March+08+Survey+-+Sheridan

To add your comments, click on **Edit This Page** and start writing. Be sure to click on **Save** when you have finished. = = =**Technology Needs Survey - Sheridan School**= 

 Please identify your group as you input your information. Thanks!
(In other words, if the district purchased new laptops, what would you want students to do with them? How many do you foresee needing?)
 * 1. What do you want students to be able to accomplish with new laptops?**

__Third Grade:__ The third grade team would want students to be able to access the laptops at any time. Projects are disrupted because we don't have consistent access to laptops. Laptops would be used to compose work in writing and revise and edit on the computer. Also, for independent research and class projects. Ideally, one computer per student since we are often working on the same projects at the same time and can't schedule effectively for all classes which leads to not efficent use of time. If that isn't possible, then a set of 5-10 laptops per classroom would be helpful for ongoing projects, teachable moments, inquisitive students.

Fourth Grade: We would like to have one laptop for each student. We would then be able to have students complete all creative writing work on computer, using the rough copy-edit-final copy process. This is not curently possible due to access problems due to sharing. Work could be saved on the desktop, rather than using the server. Work is frequently lost, and it takes too long to save and access documents. During MAP testing computers are not available at all for three two week sessions each year. Students also could complete more research in class if computers were always available. Compass learning activities could be accessed any time a student has completed class work, rather than only when the class is signed up for computer use. Computer misuse and repair issues would be minimized if students only used their own computer. Very often a full set is not available on the cart due to malfunctions.

Art: Mostly, I would like access for my students. I would like 3rd/4th grade students to have some exploration time w/laptops to create art that integrates digital photos they take, or other simple art forms; probably only averaging 1x per trimester at first. This might also require "mouse" accessories, at least for some, as well as a basic photo editing program. Access is currently limited due to scheduling conflicts, NWEA testing, and heavy classroom use among grade levels. I envision teaching students how to illustrate/integrate their own laptop! That way we would be able to do creative writing and save directly to the desktop instead illustrations and text to create storybooks, poetry books, picture books. In a perfect world, a full classroom set of all the steps the students need to do to save to the server. They could practice typing skills and we would be able to use Compass Learning on a more regular basis. laptops; however, 12 is a very practical number; 6 a comfortable minimum.

Explore: I too would like access for my groups of students. My groups are smaller, made up of ten students or less, so we do not encounter access issues to the severity that grade level teachers and specialists have explained above. However, with 6-12 more computers available, it would be possible for our group to sign up during language arts and math blocks when another whole classroom is already signed up without worrying whether one group will be a couple of computers short if some computers malfunction. With another full class set of computers available, the issue of limited scheduling for six weeks of the year due to NWEA testing could be minimized. My students use computers several times a week for research and word processing.

(In other words, aside from the student realm, what do you want to do with your computer? Would you prefer a laptop instead of a desktop?)
 * 2. As a teacher, what are your hardware and/or software needs for technology?**

__Third Grade:__ A color printer per grade level, and a printer in the room. We feel laptops would be outstanding, if we could use them here and at home. That way, we could seamlessly work on report cards, school projects, communication with parents and teachers from any location.

We would like a laptop for its portability, such as taking notes/minutes at meetings, the ability at work at home on report cards, lesson and sub plans, and accessing e-mail. Minimally, we need printers in each classroom, preferably color. It wastes time and is a management issue for children to get their work from the bookroom printer. Additionally, there is often confidential material in the bookroom printer tray.

Art: I have heard comments about needing more printers--color printers where possible. I would like for me or maybe older students to create and maintain a digi portfolio of self-selected works burned on CD for keeping when leaving Sheridan. Can I burn CDs now--I don't know.. I anticipate an additional hard-drive might be needed for storage. And, of course, I'm fine with a desktop, sure there is plenty more I "need" that I don't even know I need :-) I also think we need more scanners in the building--one per grade level? The art room could benefit from additonal scanners if students create books, etc. described in 1 above. I don't "think" I would prefer a laptop, but having a laptop would allow me to work anywhere - at my desk, in the teacher's lounge or at home. It would also I would be nice to use during meetings to take notes/minutes. I really only use the computer as a word processor, to answer and send emails, and in the classroom as a resource - as in say we're talking about the Loch Ness Monster, I would utilize the computer to get up-to-date pictures and/or articles. I would like to evidentually have a classroom webpage. quite okay to switch if that was the direction the district was taking.

Explore: I would be happy with a desktop or a laptop. I agree that more printers per grade level/staff member would help eliminate issues of confidentiality and management when students are eager to pick up their work/research. It would be ideal to have a printer in every room. However, even designating a centrally located printer for every cart or hallway would eliminate the issue of needing to choose between leaving students alone or sending them where you cannot monitor them to pick up their work/research. When students are working on research, it is not beneficial to wait until a transition time to pick up work they need immediately for completion of an assignment. I agree as well that It would be nice to have more access to/autonomy with scanners.

(Some content areas need specific software titles or applications to accomplish their curricular goals, or they need a certain amount of contact time with computers, or they want to utilize a particular online website, or need the ability to save multi-media presentations, etc…).
 * 3. What, specifically, are your curricular area needs with regard to hardware and software?**

__Third Grade:__ We have enjoyed the individualized training approach that Fred has offered us as a team. We would like to continue to ensure that this level of support is available or more if possible. Our Native American unit needs a large amount of time using the computers, and often we have a difficult time ensuring all three classrooms get to use the computers. We are very interested in creating podcasts, voice threads and other presentations, but it is a long process for Fred. We don't feel we could do it effectively with a class, given the amount of time needed with individual children.

Fourth Grade: We need more educational programs for the children in all curricular areas, particulatly math and social studies. It seems this is an area that has been overlooked. Membership in United Streaming would be a welcome resource, also. We have appreciated Fred's help in all areas, and would like to continue having his support.

Art: It would be helpful for Art Staff to have Photoshop Elements. Also, I really just need more time in staff development to learn and practice more skills that will carryover into my teaching. And let's not that technologically savvy!! As I stated before, as long as I forget about the personnel needs for continued hands-on instruction, creativity, and assistance. Fred has been a phenomenal asset to our staff and students at Sheridan. It would benefit staffand students to have the internet, email, and a word processing program, I'm good! A full-time Fred in every building. From my vantage point, it has been a great first year! I was able to accomplish/learn so much more than I would have.

Explore: Fred has done an excellent job helping me and my students turn their thinking and writing into polished masterpieces through the medium of voice thread! I am looking forward to learning from Fred more about the Powerpoint program he is starting with fourth grade and the social bookmarking he will be training us in using. The opportunity to work with Fred on these projects is highly motivating and enjoyable for students. As stated above, however, Fred's time is limited and I need more staff development/lesson appointments with Fred to become more independent at completing these projects with students. He is wonderful about making himself available and flexible to meet. I, on the other hand, know I could always work harder to carve out more time for this. Nevertheless, I am happy to have had a hand in helping the students complete voice threads, and I feel successful in that sense.