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What is the "Smart Classroom" project and how did this come about?
The passage of the technology bond in February 2005 was essential to the goals of the Technology Plan and of the District as a whole. The community support of the recent bond proposal has allowed the District to design the future of educational technology at Mona Shores for the next 3 to 5 years and beyond.
In Year Two, 2006-2007, one of the more exciting projects included in the bond is the implementation of "Smart Classrooms" in every one of the District's classrooms, 211 classrooms in all! In Year One, 2005-2006, the District has created a model classroom in each of the six school buildings hence the realization of the "Smart Classroom" project.
One important issue for all schools is that technology is changing at a rate too fast to keep up with. Schools struggle to find the funds to deal with computers that go out of date every two or three years. In partnership with various educational technology vendors, Mona Shores Public Schools plans to develop a 21st Century "Smart Classroom" that uses a realistic approach to selecting sustainable technology solutions that yield big results. The "Smart Classroom" has the possibilities of dramatically improving the instructional delivery process and engaging the student in their learning experience.
What do you mean by "yield big results?"
Technology is only a wise investment if it changes something about the way students learn, opens new doors and possibilities, or helps engage them in their learning experiences. We get excited when we see students engaged in research projects, visual learning, collaborative groups, authentic learning projects, problem-solving and dynamic discussions. If technology is used to help make those effective classroom practices happen, then technology is being used well. Keep in mind, we can have all of these wonderful technologies but at the heart of it all is an effective classroom teacher!
What is the purpose of setting up a "Smart Classroom" model?
The purpose of developing this model is to observe and document the kinds of changes that are possible when technology tools are employed to enhance the learning experiences of the students. Objectives:
What research will be used as a basis for the "Smart Classroom" Project?
Researchers at Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning (MCREL) have conducted a meta-analysis of the research on instructional strategies used in K-12 classrooms. In the book entitled "Classroom Instruction That Works" (2001), Robert Marzano, Debra Pickering and Jane Pollock identify the nine instructional strategies that have a strong effect on student achievement. This research project, along with these nine strategies, will serve as the "anchor-point" for implementing "Smart Classrooms" in the school district.
Who was involved at Mona Shores developing the pilot model?
Six K-12 classroom teachers were selected to develop a replicable classroom model of technology integration that is sustainable and that supports research-based instructional strategies through the careful selection of technology tools, the provision of technology-related professional development, and through ongoing support and collaboration.
The six teachers who participated in this project include:
What equipment/systems will be placed in all 211 classrooms?
Each participating teacher will have the following technology solutions implemented in their classroom:
What was the project timeline?
What was the cost of the project?
What vendor was selected for the project implementation?
Central InterConnect was the main vendor but many other vendors were involved in the installation.
Central InterConnect, Inc 1425 Coit Avenue NE Grand Rapids, MI 49505 (616) 458-2999 Project Manager: Greg Whelage
What professional development was provided for teachers?
Objectives:
Training will be provided in various formats to meet the needs of teachers. Such formats may include, face-to-face workshops, summer tech camps, and blended learning.
Additional supporting documents or websites:Marzano - "What Works in Schools" Findings from the research on the effect of individual teachers Advancing the science of classroom instruction: http://www.mcrel.org/topics/topics.asp?topicsid=6 Classroom Instruction That Works (Nine strategies again, with examples): Technology that Supports Instructional Strategies http://www.bville.org/techweb/citw/I4tech.htm http://www.sabine.k12.la.us/vrschool/intwebcl.htm http://www.ncrel.org/mands/docs/8-3.htm http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/content/cntareas/reading/li300.htm
Who can I contact for further information?Lane White Jr., Director of Technology Mona Shores Public Schools 3374 McCracken Street Muskegon, MI 49441 Phone: 231.780.4751 Ext. 8234 E-Mail: lwhite@monashores.net
References:Marzano, R., Pickering, D., & Pollock, J. (2001). Classroom Instruction that Works. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. Marzano, Norford, Paynter, Pickering, Gaddy. (2001). A Handbook for Classroom Instruction that Works. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. Tschirgi, Debbie, Director of Educational Technology Programs, Educational Service District 112, Vancouver, WA
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