5306Werkheiser-Chapter 1

In reading about the classroom described on pages 25-30 at the end of chapter 1, I couldn’t help, but think of how it compared to the technology in my district. Ridgedale High School uses technology in many different aspects of their daily activities. Several different people associated with the school were able to utilize technology to make their jobs easier and more efficient. At Port Neches High School, the principal as well as many other teachers and paraprofessionals are accessible via e-mail. I collaborate with many teachers in my department using e-mail on a daily basis. All teachers use a software program called Skyward to check attendance each class period and the attendance clerks will also use the software to monitor student attendance patterns and take appropriate action. We have three computer labs with thirty computers as well as a mobile lab for teachers to use for student projects. The computer labs are located so that all teachers have access. The mobile lab is available for check-out thru the library and provides teachers the opportunity to allow students to learn using mobile technology. Every classroom is equipped with at least one internet ready computer for teacher use. Our technology coordinator for the district constantly inform the teachers in our district about new and changing technology by sending a technology newsletter via e-mail every month. In the science department we have two interactive white boards and two Activboards. We definitely need a projector in every classroom with a type of interactive hardware for students to utilize on a frequent basis. This year, we will be offering parents more access than they usually have with just the school website and weekly bulletin access. Every teacher is required to have a website this year so parents will be able to interact more frequently with all teachers. The district is using School Fusion as well as offer parent interactive access to their child’s information and grades using parent access thru Skyward. I would absolutely love to find a way to involve the community the way Ridgedale High School did in the example. I would also like to have a media center as Ridgedale does so students and possibly parents could have access to technology.