Saban School District Technology Team
Technology Proposal A PROPOSAL TO: SABAN SCHOOL DISTRICT October 3, 2013
MODULE 5
CAT 531 Fall 2013 The University of Alabama
Proposal Overview
The Saban School District needs to upgrade the instructional technology tools being used in the classrooms throughout the district in order to meet the diverse needs of the 21st century learner. Our proposal for this upgrade includes numerous interactive, display, and assistive technologies. We have attempted to address mobile and portability needs along with the needs of our traditional classrooms.
Our Proposed Tools
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Technology Tool
Category
iPads in the Classroom Class Dojo Evernote Peek SMART Board Classroom Response System SMART Table Clear Touch Interactive Display Elmo Document Camera WordTalk Super Nova Access Suite
Interactive/Assistive Assistive Interactive Interactive/Display Interactive/Assistive Assistive/Interactive Interactive/Display Display Assistive Assistive
All images used in this proposal were obtained from the promotional resources of vendor websites, open source images from Pixabay, or our personal image collections.
Saban School District Technology Team Meggin Mayben
mmayben9@gmail.com
Clare Blackwell
clarefblackwell@gmail.com
Eboney Lewis
lewis.eboney@gmail.com
Michella Shaw
mdshaw2@crimson.ua.edu
Technology Tool #1 iPads in the Classroom
Brief Description
The iPad is an assistive tool that can be used by students of all developmental levels, and can engage students with special needs. It is appropriate for both classroom instruction and independent use.
Vendor/ Contact Info
Apple: Education Representative 1-800-800-2775 www.apple.com/education/labs
Cost
$499-$7000+
System Requirements
Wireless connection or data plan
Limitations
• •
cost may not be realistic for all districts policy must be in place to protect against damage or liability
Advantages
• • •
thousands of educational apps and games available for download multi-purpose tool easy to use with no prior technology experience required
The iPad has many useful functions and educators across the globe are beginning to embrace this assistive tool as a resource for creating content, collaborating, providing real-time instruction and further engaging students through interactive apps and games. The iPad is a user-friendly tool that does not require previous technological experience to operate, which makes it ideal for both instructors and students of various grade levels. Apple manufactures the iPad and provides teachers, schools and districts with Apple Education Representatives authorized to sell and configure iPad usage dependent on individual classroom needs. To learn more about how to obtain iPads specifically for use, teachers and administrators can receive more information by visiting www.apple.com/education/labs or by calling 1-800-800-2775 and speaking with an Education Representative. The cost of this tool varies, as single iPads can start at $499, while a mobile cart equipped with enough iPads for an entire class of students can reach costs upward of $7000. Apple recommends classrooms should be equipped with wireless internet for maximum functionality before iPad implementation. Additionally, teachers and administrators can review more information about what classroom iPads can do to serve district and individual needs by downloading a free guide at www.apple.com/education/resources. One distinct limitation of the iPad is the cost may not be feasible for every district, and the tablets are expensive to replace (once a purchased AppleCare warranty expires). Also, the district or school should have a policy in place to specify who are allowed to use the iPads both in and out of the classroom to protect against potential liability issues. However, with a wealth of apps (many of which are free) at instructors’ and students’ disposal in the App Store, these devices can serve multiple purposes, empowering students in every subject. They can be used as readers, textbooks, collaboration tools, language labs, and math aides- the possibilities are essentially endless, and extensive lists of iPad classroom-friendly apps and uses can be found on Kathy Schrock’s guide at http://www.schrockguide.net/ipads-in-the-classroom.html. Also, the iPad can be a very helpful tool for special needs students; specifically, children with Autism Spectrum Disorder can benefit from the use of apps such as Proloquo2Go, which enables people to communicate via touch icons that convert to speech. A wonderful testimonial of this tool in action can be found at http://www.assistiveware.com/its-all-there-ruby-proloquo2gousing-new-rosie-voice which is a video highlighting Ruby, a six-year old public school student who has Autism and a speech disorder, which makes it very difficult for her to communicate and display basic social skills. Ruby uses her iPad and Proloquo2Go to communicate her needs and desires with her teacher, as well as recognize other classmates and practice activities such as sharing. Clearly the iPad has the capability to serve as a helpful tool for students of any developmental level and can help expand communication skills. Despite the high cost, the iPad is recommended to augment the overall learning experience for both teachers and students. If a school district is able to afford this technology, they should contact Apple to configure custom configurations that can further serve their educational needs and objectives.
Technology Tool #2 Class Dojo
Brief Description
Behavior management software/downloadable app which allows teachers to call attention to positive/negative student behavior in real time without disrupting class flow. Data on each student can be saved to create reports for sharing with parents and administrators.
Vendor/ Contact Info
Class Dojo www.classdojo.com
Cost
free
System Requirements
internet connection
Limitations
• •
unable to share classrooms with other teachers not conducive to classrooms without web capabilities
Advantages
• •
customizable behaviors and incentives can generate reports to share privately with parents
Class Dojo is a classroom behavior management software that can be used on PC or Mac systems as well as interactive whiteboards and mobile devices such as iPad or smartphone. This application allows teachers to engage students in real-time and provides incentive for positive behavior, as well as assigning “negative” points for undesired behaviors. Class Dojo aims to create a more positive learning environment by reducing the number of behavioral distractions that teachers must continuously address in order to keep a harmonious classroom running. For example, if a teacher is running the software from the computer to a projector on screen, students can see what behaviors the teacher is marking as “positive” or “negative” in real-time without the teacher needing to verbally address the class. The creators of Class Dojo believe this form of management can allow teachers to spend more time teaching, and less time correcting. Class Dojo is currently completely free and can be downloaded to any device via their website, www.classdojo.com. The benefits of using Class Dojo include being able to create data on individual student behavior and share it in real time (which creators believe induces enhanced intrinsic motivation in students) as well as keeping a record of both positive and negative behaviors that can be emailed to parents on a weekly basis. Another positive is the individual student reports can be kept private between the instructor and parent. Class Dojo is also very customizable, allowing instructors to specify exact behaviors they want to track. For example, a positive points icon could be installed for “turning in homework on time”, while a negative points icon could be installed for “talked without being called on”. One current drawback of the software is that teachers cannot add additional administrator accounts to a class they’ve already created. So, if they wanted to add a teacher’s aide to their Class Dojo classroom, they would need to share their username and password with them, instead of being able to create a separate account with the same student credentials and data accumulation. Also, Class Dojo requires an internet or mobile connection to run, which would not be conducive to classrooms that are not webcapable. This tool would be helpful to reinforce the classroom behavior policies established for any school district. Creating a teacher account is done by entering the instructor’s email address and creating a password; setting up the virtual classroom is a simple process that takes less than ten minutes. After assigning an avatar to each student in the class, the instructor is literally ready to use the software while providing instruction. It’s a very intuitive and easy-to-use tool that fosters positive buy-in for students of various grade levels. This software was especially useful to me and the rest of the coaching staff for the Alabama Forensic Council; we manage 28 students and at the beginning of the competitive season it’s hard to track who is doing their fair share of work, versus who might be skipping coach sessions or otherwise flying under the radar. Class Dojo was implemented to track coaching sessions, performance improvement, and tournament placements, which greatly helped our staff stay organized and our students stay motivated.
Technology Tool #3 Evernote Peek
Brief Description
Evernote Peek is a “Smart Cover Learning Device” that can turn student notes into flashcards and study games.
Vendor/ Contact Info
Evernote https://evernote.com/peek/
Cost
free
System Requirements
iPad; wireless internet or data plan
Limitations
• •
only designed for iPad use not necessarily teacher-led activity
Advantages
• • •
access to professionally generated academic content portable reinforces positive study habits
Evernote Peek is an app/ Web 2.0 tool created by the developers of Evernote, which is a service for saving notes and web clippings into a central location. Although a web-version of Evernote is available to use on public devices, it is recommended that users install the software (or mobile app) to their own personal computers. Evernote allows users to create an account with their email address, which is then used to sign into their personal collection of notes and web clippings. This tool is currently free for up to 2 MB of storage. Peek is the newest version of Evernote, which has been optimized for use on an iPad or other tablet device. Peek is the first “Smart Cover Learning Device”, which means the program responds to the opening and closing of the iPad smart cover to display flashcard-type questions and answers as a study tool. A student’s notes can be uploaded into the program, and the student can then highlight sections of notes they wish to turn into study questions. Peek also offers a wide range of educational content and questions available for download and transfer to study materials. Peek is available for download at https://evernote.com/peek. Evernote Peek is a useful study tool because it allows students to create study questions from their own notes as well as access professionally-generated content. Peek allows for all notes and “flashcards” to be completely paperless, which means students have less material to keep track of and can access their study guides at any time. The game-like nature of Peek is also engaging for students and reinforces skills in memory recall, language development, and organization. However, Peek must be used on a tablet, which may not be an affordable option for all students. If the student has access to a classroom-owned iPad, they could log into their Peek account to view their notes and study guides, but depending on district policy may not be able to take this information home with them. Also, a certain level of autonomy and maturity must be present in the student to use Peek as it is not necessarily an instructor-led tool (though an instructor could use Peek in the classroom to play study games with students such as “classroom Jeopardy”). Therefore, Peek may not be appropriate for all age levels. It is recommended that districts implement Peek by installing the mobile app to all class-owned mobile devices, as well as providing students with a link for personal device installation. This device would be helpful for reinforcing independent study habits for older students as well as engaging students in the classroom through gameplay. It would also be a useful tool for students to use in place of the conventional notebook due to its portable nature and ecofriendliness. Peek is a useful tool that fosters resourcefulness, skilled note-taking and improved retention of material, but may not be appropriate for all students or districts because it is currently limited to the iPad. Perhaps in the future, the Evernote team will develop a webbased version of this software to make it more accessible.
Technology Tool #4 SMART Board
Brief Description
Vendor/Contact Info
The SMART Board is an interactive whiteboard system series created by SMART Technologies. The SMART Board allows teachers and students to engage in hands-on learning with the touch of a finger. This technology also allows teachers to present digital information in a manner where students can physically participate in learning. • • •
Information Transport Solutions - Wetumpka, AL - (334) 567-6599 TekLinks Inc. - Birmingham, AL - (205) 314-6600 SMART Technologies - 1-800-452-4796
Cost
Prices vary upon specific SMART Board series. The range is from $900-$4500.
System Requirements
Windows, Mac, or Linux operating system
Limitations
Due to the interactive surface, writing on the Smart Board may become a hassle if one writes too fast on it, which causes the Smart Board to lag in displaying content and written material. The SMART Board may also serve as a glorified projector screen if proper training on best practices is not provided.
Advantages
There are many advantages using Smart Boards. Teachers can save lessons on it. Both teachers and students can use their fingers or pen to write in digital ink, erase, move objects and control applications. This technology can be used in the K-12 setting as well as higher education.
SMART Boards can be very helpful in the school district because it provides a more interactive mode of learning. With the Smart Board, students not only learn the content be become active participants in learning. In addition, this technology is not limited to a certain age level. Therefore, the youngest students can work on a Smart Board because using it is easy to learn. If students know how to operate and iPad, then they are capable of operating the Smart Board. Furthermore, the Smart Board can enhance teaching objectives because it provides different means of learning for various learners in the classroom. Visual learners, kinesthetic learners, and auditory learners can receive a more stimulating education if the SMART Board is implemented in the classroom. Even students with special needs can benefit from the Smart Board because of its easy to use and engaging features such as hands on learning and sound options. In order for teachers to properly implement the SMART Board, they must undergo training first. With training, teachers become the expert of this technology within the class in order to assist and teach students how to use it. After training, teachers use SMART Boards in their lessons as they teach a variety of subjects, including reading, math, science, and so forth. As teachers present new content and material to the class, the SMART Board provides the visual aids and assist teachers with teaching. Instead of having to go to a computer and pull up a PowerPoint, everything the teacher will need is right on the SMART Board since it also provides its own software which provides resources for teachers. In conclusion, I see how the SMART Boards give learning a whole new meaning since I work in a school system. The students are more engaged and are more eager to participate in lessons. SMART Boards also makes it easier and more accommodating for students with learning disabilities.
Technology Tool #5
Promethean ActivExpressions (Classroom Response System)
Brief Description
Promethean ActivExpressions are electronic devices that allow real-time, learner-responses instantly. They can be using to poll classrooms, build communication skills, and assess learning.
Vendor/ Contact Info
ProComputing 747 Port America Place Suite 200 Grapevine, TX 76051 866.720.7921
Cost
$2399.00 plus shipping for a set of 32
System Requirements
Windows XP or newer version ActivDriver Version 5.5 or later
Limitations
Since the latest upgrade to the ActivExpression, limitations are few. Through personal experience, students cannot go back and review answers once the last response is given. However, as long as they are working on other responses, they are able to navigate through the question sets.
Advantages
There are many advantages using CRS. The instructor is able to get instant feedback complete with a detailed report. Student engagement, attendance, and motivation increases.
Promethean’s ActivExpressions are real time, learner –response technology. They can be used every day in the classroom to poll students, assess students and give the teacher a better idea of what the students are thinking and actually retaining. This classroom response system motivates student learning and helps develop communication skills. Systems that incorporate this type of technology into their curriculum give students a new perspective in the classroom. They are able to take assessments and get immediate results showing what they have learned and what needs to work. One way the ActvExpressions have been used in a classroom is for assessment purposes. Students in Meggin Mayben’s eighth grade history class have been using them as an assessment tool for several years. The students look forward to receiving their grade quickly. They also complain when she brings out the “old fashioned” paper tests. Instead of going on with another lesson, if the students do not do well on the test, the teacher knows immediately and can adjust the course of instruction. As an assistive tool, the classroom response system can be a great tool for students with diverse needs. It is self-paced. Students can work as quickly or as slowly as they like. Some students with special needs have more success using technology than having to write physically. The classroom response system allows those students to feel included and successful. There are many different kinds of classroom response systems. Classrooms of any size or level would benefit from including these in their technology plan. They will help create a dynamic, interactive classroom with students actively engaged.
Technology Tool #6 SMART Table
Brief Description
The SMART Table is social, inclusive, captivating, and durable. It has more than 1500 activity packs for Pre-K through 3rd Grade.
Vendor/ Contact Info
Information Transport Solutions 335 Jeanette Barrett Industrial Blvd. Wetumpka, AL 36092 334.567.1993
Cost
$6412.00
System Requirements
NA
Limitations
• •
The activities are limited to a third grade level and below. The cost is high for a tool that can benefit a maximum of 8 users at a time.
Advantages
•
Enables students to collaborate, has 1500 ready-made activities, can be synced with the SMART board, great for special needs students, and wheelchair accessible.
The SMART Table is a great assistive tool to use in a special needs classroom as well as in elementary settings. This table is social, inclusive and captivating. It can engage up to eight students with over 1500 multi-touch activities. The primary content is for PreK through third grade. Its design allows for students to stand, sit, or even wheel up to it. The table is great for students with limited motor skills. Having a SMART Table in the classroom could be a very good addition to enhance instruction. The SMART Table inspires collaboration. Students working on the table with interact socially and as a team. It will encourage problem-solving and open the door for the development of communication skills. It also keeps students engaged. With the ready- made activities students have a plethora of learning at their fingertips. The main limitation with the SMART Table is its price. With the amount of $7,000, a classroom could be outfitted with at least 20 iPad minis. It also has had some issues with teachers having difficulty making their own activities. However, if the district can afford the SMART Table and there is a need for this type of assistive technology, it would definitely be a great tool to have for all students.
Technology Tool #7 Clear Touch 4070L
Brief Description
This 70 inch interactive display technology provides the functionality of an interactive whiteboard without the constraints of having to use a projector.
Vendor/ Contact Info
Encore Technology Group Administrative Offices: 900 East Main Street, Suite T Easley, SC 29640 (888) 983-6267 info@encoretg.com http://www.encoretg.com
Cost
$5200.00
System Requirements
Any computing device with a modern operating system (Windows, Mac, Linux, Google) with VGA or HDMI connection can be used.
Limitations
The initial cost of the Clear Touch or the larger 4080L is substantially more than an interactive whiteboard and projector package. However, the total cost of ownership may be less over time as there is no need to replace batteries, filters, or bulbs. The 70 inch 4070L may not be suitable for larger classrooms, which would create the need for the more expensive 80 inch 4080L.
Advantages
The Clear Touch 4070L is software independent so any interactive whiteboard software (SMART, Promethean, etc.) can be used with this display. The Clear Touch 4070L also eliminates the need for projectors and interactive whiteboards, which gives the advantage of space-saving and portability.
The Clear Touch interactive Display was designed for the educator. The display is bold with high definition in sizes of 60”, 70”, and 80”. There are 40 simultaneous touch points. It allows educators to take advantage of newer operating systems, such as Windows 8, but also allows for the use of Windows 7. There six points of touch that allows the teacher to take full advantage of features. The teacher can use almost any interactive software, such as Promethean or SMART. The teacher is also able to use the swipe feature which makes the display even more compatible with different software and websites. Comparing the Clear Touch interactive display to modern day projectors, the Clear Touch will outlast them. The projector gives an average life span of 6000 hours, including cleaning filters, changing bulbs, etc. The interactive display gives close to 100,000 hours of light. There is also no need for dimming lights because the display is bold and easy to read. Limitations with this technology include the cost and the fact that interactive whiteboards have been around for several years, but they are still considered new technology. Many schools are just now outfitting their classrooms with the interactive whiteboards. The Clear Touch and other space saving interactive technologies may have entered the market too late to make an impact. However, in the long run, this tool could be cost efficient and a better option for the teacher who needs a portable interactive solution.
Technology Tool #8 ELMO TT-12
Brief Description
The ELMO TT-12 is an interactive document camera that connects to the computer, projector, TV, or interactive whiteboard. It can take pictures as well as display saved documents in its USB port. The ELMO TT-12 can also be used in the K-12 setting and higher education.
Vendor/ Contact Info
ELMO 1-800-947-ELMO elmo@elmousa.com
Cost
Ranges from $885.00-$1,470.00
System Requirements
N/A
Limitations
The ELMO becomes limited if the ELMO CRA-1 wireless tablet is not purchased along with it. Without the wireless tablet, the teacher cannot physically interact with the class or away from the camera as he or she desires.
Advantages
It can display live images and has a highlight and mask feature that allows the teacher to direct students’ attention to certain texts or information that is displayed on the camera. It also takes pictures, records lessons, and provides external USB/SD card ports.
The Elmo TT-12 can be a good asset in a school district because it allows teachers to display live images to the class in a less chaotic manner. Teachers have a busy schedule to follow through with, especially when they have to ensure that they are reaching those specific time frames for teaching reading and math. The ELMO TT-12 cuts time spent on passing sometimes delicate items around so that each student can see the minutest detail. For instance, if the teacher’s objective is to teach students about physical characteristic of a flower, then he or she can display the actual flower on the ELMO and zoom in on certain features so that the students can see it as a group. In addition, the teacher can record a lesson for a day that he or she will be absent in order to assist the day’s substitute. Implementing the ELMO TT-12 into a lesson is quite simple. For example, a teacher has just finished teaching two digit place value and has a worksheet that the students must complete. However, the teacher wants to review the first two problems on the worksheet before allowing the students to work independently, so the teacher presents the worksheet on the ELMO and completes the first two problems as she reviews the days lesson with the class. After the review, the teacher turns off the ELMO and allows the students to work. In conclusion, the ELMO is a useful tool because it allows students to see information and material in real time rather than a picture off of the internet. With the flexibility of the camera, teachers can present any object or document that will enhance student learning. Students will become more excited in learning when they are able to see some realistic.
Technology Tool #9 WordTalk
Brief Description:
WordTalk can be used in classrooms as an assistive technology tool for students with impaired reading and writing skills. The tool is a plug-in that is used within the Microsoft Word program. WordTalk will read any word document, and it also allows the files to be saved in a mp3 format for later use.
Vendor/ Contact Info
University of Edinburgh http://www.wordtalk.org.uk/Home/
Cost:
$0.00
System Requirements:
Microsoft Windows 98, ME, 2000 and XP Microsoft Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8 (all of these will only work only with Word 2007, 2010 and 2013) Microsoft Word 97, 2000, XP, 2003, 2007, 2010 and 2013 Microsoft .NET Framework Version 1.1
Limitations:
• • • •
Information must be typed into Microsoft Word. Teachers must be careful not to plagiarize while using this software. Copyright can be easily violated. Software must be used in conjunction with Microsoft Word.
Advantages:
• • • • •
Visual impairment is assisted with being able to enlarge text. Students without mobility do not have to turn a page. The volume can be adjusted to a level in which a student can hear. Web pages and electronic documents can be read to a student. Using WordTalk can be a part of a literacy teaching technique.
Students with visual disabilities are at a disadvantage when engaging with the regular text in a classroom. These students require magnification of text and/or a way to engage in content by using auditory measures. These students have difficulty reading text because of an impairment, and it is important for schools to incorporate technology to ensure that students with visual impairments are engaged with content as are the students with normal vision. One way to aid a student with a visual impairment is to use WordTalk. It is important to note that WordTalk is not a screen reader. WordTalk is a text reader add-on software to be used in conjunction with Microsoft Word. If a teacher incorporates WordTalk into the curriculum, the visually impaired student will have access to the curriculum, access to the physical environment of the school, and it will improve communication with visually impaired students. WordTalk allows the teacher to use electronic texts and can resources into the computer to be read to students. Students can also write using the software as a spell checker and for speech recognition. WordTalk is designed for reading text and is specifically used for students with visual impairments. Students are able to open and read files in different formats. The student can highlight text within a document, and the software will read the highlighted text to the student. In conclusion, students in mainstream schools with visual impairments have reading difficulties. It is important to meet the needs of these students by adapting material and providing support. One way to aid these students is to use assistive technology. Using a text reader like WordTalk allows the teacher to give access to texts and learning resources to a visually impaired student.
Technology Tool #10 Super Nova Access Suite
Brief Description: Vendor/ Contact Info: Cost:
Super Nova Access Suite is a software that is made for visually impaired people. The software benefits people with low vision to blind. The software includes magnification, speech, and Braille output to aid people with all levels of visual impairments. Enable-Mart www.enablemart.com/supernova-access-suite $1,290.00 (Pen Edition) $1,195.00 (Standard Edition)
System Requirements:
• • • • •
Wide & Local Area Networks Citrix & Terminal Server Environments Windows 7 (32-bit editions & 64-bit client editions) Windows 8 Windows XP Home or Pro (with Service Pack 2 or later)
Limitations:
• •
This software is expensive. The software does not include multiple licenses.
Advantages
• • • • • •
Includes magnification, speech, & Braille Output. Has color replacement to help students with partial sight impairments. Full screen reader that can transfer to Braille output. Works with popular computer applications. Talks as you type so the person can hear the letters being typed. Reads and entire document, email, or web page.
Students with visual impairments are often found in the 21st century classrooms. It is important for teachers to make classroom material available to students with this type of disability. One way to make the content accessible is to use screen readers. The type of screen reader used by some schools is Super Nova Access Suite. This program contains features for a broad range of visual impairments. The software includes magnification of text; at the same time, the software contains a way to out text to Braille. Super Nova Access Suite uses a speech synthesizer. The screen reader uses the computer’s operating system, applications, and is user based. The user sends commands to the computer by pressing combinations of keys to tell the synthesizer what to say and lets the user know when changes are occurring on the computer screen. The synthesizer can be used to read or spell a word. it can be used to read a line or a whole page of text. It can be used to find a certain word in text. In conclusion, Super Nova Suite is used mainly by people who do not have normal vision. The most useful function of this software is the ability to produce audio output. Students with visual impairments are often overlooked when it comes to finding ways to defeat the disability in the classroom. Screen readers like Super Nova Access Suite provide a way for students to be engaged with the content as well as teaching literacy skills.