| Technology Overview |
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Vision
ACST students, teachers, and staff will be technology competent. They will understand ethical issues related to technology and use technology to enhance learning, solve problems, create, access and evaluate information, and communicate effectively.
Goals of Technology Department
The technology department will provide:
Reliable and up-to-date systems
Effective support systems with well-trained support staff
Access to adequate equipment and resources
Systems that promote and improve learning, communication, and transparency
Adequate training and technology standards for all users
Student Learning
ACST follows the ISTE National Standards for technology. These standards can be found at ISTE's Web Site. All students follow the Computer Use Policy found in their handbooks.
ACST has computer classes for Elementary Students in grades K-5. These classes focus on basics skills and operations. The class meets once a week for 30-45 minutes. Some integration is done through projects during open lab times.
In Middle School, students attend a Technology Explorations elective in 7th and 8th grade. This course is taught in the Technology Lab. The focus in these exploratory classes is to expose students to various areas of technology beyond computers. In addition to these courses, students use technology in their regular classroom subjects. Middle School classes have access to a Mobile Computer Lab, an Integration Lab and computers in the library.
All High School students must attend a one-semester course that focuses on technology skills needed to be successful in their academic careers. High School students can also attend electives in Advanced Technology, Media Arts and Yearbook. ACST offers IB Design Technology to 11th and 12th graders.
Staff Learning
ACST offers a variety of professional development opportunities to teachers. These include a teacher laptop program, after school single-concept classes and special weekend or after school workshops. The school also supports staff to attend outside professional development opportunities.
Technology Support
ACST has two Support Specialists, one Systems Engineer, and a Director of Technology. The Support Specialists repair and maintain the school computers, network and phone systems. The Systems Engineer oversees network health including improvements in infrastructure. The Director of Technology supervises the staff, works with teachers, students and administration on technology and teaches one elective.
In addition to these staff, there are other staff members who are involved with technology. The Elementary and Upper School teachers and lab assistants help staff with software and related computer issues.
Resources and Hardware
Approximately 300 computers. 95% Apple Macintosh.
One Elementary Computer Lab with 24 machines.
One Media Lab with seven machines.
One Technology Lab with 22 computers used for Upper School Computer Classes.
One Integration Lab with 24 machines used for Upper School classes.
One Mobile Computer Lab (a second one will be added in 2010-11).
18 Computers in Upper School Library.
8 Computers in Elementary Library.
5 Smartboards in classrooms.
Mac Laptops for all full-time teachers.
Projectors in 40% of classrooms. Expect near 100% coverage by June 2010.
Space and system provided for teacher Web pages.
Email with FirstClass.
Destiny library database server.
Local file share and authentication with OSX server.
Shared HP printers campus-wide with very limited access to color printers.
PowerSchool Student Information System.
Internet
The school currently accesses the Internet via two local frame relay lines (20Mbs). We expect to upgrade to a fiber line by Spring 2011. This will greatly increase the school capacity to use the Internet for educational purposes. This line will start at 10Mbs and can be increased to much greater speeds. The local government monitors Internet usage and blocks certain sites on the Internet.
Currently the use of ACST’s wireless network is restricted to school-owned computers. Guests can only access wireless in the Upper School Library using the "ACST Guest Network” connection. The password is available from the Upper School Librarians. All Internet users at ACST must adhere to ACST’s Computer Use Policy.
What’s Coming Next School Year (2010-11)
Projectors and sound systems in all classes
A second Mobile Computer Lab
A min-mobile lab for EL School
New computers in the Integration Lab
Updated curriculum for K-10
A new faster Internet connection (fiber)
Discussions about student laptop program(s)
Formalize technology integration in 6th and 8th grades.
Discussions about adding staff to help with 6-12 integration
Allow guess access to wireless in Middle and High School classrooms (encourage students to bring their own laptop)
Exploring moving email and SIS off site
Discussions around technology standards for teachers
Participation in MAIS Virtual Learning Program (a Moodle Project)
New technology teacher for Upper School
NEWS May 3, 2010. The PTO approved a 4,100TND grant to add a mini-shop to the Technology Lab!
Tools for this lab were purchased this summer and are currently being installed.
Documents and Resources
Computer Use Policy
ISTE's Standards
Standards and Benchmarks PK-5
Standards and Benchmarks 6-12
Scope and Sequence 2010
Teacher Training Jan/Feb 2010
Technology Plan at a Glance
Photos of tech facilities
Contact
