Tech Equity Project:

Samiyyah Blanford
Liane Alcones (Chan)
Carmen Tucker

The identified problem related to technology equity in our school was utilization of

SMART boards. Many of our classrooms are equipped with a SMART board, but majority of the

teachers do not have the tools needed to use the SMART board effectively. Some don’t have

the necessary software, some have the software but don’t know how to use it, and others were

told that they need to refresh their laptops in order to utilize the SMART board. Teachers have

previously tried to download the application, but it seems anytime they try to download or inquire

about the application they are told that the school did not purchase it or they need to find the

person to add the application to their laptops. I asked the teachers in my building to complete a

survey about SMART board utilization. The results show that many teachers tried to find the

application to download but was unsuccessful. Data also showed that when new staff was

asked to pick up their laptops, many asked about adding the application to their laptop, but was

told that they do not add any applications at that facility and that you would have to speak to the

technology person that services your school. Many teachers use their SMART board to hang up

examples of lessons or as a pillar to tape different anchor charts.

One solution to this problem would be to buy the license for the application one time and

install it on all the PGCPS laptops used for classroom instruction. Another solution would be to

hold a professional development on SMART board training and utilization. Make sure all

teachers bring their laptops to this professional development to ensure a better understanding of

all the tools/components the SMART board has to offer. Assuring teachers that this interactive

whiteboard is superseding the overhead projector in numerous classrooms across the United

States. SMART Board technology in the classroom can enhance your instruction by taking a

typical lesson and converting it into an exciting, more interactive one. The SMART board can

also enhance the way students learn. It can provide students with an enriched learning
experience by projecting visual elements. It also makes differentiated learning much easier

because teachers are able to accommodate different learning styles. Visual learners are able to

observe the whiteboard, while tactile learners can learn by touching the board. The touchscreen

option allows teachers to run programs with the tap of their finger. This not only makes it easy to

navigate for the teacher, but for the students as well. In addition to that, a student’s learning

experience is enhanced by this technology because of its ability for students to view diagrams,

charts, videos and more, right on the huge screen in front of them. Their learning comes to life,

and many students find it more fun to learn than ever before.

Vision of Implementation of Solution

The best possible solution to address the technology equity within our school is

for the Budget Committee to include the Smart Learning Suite in the 2018/2019 budget.

The cost will cover $560 for 15 teachers for a one year subscription. Subscriptions

include SMART Notebook®, SMART lab™, SMART response® 2 and access to

SMART Learning Suite Online.

Retrieved from: https://education.smarttech.com/products/smart-learning-suite/pricing

 After the software is included in the budget, the administrator should create time

for the 15 teachers to participate in a three series workshop during their planning

periods to learn how to implement the SMART software effectively in their classroom.

Teachers will need three days to collaborate with their peers, to test out the software,

and ask questions to the instructor about the problems or issues that they observed.

The goal is for the teachers to be highly invested in SMARTboard and the educational

benefits that it can offer for their classroom.

In addition, the school will include in the budget for the Technology Coordinator

to be SMART Certified trained so she will be able to trained teachers in house on the

SMART Learning Suite. By having someone certified in the SMART Learning Suite, it

will eventually save the school money in the future. The Technology Coordinator will

serve as the liaison for the teachers and the SMART Board community.

Marketing Concept SUCCESs

Principle 1: Simple

Do you want to bring your lessons to life and interactive? Are you tired of the traditional
way of teaching and learning?

Principle 2: Unexpected
Technology to enhance your classroom and for all to utilize at the same time.

Principle 3: Concrete
Can you imagine your classroom where all of your scholars are solving a math problem
by using their Plickers and you are able to get real time results in seconds? What about
a classroom where students are competing against each other to write the correct
answer on the SMART Board at the same time?

Principle 4: Credible
Many schools around the world are utilizing SMART Boards in their classrooms to
enhance the learning of their students.
Principle 5: Emotional
SMART Board will be beneficial for a visual learner who needs to see videos on the
process of osmosis and diffusion in a science class.

Principle 6: Stories
SMART Boards provides various forms of media integration in the classroom. These
forms of integration are videos, illustrations, photos, videos, and maps. It makes
learning authentic and enhances the experience for all children. It taps into the learning
abilities for visual, auditory, and tactile learners. Special education students are able to
thrive in classes that are SMART Boards accessible. Scholars are able to contribute,
collaborate, and share their work with the SMART Lab activities. Teachers are able to
receive quick feedback on assessment and to create action plans to assist their
students.

Survey

Smartboard Survey to determine teachers’ knowledge and comfort level in using a smartboard.

Name _______________________ Grade Level ________

1. How frequently do you use your SMART Board?

a) Daily

b) 3-4 times per week

c) 1-2 times per week

d) Less than once per week

e) I do not have access to a SMART Board

2. Which best describes your comfort level with using a SMART Board: a.) Novice b.) Basic c.)

Intermediate d.) Advanced e.)Expert

3. Describe how you use your SMART Board:

4. Describe how you use your SMART Board:

1 2 3 4

a. Project lessons, websites, and other content Never Frequently

b. Create/organize lessons using Notebook Never Frequently

c. Record student responses Never Frequently

d. Engage students in interactive games and activities Never Frequently

e. Provide opportunities for students to create and/or present Never Frequently

5. Describe what you would like to do with your SMART Board.

6. Which best describes your access to SMART Boards:

a) I have a board mounted in my room with projector attached.

b) I have a board mounted in my room with a separate projector.

c) I can bring my class to another room that has a board.

d) I do not have access to a SMART Board.

Visuals of smart boards being used and not being used: