Technology Use Faulk Middle School soars to success

TIP Grant The Technology Immersion Program explores the impact of technology immersion on student progress. Each student gets a wireless mobile computing device which integrates software and online resources to enhance student learning.

Purpose of TIP The purpose of this infrastructure is to effectively integrate technology resources and systems into teacher training, curriculum development and student learning at the campus level to improve student achievement.

TIP Evaluation The evaluation component of the TIP grant is to test the effectiveness of technology immersion in increasing middle school students’ achievement in core academic subjects.

TIP Research The research will determine the effect of technology immersion on: * long-term student outcomes * technology proficiency * performance on the (TAKS) * students’ personal goals/aspirations

Computers as Tutors West Virginia implemented computer technology one grade at a time 1 st to 6 th. Each year extensive teacher training was provided. Schools placed computers in classrooms or in a lab with software matching content standards.

West Virginia Study Results The researchers found the following when students used computers as tutors to receive information: (1) On statewide tests, students who learned from computers showed consistently higher gains(11% of the gain was due to the use of technology)

West Virginia Study Results (2) Students did better when the computers were in the classroom rather than a lab (Barnet,2003,p.2).

Study Results (continued) (3) In high school, students who were learning from computers had better grades, took more advanced placement courses, and were more likely to graduate than those who did not use computers (Barnet, 2003, p.3).

Computers Access at Faulk Middle School At Faulk Middle School each student is checked out a laptop. Each teacher is also given a laptop. This makes it easier to integrate online lessons through the use laptops.

Technology Advances This year, through the TIP grant, we requested at least ten hand-held smart boards for each class. We are thinking that these tools will encourage shy or withdrawn students to give their input or ideas and share with the rest of the class.

Obsolete Software In the past we had used a math tutorial program called New Century in the labs. The campus decided not to renew the license for this software because students were bored and not challenged.

New and Improved Software Classroom Connect is one of the online software tools that we are using in our class. It gives our students challenging, interdisciplinary problems to solve and use higher order critical thinking skills.

Online Textbook Resources The Faulk Math Department adopted a new textbook and opted for the technology package which includes: * All Teacher Resources on CD’s * LCD Projector * Student Interactive Tutorials with graphing calculators

Conclusion At Faulk Middle School we are striving to improve student achievement through the use of technology. The teachers are gaining extensive training through the TIP grant. The students are gaining access to different types of technologies and websites to enhance their learning.

Conclusion (continued) Faulk Middle School is the only middle school in South Texas to participate in the TIP Program. Compared to other schools in our district, we are ahead in the technology game.

References Barnet, Harvey (2003, September). Investing in technology: The payoff in student learning. [On-Line]. Available:

References Texas Education Agency (2004, July). Technology Immersion Pilot (TIP) Grant Program. Retrieved September 12, 2007 from TEA Web site: overview.html. Images from Yahoo Images, Classroom Connect Website.