The following slides provide the questions from the needs survey and the responses given by the participants taking the survey. After the questions and responses, there is an analysis of what has been discovered by asking the various questions.

SMARTBoards and Document Cameras Computers/Laptops Elmos Vision Software TI 83+ Calculators On-line Testing Sites

I am using a SMART Board, which allows students to have hands-on learning when teaching them computer applications. TI-83 Plus Calculators are assisting with graphing in math classes. SMART Boards and SMART View are allowing for classes of all content areas to project notes, share student work in order to create discussions, and to share concepts from the computer, such as internet resources, to the whole group. I am using a SMART Board, which allows students to have hands-on learning when teaching them computer applications.

We currently use a computer program called Twilight that allows those student who have failed a content course to make it up in their junior or senior years after school hours. This program is basically a text book with multiple choice submissions, but is not interactive in assisting students with actually learning the concepts. We are also piloting it as the option for summer school remediation. I believe that using courses on the computer can be a great way to reach those students who are self-sufficient and have fallen behind, but using it as the only means for summer school is not going to helpful to all. A more interactive program that teaches the lesson would be a better alternative, especially to special education students. I think if every student had access to a laptop or ipad to use in every class, learning would be more efficient and hands on.

Not all classrooms have the same technology. Maybe students could get laptops. I believe an option for alternative learning through the computer to reach more students is the area of greatest need.

Training, training and training. Sufficient interactive professional development with administrative involvement is the only way to truly get all teachers on board. Give them plenty of time to be trained so that they could use the technology.

From this survey, it was obvious a few technology needs were not being met. A more interactive online program to meet the needs of all students has to become available. Our current system of using an online program is not working for the students who need it most because it is not interactive. The students can not ask a teacher for help and they have no one to turn to if they have a question. The self paced online programs now available need to become more interactive. A solution to this problem would be to add courses constructed by our own high school teachers using Blackboard. The students would still have a schedule to follow, but it would be weekly and they could the teacher or stop by the school during the teacher’s office hours to get additional help. This type of course would have a greater success rate for all students.