LanSchool v7.8 Software Evaluating Emerging Technologies Assessment By Lydia Hordges ITEC 7445

Fulton County Schools Technology Vision Key Deliverables A system-developed virtual communication and collaboration space for students to participate in rigorous learning activities at any time. A defined list of system-supported and approved hardware and software for schools and students A set of real-world technology tools that support innovative and effective instruction, aligned with Fulton’s standards-based curriculum When We’re Done... Students will have stable access to information, content creation, and interactivity with classmates to participate in online learning communities Students will be able to access standards-aligned digital content to move through coursework and material close to their own pace anywhere, anytime Students and teachers will be able to access a consistent web presence along with content-specific and appropriate support and training, whether that is a teacher website, wiki, blog or a learning management system The district will be able to plan effectively for the support and training of system supported and approved hardware that improves learning and teaching for all students.

Integrating Technology Tools in the Classroom In an effort to fulfill the Fulton County Schools Technology Vision, this school year , and every school year following, Sandtown Middle School will equip each incoming 6 th grade student with a laptop computer to use in the classroom and at home. This initiative opens up a wealth of opportunities for teachers to integrate technology-based lessons and projects into the curriculum, encourage flipped classroom style teaching and allowing students to work on web-based assignments at home.

Teachers face a challenging task of managing students using computers in a lab or multi-PC classroom to make sure that they are learning and spending time on their assigned tasks. How do we ensure students are on task, focused and engaged while using the computer and not distracted by the world wide web?

How does one manage and control a computer class when students can see you, but you can’t see what they are doing? A few years ago, a teacher would probably have used an overhead projector. After the initial lesson was completed, the teacher then walked around and manually monitored students working on their computers for progress and questions.

Integrating Technology Software in the Classroom Now there is a solution that gives teachers central control of their class. LanSchool v7.8 Learning Management System software offers teachers an easier way to instruct, monitor, collaborate, test and support students in networked classrooms. With instructional software, a teacher can improve the efficiency of the teaching process by centrally instructing students on their computer, keep students on task by monitoring application and Web usage, improve support through online help and chat requests, and save time by using an automated lesson plan suite and timer to test the class and show instant results within the allotted class time period. Teachers can also design interactive lesson plans incorporating the Internet and multimedia to keep students’ attention and encourage class collaboration on projects. Tap into your students’ individual learning styles by offering visual, audio and hands-on projects in the classroom.

Some basic features that LanSchool v7.8 software packages have include: Thumbnail View: Thumbnail monitoring allows the teacher to quickly view each student’s screen. At a glance, it is easy to see which students are on or off task. Details View: The details view shows columns of information about students. By sorting on the column teachers can quickly see the computer, who's logged in, their current application, last visited website, last question, channel number and version of the software. Keystroke Monitoring and Alerting: Cyber bullying, using proxy sites and inappropriate use of the Internet are constant problems in schools. To prevent and help provide evidence, LanSchool v7.8 automatically logs all keystrokes on student machines. Running Programs: Students love to look busy, but play their music and games in the background. View Running Applications shows all of the applications that are active on the student machine. Even if a program is minimized you’ll be able to see it and optionally add it to the allowed or blocked applications list.

LanSchool v7.8 Demonstration video

LanSchool v7.8 aids with Differentiated instruction: Group Leader Recognizing that all students work at a different pace, encourage group work where a nominated student can act as a group leader with computer control and assist other students with coursework. Show Video Display a video to any selected student workstations to enhance learning or for remediation. The background of the student screen is blanked and locked to ensure maximum attention.

Funding Fulton County Schools has been awarded SPLOST funds to use specifically for technology tools and software. As Sandtown M.S. continues to invest in technology for instructional needs, access to learning management software can make an enormous difference in the classroom. Given the total amount of money Fulton County is investing in technology for our schools and the relative benefits of learning management software, the cost of such a solution is minimal. Our instructional technology department needs to educate others in the buying process, such as administrators and board members, about the benefits of instructional tools so solutions like learning management software can be made more widely available to educators providing technology instruction in our classrooms.

Implementation and Training The Learning Management System can be rolled out over the next three years to each grade level as the 6th grade class moves up to the next grade level with their laptops. Professional development can be given to teachers during the year of their roll out. After three years of school wide professional development for each grade level roll out, the instructional technology coach or technology administrator can then train new teachers on the system. LanSchool places the highest priority on customer support. LanSchool support representatives are available from 8:00 am to 6:30pm Eastern Time.

As instructors manage a few or entire computers in the class, the challenge is on to make technology an integral part of the learning process. Keeping students on task and the classroom in control through computer learning management system software allows teachers to focus on what is really important-- student comprehension of the assigned curriculum. Conclusion

References Hilton, J. (2013, January 1). Using Software to Manage Student Computer Use.. Retrieved July 8, 2014, from October/Departments/Using-Software-to-Manage-Student-Computer-Use.htm Software-to-Manage-Student-Computer-Use.htm Software-to-Manage-Student-Computer-Use.htm LanSchool v7.8 Software (