Running Head: BENCHMARK- TECHNOLOGY PROPOSAL 1

Benchmark -Technology Integration Proposal

Suzana H. Tran
Grand Canyon University: TEC-530
February 14, 2018
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Technology has integrated into the daily lives of both adults and school-aged children as
we move further into the 21st century. It is crucial for our technical skills to not fall below the
curve. Many software such as online curriculum, school portals, EPIC, Imagine Learning and
other Internet-based services has opened up many learning opportunities and has allowed
students to be more receptive to their learning. These Internet-based services allows students to
have access to schoolwork, on-level practices, and interactive lessons keeping students focused.
Technology gives students access to information meeting distance learning of students while
keeping them engaged and prepared for the future.
The current elementary school facility does not appropriately support instructional
technology areas due to limited space and number of available digital tools. These limitations
are preventing students from demonstrating the ability to use technology for research, critical
thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, communication, collaboration, creativity, and
innovation. Stated in the technology mission statement, “The district technology department
works closely with every elementary school, middle school, high school and the local
community to provide every opportunity to integrate technology into the classroom.” (WVUSD,
2018).
This proposal is requesting digital tools such as hardware and software, to equip this
elementary school with a second virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) lab, a classroom with
smartboards, and a one to one ratio of Chromebooks. The additional VDI lab will help maintain a
high-quality and well-rounded education for students preparing them for a successful future. It
will provide the facility with technologies needed to support courses in math, science,
engineering, technology, and language arts. Also, it will ensure that all teachers are adequately
trained in the use of modern instructional technology for the success of the students. With the
provided hardware, the school may access software programs. Some service will need to be
purchased to support a given group of students, but some may be accessed free of charge. These
software programs will cause positive impact to students in multiple subjects targeting area of
needs.
The intent of the technology upgrade provides numerous advantages. Our district’s motto
this year is, “ALL MEANS ALL.” This motto emphasizes that all students will be provided
equitable access to the Common Core State Standards (including, but not limited to English
Learners, Foster Youths, Pupils with Disabilities, etc.). Therefore, any enrolled students will be
given the opportunity to practice language needs with multiple content areas of their standards.
Through the given opportunity, students will be able to fill the school’s academic achievement
gap. Filling the gaps includes but is not limited to support all student regardless of their
socioeconomic gap, at-home availability, and second language (ISTE, 2018). Technology has
been researched and proven to meet the needs of students with needs. As educators, it’s essential
to accommodate diverse learners and instructional needs.
Changes that will follow immediately after receiving a minimum of thirty-five VDI will
allow students to have access to morning and afterschool intervention programs on Imagine
Learning. Imagine Learning is a program used for second language learners. It'll provide on-
level training for grammar practices, vocabulary, reading fluency, etc. Imagine Learning is just
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one of the many useful software to help students close the achievement gap. The school's student
body of 605 with eighty percent Asians, the school, has English Language Learners ranging from
beginner, proficient, early advance, and advance. The VDI lab will provide equitable access for
students to ensure that their English improves. The eight percent has about half who recently
moved to America with little to no English. Physical books can add up to a costly bill. EPIC!, an
online reading software allows each child to access thousands of books with just a few clicks.
Students can read fiction and non-fiction text within their Lexile and AR level. While all
students may be reading together at once, they are accessing curriculum that helps support their
individual growth. Standardized testing is becoming more and more important as the data
reflects our school’s performance and success. Having VDI’s will provide double the access for
students in a week to review teacher-selected internet resources and learn how to validate
resources. Students will learn age-appropriate search, keyword techniques, safe search,
downloading content from digital medias, citing resources, and using online tools to share
information collaboratively with other students (Tools of Technology, 2018). Lastly,
standardized testing from grades third through fourth has become a challenge. Students scores
are held so highly, but every student does not have an equal opportunity to use a bigger screen
and easily maneuverable mouse like a VDI. Due to the limited space and availability of extra
VDI’s, some students are required to take their test on small Chromebooks with no mouse.
Smartboards were invented in 1991by David Martin and Nancy Knowlton (Springgay,
2015). The SMART Board is an interactive whiteboard that is used in many classrooms. Stated
in the district’s technology plan, only a few of the classroom has SMART Boards (WVUSD,
2018). Having a SMART Board installed in every class within the elementary facility will
benefit all students to engage in their learning. Students who participate through hands-on
lessons retain more information than those just listening to the lecture. SMART Boards can be
used to take notes, control computer applications, and simply functions as a computer and
projector. This allows for the educator to differentiate the instructions given in class. New
versions are still in development bringing in new software to manage student’s performance.
The elementary school facility currently owns approximately 150 Chromebooks. This
leaves each grade level thirty Chromebooks to share. During state testing for grades third
through fourth, the Chromebooks are used in substitute of VDI’s. This leaves Kindergarten
through second graders with no digital device for a minimum of three weeks. Projects, digital
tool practices, and research are paused as testing takes place. The Chromebooks are easy to use
for students, providing them the necessary tools to complete homework and practice on-level
curriculum through the school’s portal system. Chromebooks will build a better home-to-school
connection as families can work with the child to review all course materials. It is a great need
that the school needs to be updated with more digital tools, hardware, and software. Technology
has advanced the education to great lengths, and it needs to be supported to continue.
Walnut Valley Unified School District provides global resources for teaching, learning,
and communication. Users are to be knowledgeable and responsible when using the resources
provided for the student’s education. The importance of digital tools to enhance education
requires students to use them with integrity. The districts Technology Use Policy requires all
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users to sign an agreement to abide by the school's rules, regulations, and standards of safe,
healthy, legal, and ethical practices. Users will follow the district’s safe use of rights, security,
vandalism, plagiarism and piracy regulations. Failure to follow the guidelines will result in a loss
of user information, wireless network, and penalties for improper use. The use of the digital tool
is an enhancement to our curriculum and education; students will accept full responsibility for
their actions. With that being said, students will receive training for digital citizenship and
internet safety throughout the year.
The proposal intends to provide the school with a second VDI lab with a minimum of
thirty-five computers, SMART Boards for all twenty-five classrooms, and a 1:1 ratio of
Chromebooks for students to access. The school is located in a higher income neighborhood,
raising an average of $70,000 at the beginning of each year. Partial of the fund for these digital
tools can be contributed from Community Club as well as grants from the district. Funding can
also come from the upcoming bonds to support the excellence that this school performs.
Providing digital tools and software will continue to open up many learning opportunities and
allow students to be more receptive to their learning.
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References

ISTE, (2018). ISTE standards for educators. Retrieved from

https://www.iste.org/standards/for-educators
Springgay, J., (March 2015). What is the history of the SMART board? Retrieved from
https://www.techwalla.com/articles/what-is-the-history-of-the-smart-board
WVUSD, (August 2018). Acceptable use policy WVUSD 2017-2018. Retrieved from
https://www.wvusd.k12.ca.us/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=48820&type=d&pREC_I
D=587105
WVUSD, (June 2018). Comprehensive: Technology plan. Retrieved from
https://1.cdn.edl.io/aeRE43s3ZCnBYonWcwYkPfi7fTTx5VvFHuAd38MjmwJeTeu0.pdf
WVUSD, (August 2018). Introduction/ Philosophy and goals. Retrieved from
https://www.wvusd.k12.ca.us/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=48816&type=d&pREC_I
D=64002