Tech-IT

Our Children’s Technology Ticket

August, 2007

St. John the Baptist Catholic School is pleased to announce the implementation of “Tech-It”, our new innovative school-wide, technology program.  The focus of Tech-It is  to integrate technology with standardized access at all grade levels.  The Tech-It program  was made possible by the success of Gala and generous community supporters of St. John the Baptist Catholic.  These donations gave us the computer lab and all of the equipment needed to qualify for this fabulous program.

The Tech-It program includes:

• School Technology Program:  St. John the Baptist Catholic School has been chosen as the first school on the West Coast to pilot the School Technology Program.  We were eligible only because we have an updated, 30 station, computer lab and have shown dedication to advancing technology for our students.

·        School Technology Program is a partnership with Boston University and the University of Richmond.  They currently serve 130 schools on the East Coast and are looking to expand into the West. 

·        The program provides an integrated technology curriculum. Students acquire their technology skills directly through projects identified by their classroom teachers from their grade-level state standards.  This is the core of the program:  In that in order for students to assimilate and advance in their technology skills, they must experience practical application to their daily lives.

·        Each teacher will receive training that will qualify for continuing education units.  It is the philosophy of the program that to achieve curriculum integration, the classroom teacher must feel comfortable with technology.

·        Per our pilot agreement, we will serve as a “host” school, providing reference and host seminars to other private schools. 

·        For additional information, please visit the School Technology Program web site: www.schooltechnologyprograms.com

• Standardization of Classroom Technology: This year, all teachers and students will have equal access to technological resources in their classrooms.  This is also an important component to the School Technology Program and will encourage students and staff to actively integrate technology into daily life when not in the Computer Lab.  For example, students and teachers will be able to make Powerpoint presentations using Flash Drives.   Once we establish security procedures, we will set-up wireless access as well so teachers can access educational video streaming.  This standardization will take the following form:

• Two AV carts, secured nightly and available for check-out.  Each cart contains a lap-top computer equipped with DVD player and loaded with the necessary Microsoft programs.  An LCD projector and speakers will make classroom-wide presentations possible. The cart comes equipped with a 20 foot long extension cord so it can be easily positioned and set up quickly in each classroom.
• A Kodak Easy Share digital camera will be purchased for use by classroom teachers and co-curricular programs.  The digital camera will also expand possibilities for technology integration.
• Each teacher will receive a memory card and a flash drive to make to access and utilize this current equipment.
• All 7^th and 8^th grade students have been asked to supply their own Flash Drives.  For students below 7^th grade, the use of a flash drive is permitted and encouraged.

Again, these exciting advancements in Technology are made possible by the tremendous success of past Gala events.   Tech-It would not be imaginable without the support of our generous community members; parents, parishioners and alumni.   

As we move forward through the school year we will update you regularly on the status of this exciting new program.