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Watertown City School District
Technology Plan
2016-2017
Watertown City School District
2016-2017 District Technology Plan
____________________________________________________
Plan Creation Date: November 2, 2016
Plan Start Date: January 1, 2017
Plan End Date: June 30, 2020
______________________________________________
Watertown City School District
1351 Washington Street
Watertown, New York 13601
Table of Contents
Product
Cover Sheet ……………………………………………………………… 1
Title Page ………………………………………………………………... 2
Table of Contents ………………………………………………………... 3
Acknowledgments ………………………………………………….……. 4
Executive Summary ……………………………………………………... 4
Vision Statement ………………………………………………………… 4
Technology Standards……………………………………………………. 5
Mission Statement ……………………………………………………….. 7
Demographics ……………………………………………………………. 7
Committee Membership …………………………………………………. 8
General Introduction ……………………………………………………... 8
Data Collection, Analysis, and Reporting ………………………………... 9
Plan Preparations ………………………………………………………… 10
Critical Issues ……………………………………………………………. 12
Legal Aspects ……………………………………………………………. 15
Evaluation …………………………………………………………………15
Budget ……………………………………………………………………..16
Bibliography ……………………………………………………………... 17
Appendix ………………………………………………………………… 18
Acknowledgments
The role of technology in the instructional program is not to make students highly proficient in a specific
computer application but rather to provide students with transferable skills that will empower them to
embark on a lifelong journey of learning. It is to this end that the District Technology Committee has
developed this plan.
Executive Summary
The Watertown City School District technology plan was created to help make changes to better the
education of all students. The technology plan focuses specifically on the aspirations and goals that need to
be met for the district. To begin, many of the goals focus on providing staff and students will more
technology training. If the district wants to implement more technology, then the staff needs to be highly
trained on how to use the technology and how to incorporate specific programs into their lessons. Students
also need more technology classes to be better prepared for their future. The district technology committee
finds it necessary that students are required to take a keyboarding class. In that class, students should be
taught how to type along with knowing basics of the Google platform and Microsoft Office. Next, the
technology committee proposes that the district obtain Wireless Internet for every building in the school
district. If the district is interesting in using more technology, Wi-Fi is needed to make that happen. The
last major goal is to update devices that are out of date. These goals are centered around the needs of the
teachers based on the surveys and interviews conducted by the technology committee.
Vision Statement
The vision of Watertown City School District is to create a safe and welcoming atmosphere in which all
students can learn. The Watertown City School District is a district in which staff works as a team, holds
high expectations for all students, and supports and ensures students are successful. We desire a classroom
in which the teacher provides as a facilitator where technology is used to enhance all learning situations.
We want our students to be college and career ready and lifelong learners.
The focus of the Watertown City School District will be aligned to the ISTE National Educational
Technology Standards for Students and Teachers.
Technology Standards for Students
1. Digital Citizenship
Students will demonstrate safe, moral, legal and ethical uses of technology
Students will evaluate quality and validity of digital resources
2. Communication
Students will use technology to collectively communicate and collaborate locally and globally
Students will communicate professionally using current technologies
3. Research and Information Fluency
Students will demonstrate fluency in the use of digital resources to locate and critically analyze,
evaluate, organize, and synthesize information
4. Problem Solving
Students will use technology to aid in making informed decisions and develop skills in critical
thinking
Students will use technology to investigate possible solutions to cross-curricular problems
5. Operations
Students will use technology to publish and present data
Students will understand, use, and troubleshoot technology systems and applications
Students will be fluent with mechanical skills such as keyboarding and mouse/pointer skills
6. Innovation
Students will use technology to promote creativity and expression
Students will create, innovate, and communicate through the use of technology
Students will use technology to explore and engage in life-long learning
Technology Standards for Instructional Staff
(Parts of this section come from ISTE with permission from ISTE)
1. Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility
Staff will advocate, model, and teach safe, moral, legal, and ethical uses of technology
Staff will advocate, model, and teach how to evaluate the quality and validity of digital resources
Staff will address the diverse needs of all learners by providing equitable access to appropriate
digital tools and resources
2. Design and Develop Digital Age Learning Experiences and Assessments
Instructional staff will design, develop, and evaluate authentic learning experiences and
assessments incorporating contemporary tools and resources to maximize learning
3. Modeling Digital Age Work and Learning
Instructional staff will exhibit knowledge, communication skills, and work processes representative
of an innovative professional in a global and digital society
Instructional staff will demonstrate fluency in the use of digital resources to locate and critically
analyze, evaluate, organize, and synthesize information
4. Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership
Instructional staff improve their professional practice, model lifelong learning, and exhibit
leadership in their school and professional community by promoting and demonstrating the
effective use of digital tools
5. Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning
Instructional staff will use their knowledge of subject matter, pedagogy, and technology to facilitate
experiences that advance student learning, creativity, and innovation
Mission Statement
The Watertown City School District is dedicated to educational excellence which provides everyone with
opportunities to realize maximum potential for personal growth and social responsibility, enabling each to
meet the challenges of the future.
Realization of the mission demands that the school prepares students to function in a world in which
technology plays an increasingly vital role in post-secondary education, in the workplace, and in everyday
living. Technology literacy no longer ranks below the ability to read, write, and compute; it complements
all of them.
Education that integrates the use of technology must provide students with the knowledge and skills to
access and process information from a multiplicity of sources and to apply that information to the solution
of real life problems. It must be viewed as a tool for communication and creativity through the use of
language, symbols, and sounds. Technology is a tool to compliment, enhance, and supplement instruction.
The definition of technology should not be limited to the use of computers; it must encompass the use of
multimedia, distance learning, and appropriate use of the Internet. As students become adept in the
application of technology, they need to be aware of the positive and negative impact on society.
Demographics
Watertown City School District is located in Watertown, New York. There is a total of 3,946 students
enrolled in the school district. 73.4 percent of the students are white, 9.2 percent of the students are
Hispanic, 8.7 of the students are African American, 6.1 percent of the students are Multiracial, 2.1 percent
of the students are Asian, and 0.4 percent of the students are Native American. 63 percent of the students
are economically disadvantaged and 20 percent of the students have disabilities. More information may be
found in the District’s annual report at https://data.nysed.gov/profile.php?instid=800000051181
Committee Membership
The district-wide Technology Committee and sub-committees are comprised of classroom teachers,
administrators, parents, and technology support personnel from all buildings and levels. The purpose of
these committees is to develop the multi-year technology plan, inclusive of telecommunications, hardware,
software, staff development, and other initiatives as they arise. This committee and sub-committee meets
throughout the year and provides needs assessment data that is used in the decision-making process.
Members of these committees use written surveys to gather information from their colleagues in their
buildings regarding usage including successes and problems as technology use relates to instruction. This
information is then used by the Assistant Superintendent for Instruction in writing grants, providing reports
to the Board of Education, and working with administrators and teachers to set goals.
One of the responsibilities of the committee is to seek and develop proposals from their buildings for
hardware or software that support the goals of the district and our instructional program. These proposals
are reviewed and accepted, modified, differed, or rejected based on committee action.
The technology Integration Specialist and The Assistant Superintendent for Instruction collaboratively
identify needs and promote staff development programs to support technology integration for the purpose
of increasing student achievement.
General Introduction
The district has been working on developing an updated technology plan over the past year. The plan will
state the short term and long term goals. The committee is hopeful in obtaining wireless for every building
in the district and updating devices. There are eight schools in the district with almost 4000 students. The
goals of the technology committee conclude that there is not enough support for staff members and
students with using technology. Therefore, the technology committee has planned for more professional
development opportunities for staff and more classes devoted to teaching students about technology.
The committee has planned that some of the major goals addressed within the next year. For example, the
committee would like to see Wireless Internet for all the school buildings for the 2017-2018 school year.
The committee is dedicated to helping staff understand how to use technology as a guide so all teachers
can implement it into their daily lessons.
Data Collection, Analysis, and Reporting
The Watertown City School District has a comprehensive and ongoing system that includes formal and
informal methods for determining educators’ needs in the area of telecommunication services, hardware,
software, and other services needed to improve education through the use of technology integration.
Interview Analysis Data
The Watertown City School District has a comprehensive and ongoing system that includes formal and
informal methods for determining educators’ needs in the area of telecommunication services, hardware,
software, and other services needed to improve education through the use of technology integration.
The experience with technology seems to be a major component as to why teachers use technology or do
not use technology in the classroom. In both situations, technology is not fitting the needs of what the
teachers want. For example, the lack of Wi-Fi, laptops, and how slow the connection can be hinder
teachers from using technology.
Appendix A displays that even though professional development is available, both teachers seemed
uninterested in attending. One because they feel their technology use is advanced and often feel bored at
trainings. Then, the other felt they did not have a general understanding of technology and would not
understand the training. Therefore, schools should have different classes for different needs. Not every
teacher will need to review the basics and some teachers will want to have more advanced trainings. It
seems that the school needs to focus on introducing more tools and programs to teachers to help them
understand what is available for technology.
The aspirations and goals listed will fix these problems.
Plan Preparations
The following section represents the heartfelt aspirations of the members of the Watertown City School
District technology committee and a series of goals that flow from them.
Aspiration I: Provide access to essential tools and supports for NYS curriculum and workforce skill
development that equip faculty and staff to diagnose, direct, and facilitate student learning
Goals:
Increase professional development opportunities
Provide additional support for technology implementation
Increase access to online resources
Increase assess to devices and equipment (tablets, laptops, robotics equipment, 3D printers,
interactive flat screens, etc.)
Provide access to Google Apps, Educational Apps, News Networks, BBC, Ted Ed.
Provide keyboarding practice and technology classes for students
Action Steps and Timeline
Increase professional development for staff (2016-2017)
Increase access to online resources and equipment (2017-2018)
Create keyboarding class for students (2017-2018)
Aspiration II: Provide students with resources and skills to be responsible users of technology
Goals:
Provide 1:1 devices and support staff to support these devices
Improve access to websites that support student learning. Access is currently limited due to
filtering, costs of these resources, low quantities of equipment, and limited bandwidth
Include Internet Safety instruction as part of technology projects and assignments
Action Steps and Timeline
Every classroom must have a 1:1 device for all students (2019-2020)
Aspiration III: Provide access to current technologies and wireless technologies
Goals:
Provide more and updated equipment
Increase bandwidth
Improve network infrastructure to include wireless access district-wide
Provide students with the technology required to support college and career readiness
Action Steps and Timeline
Update equipment for all staff (2018-2020)
Must have wireless access by 2017
Aspiration IV: Encourage local, regional, and global communication and collaboration skills
Goals:
Encourage the use of communication technology to support learning and district operations
Engage in distance learning, collaboration, and sharing, using a variety of online learning
tools
Encourage the use of a variety of devices and environments
Action Steps and Timeline
Provide and support devices and PD specifically relating to those devices (2018-2020)
Critical Issues
There are a few critical issues to consider when considering when and how to implement the aspirations
and goals of the Watertown District Technology committee.
Equipment
The Watertown City School District has a comprehensive and on-going system that includes formal and
informal methods for evaluating the areas of telecommunications services, hardware, software and other
services needed to improve education through the use of technology integration.
The district-wide Technology Plan includes goals for the acquisition, implementation and use of specific
hardware, software, telecommunications and staff development on a year-by-year basis. The district-wide
Technology Committee and sub-committees, as outlined under the needs assessment, are instrumental in
evaluating progress in meeting the goals of the Plan. The committee members are responsible for gathering
and analyzing evaluation data for their grade level strand of the plan. All information is then shared among
committee members for the purpose of revising the plan.
Hardware
The evaluation of the district hardware is done to determine appropriateness for the need and use, for
obsolescence and for dependability. The technician, computer proctors, network coordinator and classroom
users complete hardware evaluations. Informal evaluation occurs through conversations between the
technician, computer proctors, classroom users and network coordinator. Formal evaluation occurs on an
as needed basis and is usually conducted using surveys administered by the district-wide Technology
Committee.
The special education staff is also involved in evaluating hardware from the perspective of assisting
students with disabilities in having a successful school experience. This evaluation is conducted in
conjunction with their bi-monthly meetings with the Committee on Special Education chair.
The functionality of hardware is evaluated with support through the Model Schools Program and Madison
Oneida Regional Information Center (MORIC).
Software
The district uses two different systems to evaluate new and existing software. Teachers or administrators
may request software samples on a preview basis to determine quality, usefulness and application in the
appropriate setting. The district also encourages pilots of software to gather specific usage information.
The district also participates in the Model Schools Curriculum Committees in the areas of math/science/
technology, social studies/English, interdisciplinary elementary, health/physical education, special
education, art and music. One of the purposes of these committees is to preview and evaluate software for
potential use within the district.
The special education staff is also involved in evaluating software from the perspective of assisting
students with disabilities in having a successful school experience. This evaluation is conducted in
conjunction with their bi-monthly meetings with the Committee on Special Education chair.
Current Staffing and Support Numbers
Watertown City Schools currently employs three full-time and one MORIC full-time equivalent staff to
service:
710 computing devices that are less than five years old
287 document cameras
351 interactive whiteboards
64 multifunction printers
531 printers
362 projectors
171 scanners
870 iPads
Watertown City Schools currently employs one technology integration specialist to serve:
400 + instructional staff that serve roughly 4000 students
Each classroom teacher should have the following: one desktop computer for the teacher, a projector,
printer, interactive whiteboard, and document camera. The committee would like to work on making sure
every classroom teacher has these materials and to include either a set of laptops or iPads for every
classroom.
Implementation
To implement the goals, the technology coordinator will be responsible for addressing what needs to be
updated and purchased. The coordinator will also work with the equipment staff and administrators to
install the equipment. The coordinator will also survey the staff to see what programs and applications they
would like to learn more about and begin planning for new professional development trainings.
Professional Development
The Watertown City School District with Model Schools support is committed to providing training to all
staff members. The goal of the training is to help each staff member become competent in using
technology to help teach the regular curriculum. Technology is not meant to be “another item” to teach but
rather an aid in teaching all areas of the curriculum.
On-line courses and workshops are providing another avenue for teachers to use to attain knowledge and
practice skills. Opportunities are offered through Model Schools.
The district encourages participation in the Model Schools curriculum committees. These subject-specific
committees meet three times during the year with membership from the component districts in the
Jefferson-Lewis BOCES. The purpose is to develop instructional materials that integrate technology with
the N.Y.S. Learning Standards.
The district continues to support the position of Technology Integration Specialist. The purpose of this
position is to provide individual and group in-service to staff members and to work with the staff on the
design and use of lessons that integrate technology with the N.Y.S. Learning Standards.
Legal Aspects
ACCEPTABLE USE REGULATION (AUR)
(Students)
The Watertown City School district offers access to electronic resources through the district computer
network for instructional use. To gain access to the Internet, all students must obtain parental permission
and must sign and return the student authorization form to the school office. The District will make a
reasonable attempt to prevent inappropriate use of electronic resources, but ultimately the responsibility
lies with the user. While our intent is to make Internet access available to enhance learning, students may
have access to other non-instructional materials. We believe that the benefits from access to the Internet, in
the form of information resources and opportunities for collaboration, exceed possible disadvantages. This
educational opportunity entails responsibility, and it is important that students and parents/guardians read
and understand the following guidelines. The use of the Internet and other electronic resources is a
privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in the cancellation of that privilege. When access to
the Internet is granted, it is extremely important that rules be followed. Misbehavior could result in
temporary or permanent loss of access to the Internet. Violations may result in disciplinary action up to and
including suspension/expulsion. When applicable, law enforcement agencies may be involved. The Board
of Education does not sanction any use of the Internet that is not authorized by or conducted strictly in
compliance with this policy. Anyone who disregards the District's Acceptable Use Policy may have their
user privileges suspended or revoked. Users granted access through the Watertown City School District
assume personal responsibility and liability, both civil and criminal, for uses of the Internet not authorized
by District policy. Student Responsibilities:
1. It is important that parents and students read the Watertown City School District Acceptable Use Policy
and discuss these requirements together.
2. Students are responsible for good behavior on school computer networks. General school rules for
behavior and communications apply.
3. Access to network services is provided to students who agree to act in a considerate and responsible
manner. The computer network is provided for students to conduct research and limited communication
with others. Your child will have access to software applications, databases, libraries and computer
services from all over the world through the Internet.
4. Individual users of the district computer networks are responsible for their behavior and communications
over those networks. Communications on the network are often public in nature. It is presumed that users
will comply with district standards and will honor the agreement they and their parent/guardian have
signed.
5. Watertown City School District reserves the right to review, monitor and restrict information stored on
or transmitted via Watertown City School District owned or leased equipment and to investigate suspected
inappropriate use of resources. Users should not expect that files stored on district servers will be private.
Network administrators may review files and communications to maintain system integrity and insure that
users are using the system responsibly. Messages related to or in support of illegal activities may be
reported to authorities.
6. During school, staff will guide students toward appropriate materials. Outside school, families bear
responsibility for guidance on the internet just as they do with information sources such as television,
telephones, movies, radio and other potentially offensive media will not hold Watertown City School
District or BOCES responsible for materials acquired on the network.
ACCEPTABLE USE REGULATION (AUR)
(EMPLOYEES)
The Watertown City School District offers access to electronic resources through the district computer
network for instructional use. The District will make a reasonable attempt to prevent inappropriate use of
electronic resources, but ultimately the responsibility lies with the user.
While our intent is to make Internet access available to enhance learning, employees may have access to
other non-instructional materials. We believe that the benefits from access to the Internet, in the form of
information resources and opportunities for collaboration, exceed possible disadvantages.
When access to the Internet is granted, it is extremely important that rules be followed. Violations may
result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. When applicable, law
enforcement agencies may be involved.
The Board of Education does not sanction any use of the Internet that is not authorized by or conducted
strictly in compliance with this Regulation. Users who disregard the District's Acceptable Use Regulation
may have their user privileges suspended or revoked. Users granted access through the Watertown City
School District assume personal responsibility and liability, both civil and criminal, for uses of the Internet
not authorized by District policy.
Employee Responsibilities
It is important that employees read and understand the following guidelines. The use of the Internet and
other telecommunication networks is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use may result in
cancellation of those privileges. Employees who are granted access must remember that they represent the
Watertown City School District and must respect the rights of others, protect the integrity of the
information technology, and observe all relevant laws, regulations, and contracts including software
licensing agreements and copyright laws.
The Watertown City School District reserves the right to review, monitor, and restrict information stored
on or transmitted via Watertown City School District owned or leased equipment and to investigate
suspected inappropriate use of resources. Users should not expect that files stored on district servers will be
private. Network administrators may review files and communications to maintain system integrity and
insure that users are using the system responsibly. Messages related to or in support of illegal activities
may be reported to authorities.
Electronic Use Guidelines
I. WatertownCitySchool district offers access to electronic resources through the district computer
network for instructional use. The District will make a reasonable attempt to prevent inappropriate use of
electronic resources, but ultimately the responsibility lies with the user.
II. While our intent is to make Internet access available to enhance learning, employees may have access
to other non-instructional materials. We believe that the benefits from access to the Internet, in the form of
information resources and opportunities for collaboration, exceed possible disadvantages,
III. When access to the Internet is granted, it is extremely important that rules be followed. Violations may
result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. When applicable, law
enforcement agencies may be involved.
IV. The Board of Education does not sanction any use of the Internet that is not authorized by or conducted
strictly in compliance with thisPolicy. Users who disregard the District's Acceptable Usepolicy may have
their user privileges suspended or revoked. Users granted access through the WatertownCitySchool District
assume personal responsibility and liability, both civil and criminal, for uses of the Internet not authorized
by District policy.
(Cited from Watertown City School District Technology Plan 2014)
Evaluation
To ensure the changes to the Watertown City School District are making a positive impact on students and
teachers, the evaluation committee has come up with a specific evaluation plan. The purpose of the
evaluation plan is to ensure the goals are being met by both teachers and students and to understand what
changes still need to be made.
The timeline for the evaluation will take place on every last Monday of the month for the school year.
Members of the evaluation plan will provide surveys for twenty staff members in grades K-12 and thirty
students in grades 5-12. The committee will randomly select the staff members and students every month.
The random people selected will fill out a short survey about the technology being used in their
classrooms. Appendix B shows the type of questions that will be asked. Students will be asked to fill out
their surveys during a learning lab, or their lunch period. The Watertown committee has decided to survey
teachers and students once a month because it will give teachers more time to implement new ideas based
on their new technology professional development and allow students to test and reflect upon the new
changes.
Also, after every new technology professional development the teachers attend, they will be required to
submit an evaluation of the training on mylearningplan.com. This will help the technology committee
know what trainings teachers need more of and how the trainings are effecting the teachers.
The evaluation committee will also interview three staff members at the end of every month. The staff
members will be selected at random. If a staff member is unable or does not want to be interviewed the
committee will choose another staff member. The committee will ask specific questions about if they have
seen a change in what technology is available, if the wireless access has made a difference, what changes
do they see in the classroom, and if they notice a difference in student learning or behavior.
The evaluation committee wants to express the importance of reaching as many students and staff members
as possible to help understand how the technology changes are helping or hindering student learning.
Evaluation Committee
Abigail Smith Chad Green Rick Morris
Nicole Heath Suzanne Wood Dee Shear
Andrea Garrabrant Logan Whitmore Samantha Gifford
Brian Shepherd Elizabeth Stephens Gregory Flick
17
Bibliography
Watertown City School District Technology Plan 2014
Appendix A
Question: How comfortable do you feel using technology in the classroom?
Answer Responses Share
very comfortable 5 5/16 = 31.3%
somewhat comfortable 7 7/16= 43.8%
not comfortable 4 4/16=25%
Question: Identify the current software you currently use in teaching.
Answer Responses Share
Email 13 13/16=81%
Microsoft Word 11 11/16=68.8%
Microsoft Excel 0 0/16=0%
PowerPoint 11 11/16=68.8%
WebQuests 1 1/16=6.3%
Social Network 1 1/16=6.3%
Google Docs 0 0/16=0%
Google Map 0 0/16=0%
Wikis 0 0/16=0%
Podcasts 1 1/16=6.3%
Question: Is the technology in your classroom meeting your needs?
Answer Responses Share
18
I am happy with the current
technology in place.
7 7/16=43.8%
Technology is in place but
working slow.
7 7/16=43.8%
Technology is not adequately
available or reliable.
2 2/16=12.5%
Question: Please rate yourself on your use of technology in the classroom.
Answer Responses Share
I am very comfortable using
technology tools and my
students know how to use
them as well.
0 0/16=0%
I am comfortable using
technology tools in my
classroom. I occasionally
teach students how to use
them.
3/16 3/16=18.8%
I can use several Microsoft
Office programs. I do not
teach students how to use
them.
4/16 4/16=25%
I have a basic understanding
of technology tools. I use the
computer mostly to access
email and online grading.
6/16 6/16=37.5%
I do not use technology often. 3/16 3/16=18.8%
Question: Are you able to use a computer lab or the library when you need to?
Answer Responses Share
Yes 11 11/15=73.3%
No 4 4/15=26.7%
19
Question: How often do you integrate technology into your classroom instruction?
Answer Responses Share
Daily 0 0/16=16%
1-2 times a week 2 2/16=12.5%
1-2 times a month 8 8/16=50%
Never 6 6/16=37.5%
Question: Do you feel there is enough professional development on technology?
Answer Responses Share
Yes 9 9/16=53.6%
No 7 43.8%
Question: What educational technology tool would you be most interested learning about?
Answer Responses Share
Blogs 6 6/16=37.5
Microsoft Office 4 4/16=25%
Google Docs 1 1/16=6.3%
Wikis 1 1/16=6.3%
Podcasting 2 2/16=12.5%
Email 1 1/16=6.3%
Other 1 1/16=6.3%
Question: Please describe any concerns you have with using technology in your classroom.
Overall concerns dealt with lack of time, resources, knowledge, and training.
Interviews
20
Transcript with a 10th grade English teacher
1. How would you describe your experience with using technology in your work environment?
Response: I believe I have a great experience with technology. I try to use technology often but
feel there is a lack of support in my department which often makes me feel like I should not use
technology.
2. What technology are you most familiar with using in the work environment?
Response: SMARTBoard, computer, Microsoft Office, Canvas.
3. Is technology easily available to you?
Response: No, there is not enough technology available for teachers to use in their classrooms.
-Can you elaborate more?
-If I want to use laptops, it’s very hard to sign them out if it’s a day before or even week before.
The computers in the labs are extremely slow as well.
4. Do you agree that the lack of Wi-Fi in our school hinders teachers from using technology in
the classroom?
Response: I do not mind the lack of Wi-Fi. It keeps students off their phones because they have
no data.
5. Do you agree or disagree that technology training and technology professional development is
available?
Response: I think it’s available but I never really check “my learning plan” for it. I don’t want to
sound conceited but I do not think I need the training. All of the training seems to be too basic. I
went to a training last year for Microsoft Word and I did not benefit from the training.
6. What type of technology training would you benefit from the most?
Response: I would like mandatory training for Canvas for all teachers. We just adopted Canvas
and only three teachers are using it. That is truly a shame.
7. What are the advantages to using technology in your work environment?
Response: Staying connected with kids and having the students have all of their work in one
place.
8. What are the disadvantages to using technology in your work environment?
Response: Keeping students safe and teaching digital citizenship. Also, not all students will be
able to access the technology at home because of the lack of resources they have.
9. Do you plan to attend technology trainings this year?
Response: I want to and should on Canvas but sometimes I just don’t feel like I need to.
21
10. How do you plan to use technology this year?
Response: I will be using Canvas. On Canvas, students will be required to turn in work, have
discussions, and access homework online. I want to incorporate other forms of technology as
well like using blogs or creating Wikis. Unfortunately, I do not feel like I have the support from
my department to be doing these things.
Transcript with a 9th grade science teacher
1. How would you describe your experience with using technology in your work environment?
Response: I do not have a lot of experience. I use the computer to input grades, take attendance,
and email. I use the SMARTboard to project notes and that is probably all I am comfortable
doing.
2. What technology are you most familiar with using in the work environment?
Response: Basically, everything I just said- email, SMARTboard, Microsoft Word. I will say that
I have a very limited knowledge of all of these tools.
3. Is technology easily available to you?
Response: Yes. I have all that I need.
-What is all that you need?
Well, the basics. Nothing too fancy but enough to make sure students can utilize it when they
need to.
4. Do you agree that the lack of Wi-Fi in our school hinders teachers from using technology in
the classroom?
Response: Yes. I would like my students to use laptops or even their phones in some situations.
However, it’s hard to ask students to do that when there is no Wi-Fi.
5. Do you agree or disagree that technology training and technology professional development is
available?
Response: I agree with that. I know there are many trainings offered by Diane (technology
coordinator) but I do not attend them.
-Do you mind me asking me why you do not attend?
Response: Sometimes it’s simply because I do not have enough time. Also, in order for me to use
technology, I would need very basic training. I’m not sure the developments are geared to people
like me.
6. What type of technology training would you benefit from the most?
Response: Any. But like I said, it needs to be basic.
22
7. What are the advantages to using technology in your work environment?
Response: Advantages would be that students can access material for class at home.
8. What are the disadvantages to using technology in your work environment?
Response: Things can easily go wrong with technology. Also, I do not know how to use it well
enough to teach students how to use it.
9. Do you plan to attend technology trainings this year?
Response: Honestly, I don’t think I will. I’ve been teaching for 20 years without using
technology. My kids always seem to be fine without it.
10. How do you plan to use technology this year?
Response: I will continue to use the SMARTboard and I will try to incorporate other activities as
well. I do show my students videos on different topics as well.
Appendix B
Interview Questions for Staff Members
1. Have you noticed or taken advantage of any changes to your access of technology tools and
support?
2. Has the current update in Wireless access helped or hindered your experience inside or outside
of the classroom? Why?
3. How have you used technology to increase communication skills? If you have not used the
technology explain why.
4. What technology would you like access to? What could be done better?
5. With the trainings and technology available, do you plan to use more technology in the
classroom or outside of the classroom?
6. Are you happy with the current technologies available? Is the impact being felt by you and
your students?
Interview Classes for Students (Grades 4-12)
1. How frequently do you use technology in your classes?
23
2. Do you feel the new technology and keyboarding class at the high school should be mandatory
for all students? Why?
3. Do you feel the technology used is enough in your classes?
4. How would you describe your comfort in using technology? Do you think teachers should
provide more access to technology in their lessons? Why?
