate the use of technology into the curriculum and expand its use among parents, faculty and administrators as well.
"Too often, industry moves ahead, and too often, schools are behind the eightball," said Eileen Hodrinsky, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction.
In June, voters approved, albeit not by an overwhelming majority, a $31.3 million budget for the current year. Included in the budget is approximately $350,000 for technology. A portion of those funds was used to hire a teaching assistant to work alongside Linda Alesi, district technology specialist, but the majority paid for a wide area network (WAN). With a WAN, all four district schools - Willow Road, Wheeler Avenue, Howell Road and James A. Dever - will be able to communicate through an intranet. Also, students and their parents, as well as teachers and administrators, will be able to access information using their home computers.
Last year, Alesi was able to secure a donation of 100 computers for the district, and she is currently in talks to obtain even more through donations. The district has nearly 800 computers, from 9-year-old models to year-old ones. While the district doesn't have computers for all 2,100 students, by the end of September every classroom and office in every building will have Internet access and at least two computers for student use. Most classrooms will have four or five computers, according to Dr. Elizabeth Lison, superintendent of schools.
"We know that our teachers are really excited to integrate technology and to deepen their commitment to moving our children forward," Lison said.
The district's goal is to teach all students basic computer literacy, such as the use of Microsoft Word and Excel, and then expand on those basic skills so that teachers can use technology to enhance instruction - for example, through Internet research and the use of SmartBoards or videoconferencing equipment. SmartBoards are interactive white boards that combine the functionality of a computer, standard white board, touch screen and projector all while standing in front of the class rather than having students huddle around a single 15-inch monitor.
Through two separate grants - the New York State Title II-D and Smarter Kids grants - obtained by Alesi and Hodrinsky, the district was able to purchase three SmartBoards last year to add to the one it already had. There is now one SmartBoard in use in each school's computer lab. Hodrinksy said the district was awarded an additional Smarter Kids Grant, which it will use to purchase two more SmartBoards.
Last year, the district was also awarded a $50,000 New York State Learning Technology Grant to introduce videoconferencing equipment in each building. The goal of the grant was to assess the progress of struggling readers who were taught through videoconferences. The grant focused on sixth-graders. This year, the district plans to introduce videoconferencing at other grade levels. Conferences allow students to ask questions of and discuss their research with various experts from around the world. Conferences also develop students' note-taking, listening and speaking skills.
In addition, Alesi said, the district plans to revamp its Web site.
The Parent and Employee handbooks will be available online, as well as the school board policy and district calendar. Lison said the district hopes to strengthen its community outreach through the use of technology. The district is considering surveying families to determine how many have Internet access at home. Teachers and staff will also be able to communicate electronically once the WAN is complete and Internet access is available in every classroom.
Technology also aids the district in providing Academic Intervention Services through the use of computer programs, including Scholastic Read 180, which is being introduced this year, and the Waterford Electronic Early Literacy Program. The programs offer students the benefit of individualized instruction.
