Bullock Creek Technology Guide 2016
During the 15/16 school year, a Technology Planning Group was formed with the goal of creating guidance for technology use, implementation and purchasing for the District. This guide is expected to be reviewed annually and updated as appropriate.
An online discussion group was created where information and ideas were shared. Two in-person meetings were held during the school year allowing interested parties to interact and shape the guide. A survey was presented to the teaching staff soliciting their input for technology items. 77 teachers responded to the survey.
The Technology Planning Group has chosen to adopt the Michigan Technology Education Standards as a reference point for the level of technology-related education our students should achieve by grade level.
The Planning Group has determined that additional technology is required to achieve these skill levels and proposes:
Grades K-2:
5 or more tablet (iPad) or laptop (Chromebook) devices per classroom. Testing and keyboarding skills will give greater consideration to Chromebooks, however tablet computers have been well received in the K-2 classrooms.
One checkout cart of traditional laptop (Chromebook) devices shared between the classrooms.
Grades 3-5:
One classroom set of laptop (Chromebook) devices, sufficient for one device per student.
Grades 6-12:
One classroom set of laptop (Chromebook) devices, sufficient for one device per student, as determined by curricular area. Curricular areas can determine whether they will have individual classroom sets or if a single shared cart is a better use of technology dollars. Data from the survey indicates that Language Arts and Math would prefer shared carts while the rest would prefer classroom carts.
Professional Development will be provided during the school year:
1. Basic Computer & Cart management.
2. Basic Computer usage including Google Apps.
3. Google Classroom.
Staff should also be provided PD time to establish procedures for achieving technology standards within their grade level.
Hardware implementation will commence at the lowest grade levels and progress towards the highest grade levels on a yearly basis as funding allows. The class of 2026, this year’s 2nd Grade, would have ready access to technology through graduation based on this guide.
Devices will be refreshed once they have 4 years of service.
The survey also made it clear that art, music, physical education, special education and other non-core classes have need for technology. They will be provided for with shared carts and classroom sets sized for their specific needs.
Based on current funding level, current device pricing and existing infrastructure:
16-17:
Pine = 7 carts; convert current mobile cart to classroom set; retain existing classroom set in 1 classroom.
9 Total classroom sets (grades 3-5)
Floyd = 6 carts; leave current mobile cart available for checkout for grades K-2.
6 total classroom sets (grades 3-5)
BCEL = 1 cart of chromebooks to share between all grades. Remove one cart of iPads and distribute to grades K-2 at Floyd and Pine as necessary.
1 Total classroom set.
420 Devices added through 14 carts (16-17)
17-18:
BCMS = Up to 20 classrooms; 10 devices for checkout/take home, managed by library
Evaluate computer lab usage at Pine/Floyd and determine if they remain or are repurposed.
18-19:
BCHS = Up to 22 classrooms; 10 devices for checkout/take home, managed by library
19-20:
Upgrade Wired/Wireless Infrastructure
Add carts to cover areas previously using shared carts, converting to classroom sets.
Upgrade traditional computer labs as necessary.
20-21:
Replace Devices at ELM
21-22:
Replace Devices at MS
22-23:
Replace Devices at HS
In addition to the above, each year 10-20% of Staff (teacher/Staff) devices will be replaced.
One classroom set of Chromebooks with licensing and cart, in 2016, is $5600.00.