Selecting+Technology



School: Middle, Grades 6-8 Our school is an inner city school where a great portion of our students come from low-income families. Three years ago, we received a new principal who is trying her very hardest to improve student interest in education as well as state test scores. We believe that technology is very beneficial in increasing student learning, as well as professional development for teachers. However, we are very limited in our technology resources. In order for us to help our students reach their very best educationally, we are asking that you support us in our need for technology.

Teachers: 7th grade Math, 8th grade English, Music, 8th grade Biology, Special Education

Goals: -Get students more actively involved in class -To keep teachers actively increasing their technological abilities -To increase individual student learning as well as improving team-based learning beyond the classroom

Resources: Music-Nakeesha: Biology-Garrett: Special Education-Hannah: English-Casey: Math- Christina:
 * Music:
 * [|Keyboards]($99 each)
 * [|Headphones] ($19.99 each)
 * [|Finale Music Composition Software] (Lab Pack of 5: $850) (Lab Pack of 10-29: $145/seat)
 * Computers (?) (Software could be installed on computer lab computers for students to use, not necessarily in music classroom)
 * [|SmartBoard]
 * Use CatWorks to dissect a cat in class on the smart board. This allows students to have the benefit of hands on dissection while saving money for years afterward. [|CatWorks] only costs $74.99 as a one time cost. 12 Frogs can cost up to $182 and can only be used once.
 * [|LabQuests] at $329
 * [|Academic Curriculum Framework Grades 6-8] ($149.95)
 * The //Academic Curriculum Framework// is a comprehensive K–12+ program that horizontally and vertically aligns content area and application skills for students with moderate to severe disabilities.
 * [|Food For Thought]- Software for Special Education children and adults ($99.00)
 * Presents a range of activities that develop language and math skills, based on the theme of food. Students will find activities and symbols familiar, which helps them succeed and feel confident!
 * iPods (classic style and with video capability 5 for $249 a piece= $1,245) (nano 5 for $149 a piece= $745) (total= $1,990)
 * Students can use iPods for communication, to watch videos about lessons, and to share videos with parents about student progress.
 * [|SmartBoard]
 * [|Nooks]($149) or [|Kindles]($139)
 * These can be used to download many books at one time while keeping the "books" in good condition for future use.
 * Smartboard
 * [|ODYSSEYWARE]
 * This system integrates technology into math. The teacher can design complex lesson plans, that can be set to be unique for each student or a group of students. Training for best use of the software is also available for teachers. Also, it is free!
 * [|Document Camera]
 * A Document Camera would allow students to see manipulatives, worksheets, textbooks, and other resources that are not digital projected onto a large screen. Problem: Price not listed.
 * [|SmartBoard]
 * This would be useful to work with the document camera so that all students can see it well. SmartBoard also offers math resources such as graph paper so the teacher can work on problems with the students.

DAILY LOG 4/19/11: To be completed for next class (4/21) : -Have goals fitting for each specific area -Look up resources (hardware and software) needed for each goal (make sure you get the price!) -Post info on Team Wiki so we can work on Prezi for majority of class
 * All team members were present

4/21/11: All the above was completed and team worked on our Prezi. We also completed our budget spreadsheet w/ a pie chart which were added to this page. To have done for next class (4/26) and to be prepared for our presentation:

-Presentation: Write speech and add link to picture you want in the prezi -Outline for Presentation 6. Nakeesha: Costs
 * 1) Hannah: Schools
 * 2) Introduce Yourself
 * 3) Christina: Goals
 * 4) Discuss Specific Content Area:
 * Christina
 * Garrett
 * Nakeesha
 * Casey
 * Hannah
 * 1) Casey:Tech Split

[|Prezipoint]