Minutes of the Greenwood Technology Committee

9AM - August 14, 2001

Present: Dr. Moseman, Linda Azeez, Hugh Brewer, Shae Johnson, Joe Shantz, Dr. Mary Byrne, Kathi Beasley

Joe began the meeting by reporting that teachers need to come together to finalize thoughts on computer lab scheduling. Communication of scope and sequence needs to be communicated, implemented, and adjusted as needed for next year.

Shae suggested a map in progress to combine what has always done in class with the new technology being brought in. Her thoughts were that we need to be careful to meet standards and adapt slowly to the computer being integrated into projects.

Mary stated that she feels the scope and sequence needs to be tweaked and aligned to ISTE standards. Doing so would bring more credibility to the integration of technology. Her view is that the pilot year should be a time when all computer scope and sequence are adjusted to ISTE standards.

Shae thinks that database usage and familiarity is a current weakness for most who are expected to teach even the basics and that more professional development is perhaps needed in this area.

Mary stated that you don’t have to know a program completely. You just need to know and understand the part you will cover.

There has been a delay in funding from the Emints for the technology equipment. 16 computers from Missouri State have been loaned to Greenwood for the 3^rd and 4^th grade technology rooms until the actual Emints computers arrive in January. Greenwood has been assured that it is a top priority in the program and should expect computers to arrive on the new schedule.

Dr. Moseman arrived and informed committee members that had spoken to Chris Craig from the COE. Chris’s intent is to not use the rooms for staff development until needed. Dr. Moseman stated that DESE is holding back computers for tech rooms and asked us to wait. Smart boards are still unavailable. The actual start of the tech program is undecided. Missouri State is awaiting the okay from DESE. The actual start of the programs may be delayed until next summer. Missouri State is holding off on making Greenwood a staff development site and will use Hill Hall until Greenwood is ready and up to speed with equipment and funding. Future support from DESE is critical and Dr. Moseman feels it is of great importance to follow their rules in order to maintain their support.

Joe feels that we should move ahead to get our computers connected so we are ready to move quickly when DESE does give the go ahead.

The computer lab will have a master’s student named Mandy Hessenann working with Joe when he has the greatest need. Joe will need this added support as he begins to teach scope and sequence in labs.

Dr. Moseman’s expectations are that every teacher should try to develop a unit involving technology. If teachers have questions or need additional support, they should turn to Mike Garton, or Mandy Hessenann. Barbara Orde could also be called for consultation or feedback. Furthermore, OPTI monies are available for teachers who develop units. We will be doing this anyway, so we should look to this additional avenue for funding.

Greenwood has issued a $60 fee in addition to tuition, which will cover the cost of computer upgrades and furniture. Two Casablanca special purpose multimedia computer stations have been purchased are should be arriving soon thanks to support from the PTA. Digital cameras are also being purchased. Looking forward, we want 5^th and 6^th grade classes to join in the technology expansion. We need to start looking for funding for equipment renewal and purchase. Fund raising for tech expansion needs to be top priority.

Dr. Moseman feels that the state legislature should view these tech advances as a lab school function that is worthwhile. COE should be presented with a three-year plan on where we want to go with this. Our agenda should include a plan that involves support. We cannot move forward without a plan as all grants require this. Chris Craig and Mike Garton should be invited to our next meeting to discuss this part of our agenda.

Meeting was adjourned.

The next meeting will convene September 4^th at 1:30PM.