Project: SmartCart - A Multimedia Cart/Projection Unit and Training Proposal

Max Uhls

Abstract

According to the head of the Highland Community School District's technology team, a gap exists between the tech department and the faculty at Highland High School. The district has made available to teachers frequent workshops for training in the use of some of today's technology, including Internet essentials, Excel, PowerPoint, SMART Board, etc. The tech leaders are experts in the use of this technology. Teachers are experts at developing lesson plans to meet the needs of the students in their classrooms. However, the tech department has few suggestions on how to train the teachers on how to create specific lesson plans that would make appropriate use of the technology. Technology-based lesson plans is high priority for teachers to better engage their students, but knowing how to create, incorporate, and present such plans with confidence is lacking. In order to bridge this gap, the correct tools must be put into place, then the training of the use of these tools must be offered to the teachers, and sessions of training where teachers can brainstorm and share ideas on how to use the technology for specific lesson plans should be developed and carried out. In doing so, teachers who participate will grow in their professional development, objectives of the school's improvement plan will be more closely realized, and students will benefit from the more engaging types of lesson plans developed with the use of the technology.

To further the education of Highland High School's students, the objectives of this project are to 1) obtain technology equipment, specifically 12 MultiMedia Projection Carts ("a.k.a. SmartCart") equipped with computer projectors (Panasonic PT-LB20SU), 2) create and implement training of that equipment for high school teachers, 3) create and implement strategies of incorporating this technology with specific and focused lesson plans, and 4) organize a lesson plan bank for members of specific departments as a method of assessing the success of the project after a period of one full semester.

Teachers at Highland High School will first participate in general training of the SmartCart and projector to become acquainted and comfortable using the equipment and its features, then using further training sessions, teachers will brainstorm and design lesson plans that target material within the teachers' specific contents in their own classrooms. Activities using the SmartCart and projection unit as a presentation tool will be made available to teachers in all subject areas. This will be done in an effort to enhance student engagement and to increase technological literacy for the teachers and their students.

Once the series of workshops has been completed, teachers will begin sharing lesson plans with each other within their departmental group. Mentoring non-participants will become a natural by-product of completing the workshops. After one full semester, the teachers will reconvene by department to discuss the successes and failures, the upsides and the pitfalls of the SmartCart and projector and their lesson plans in order to streamline future presentations. This staff development opportunity will provide support and flexibility for teachers to learn about and effectively use the technology and then draw on each other as viable and positive resources in order to maximize their teaching efforts.

Justification

Highland Community Schools set specific goals for their 2004-2005 school improvement plan. Improving academic achievement in "language arts and problem solving with an emphasis in mathematics" and the integration of "the use of engaging practices and strategies into instruction" were included. The improvement plans for each department at the high school included adopting and targeting specific Illinois Learning Standards with the goal of improving scores where less than 70% of the students met or exceeded those standards. Highland's 2003-2004 report card showed that sophomores fell 15% short of reaching the 70% meet-or-exceed goals.

Low student achievement and its causes have been heavily researched. "Students' lack of confidence in their own ability to learn and to be successful as well as their disengagement, or lack of connection with the learning leads to low achievement. Another factor producing barriers for students involves their families. High mobility, truancy, low level of parent education and poverty often become insurmountable obstacles for students, resulting in their detachment from the learning process and barriers to their achievement in schools" (Arroyo, Rhoad and Drew, 1999).

Highland School District recently researched these factors within their own community. The process used to assess the status of the district's potential risks include community, school, and local resources. It includes a review of the data available related to truants, chronic truants, dropouts, and potential dropouts. Sources of data for conducting needs analysis include the following:

• Illinois School Report Card provides mobility, low income, attendance, truancy and drop out rates for the high school population
• Attendance records identify chronic truants, truants, selective absences, and patterns of absences/tardies
• SAP referral (which can be submitted by teachers, counselors, students and/or parents) identifies students who are at risk in the areas of behavior, attendance, health and academics
• Power School , midterm, semester and quarterly progress reports identify students who are failing or at risk of failing academically
• STAR reading test provides reading comprehension scores for individual students
• Discipline Referrals identify students at risk due to behavior/attendance issues

Based on these sources, the following data supports a growing need to integrate the use of engaging practices and strategies into instruction:
• 21% of the total high school population (grades 9-12) are categorized as truant, chronic truants, dropouts, or potential dropouts,
• 51% of incoming 8th graders are categorized as truant, chronic truants, or potential dropouts,
• 74% increase in low income families will be realized in the 2005-2006 school year,
• 21% increase in chronic truants is projected over that same time period,
• 67% increase in mobility rate is also projected,
• 10% decrease in attendance is expected, and
• 25% of the current freshman class read below grade level.

In order for these numbers to improve, to advance student engagement and broaden the scope of their learning, teachers need the tools and the training in today's available technologies. Highland High School, a school where over 1,000 students are enrolled, makes available to their staff two computer projectors. They are available on a first-come-first-serve basis by checking them out from the media center. The need for more projectors goes far beyond the supply.

According to the NCTM Standards, "technology is an essential component of the mathematical learning environment and that having access to technology helps to engage students in a high-quality mathematical education. (NCTM 2001) The language in Highland's school improvement plan agrees with the NCTM and places it across the entire curriculum - engaging lessons are those of high quality.

Project Description/Objectives

The objectives of this project is to supply teachers with technology tools and training to better engage their students, improve attendance and increase academic achievement.

Type of technology to be purchased:

This project will require the purchase of twelve (12) SmartCart packages including one computer projector for each cart. This will provide one SmartCart package for each department and one SmartCart for general use at Highland High School. The SmartCarts can be described as mobile units that serve as the classroom power center. Electrical cords, cables, and outlets, enough for VCRs, DVD players, and computer projectors among other things are housed on each SmartCart. Each multimedia cart secures the appliances, protecting them from damage. In addition to the equipment, teacher training in the use of this equipment, and subsequent strategic planning of its use will be scheduled.

Educational software has already been purchased and exists on all classroom computers. Internet access is also readily available through these computers. What is needed is a way to present educational material using the technology already available to the faculty. The SmartCarts will satisfy this need. A one-session workshop will be used to familiarize participants with the SmartCart, its features, and maintenance procedures. Three subsequent sessions will be held in order for teachers to research and develop specific methods of using the technology. Lesson plans that include the use of the computer projector coupled with MicroSoft Office products or other educational software will be discussed. Teachers will use this time to brainstorm and share ideas on how to implement the technology into their own curriculum. The goal is to find ways to better engage the students in their learning. In doing so, student attendance will rise and achievement will improve. Each teacher who participates will present at least one of their ideas to the rest of the group as the last activity. By the end of the series of workshops, participants will share their files via a peer-to-peer file-sharing software. Each department will create a bank of technology-based lesson plans for others to view and borrow as they see fit.

Ensure ongoing and sustained professional development:

Teachers will participate on a voluntary basis in the training and development of the computer projector and its classroom uses. A maximum of 12 teachers will be offered this professional development opportunity. Grant money will fund not only the equipment, but the professional training of the equipment by way of a stipend for one tech support personnel. All training sessions will take place for one hour after school on selected dates. Those teachers who complete the training will then become mentors to other teachers and will provide training for other teachers on an as-needed basis. This mentor will serve as a support system, allowing other teachers the confidence to try different methods of teaching as they build a more learner centered classroom environment.

Initial training will be provided by a member of the existing Highland School District Tech Support team for specialized training in how to use and maintain the SmartCarts and computer projectors. Three subsequent workshops, one per month, will be facilitated by the Tech Support personnel, but will be teacher-driven to create specific lesson plans within the teacher's content area. The month between each workshop will allow teachers time to develop classroom-ready lesson plans, giving other participants a chance for response and input. Copies of lesson plans will be made available to all participants using the file-sharing software Grouper.com. A member of the school's administration will be invited to observe these workshops and provide input where s/he deems necessary.

Training will begin in a timely manner as soon as possible after the SmartCarts arrive. Then, once each month for three months, an after school session will take place for teachers to develop usable lesson plans that utilize the SmartCarts. At the completion of these sessions, participants will recruit and mentor another group of 12 teachers for the same series of workshops. Finalized lesson plans that develop as a result of teacher-led training will be shared with up to 30 other teachers (by department) online through a peer-to-peer program called Grouper (http://directory.grouper.com/) Those teachers creating math lesson plans can share their tech-based lesson plans under the Math Lesson Plans Group found at http://directory.grouper.com/details.aspx?grp=137850&m=64&s=67. Members of other departments can set up a section devoted to their subject content.

Overview of Project SmartCart

• purchase 12 SmartCarts that include one computer projector for each cart
• Schedule a one-hour workshop for a member of Highland School District's Tech Support Team to train 12 teachers in the use and care of the SmartCarts
• Advertise the SmartCart workshop to Highland High School faculty members
• Schedule 3 follow-up workshops, one per month, to be tech support facilitated/teacher driven to develop practical lesson plans using the already available software coupled with the SmartCart/computer projector.
  • to be held after school and for one hour
  • specifically held to create classroom-ready presentations
  • to train in the use of online sharing software (Grouper)
  • Determine who will lead out in second series of workshops
  • set up advertising of second series of workshops
  • schedule 1 SmartCart training session and 3 follow-up workshops for new participants to receive like training
  • Repeat as the need dictates

Implementation Plan

This proposal is to secure the equipment necessary for Highland High School teachers to present lesson plans using software already made available to them. In addition, training in the use of the equipment and lesson plans targeting their specific content needs will be developed. Teachers will participate in workshops to acquire skills in the use of the Multimedia Cart and projection units and then attend further sessions to brainstorm for ideas in using the technology most effectively. Upon completion of the series of workshops, participants will serve as mentors for teachers primarily in their own departments, but not exclusively.

After the 12 SmartCarts and computer projectors are delivered to the school, tech support will be called in to inspect and set up the equipment. Also, workshops will be advertised to the high school faculty via email and flyers announcing times and places for the workshops. The advertisement will include the purpose of the workshops and what equipment will be used. Twelve participants (one for each SmartCart/computer projector) will be signed up for the first series of workshops.

Four workshops will make up a full series needed to be introduced to and receive sufficient and effective training on the SmartCart and computer projector. During the introductory workshop, a member of tech support will instruct on how to use the SmartCarts and computer projectors, their functions and features, and also demonstrate proper maintenance for the equipment. This is crucial to the continued success of the program.

During the second workshop, teachers will brainstorm to draft lesson plans in the classroom use of the equipment. Several online resources will be offered for ideas. This session will see a transition from a tech-support led workshop to one that is teacher-driven. Tech support will remain to guide and facilitate.

During the third session, participants will volunteer to present rough versions of lesson plans that use the technology. Trouble spots will be addressed and resolved and suggestions for improvement will be offered. Also, during this workshop, participants will be introduced to an online peer-to-peer file sharing software called Grouper.com, whereby teachers can share their lesson plans with other teachers in a limited group. A bank of lesson plans that integrate technology will be established as a resource for the group members.

The final workshop will be used for teachers to present more polished lessons and ask for critique on them. Participants will be encourage to continue developing more and more technology-based lesson plans and to place them on the Grouper website for others to peruse. A reflection time will be encouraged to promote more ideas of improving the use of the technology and to perfect the presentation of further workshop series.

Benefits for teachers include:
• Access to presentation equipment for integrating technology into lesson plans
• Training in the use of technological equipment
• Training in the regular implementation of technology into their lesson plans
• Viewing other participants’ submissions through the use of online software
• Confidence in the use of technology through the support of peers

Benefits for students include:
• Modeling of student-centered approach using technology
• A more engaging style of learning
• An increased desire to attend school
• Exposure to some of today’s technology
• An increase in achievement and self-esteem

Project Evaluation

Interactions between tech support and teachers throughout the workshops will determine the success of the program. Feedback from peers is most influential. Specific suggestions for improving any one lesson plan will give its presenter more confidence in its classroom delivery. A more engaging lesson awaits the student.

Once the series of four workshops have been completed by the participants, a networking of the teachers' lesson plans will have been established. Because Grouper.com allows a maximum of 30 members per group, groups can be established by department, further organizing the lesson plans. Other teachers will desire to tap into that resource, so further trainings will have to be offered. Those completing the training will become new participants' mentors, further perpetuating successful training and more engaging lesson plans. After several series of workshops, the Grouper banks will become a much more comprehensive source for teachers to draw upon.

Equipment needed for proposal:
• 12 SmartCart power systems
• 12 computer projectors

Timetable (Dates are 2005 examples and assume the equipment will have arrived by the beginning of the school year. All workshops will last approximately 60 minutes.)

August 29th – An email advertisement announcing the series of SmartCart/computer projector training workshops to be sent to high school faculty.
September 8th – Workshop 1 – Getting to know the Uses and Maintenance of the SmartCart and Computer Projector

1. General information will be given concerning the SmartCart, its features, and how it is to be maintained.
2. Using the computer projector from the SmartCart, teachers will learn the features of and how to maintain the computer projector itself. Included will be procedures on how to connect to computer and display on whiteboard. This training session will require teachers to learn “hands-on.”
3. A reminder of the software packages that already exist on the computers will be revealed, their access procedures presented. Handouts for these and all procedures will be provided along with binders.
4. An example lesson plan using the SmartCart, computer, projector, and Power Point will be presented to the teachers. After the short lesson, participants will be asked to think about what they might want for a lesson in their own classroom. Teachers should bring specific lessons they would like to teach using the technology for the next workshop. They should mark units from their textbooks or other materials to bring to the brainstorming session in two weeks. They will be told how they will soon develop several of their own lesson plans similar to the example given.
5. Reminder emails will be sent out to all participants twice before each workshop – once with a week remaining and a second with two days remaining. This will give enough time to prompt teachers to gather materials needed to use at the brainstorming workshop. (Brainstorming ideas can be found at http://www.brainstorming.co.uk/tutorials/preparingforbrainstorming.html.)

September 22 – Workshop 2 - Brainstorming for ideas to implement technology into specific content areas

1. Teachers will work together, preferably with one from their own department, if possible. Going through their classroom textbooks and other materials, teachers will devise practical ways to incorporate technology into specific lesson plans.
2. The primary purpose of this session is to draft ideas. The ideas will be streamlined in coming weeks.
3. A Few Tips on How to Use PowerPoint for Mathematical Presentations can be found at:
http://cs-www.bu.edu/~reyzin/pptips.html
4. Additional areas where inspiration might occur:
• http://www.math.wvu.edu/~rmayes/Power%20Point.htm
• http://it.springbranchisd.com/coaches/soms/powerpoint.htm
• http://www.monroe.k12.la.us/~mhen/PowerPointProjects.html
5. The examples above are for math teachers. Other subject areas can be explored using a search engine on the Internet.
6. A question and answer session will end this workshop.

October 20 – Workshop 3 – Streamlining lesson plans, correcting glitches, and introduction to Grouper.com

1. Seeking assistance from tech support and other participants, teachers will begin to generate the tech-based lesson plans for their content area. Ideas will be bounced off of one another in an effort to make more efficient each plan.
2. Any reported anomalies with the technology part of the lessons will be addressed by tech support or other participants.
3. The last 15 – 20 minutes of this workshop will introduce Grouper.com – an online peer-to-peer file sharing site. Teachers who wish to contribute to the bank of technology-based lesson plans will learn how to do so. Handouts for procedures will be provided for each participant.

November 17 – Final Workshop – Presentations and Reflections.

1. During this session, teachers will volunteer a presentation of a newly-created tech-based lesson plan.
2. Input/reflections shall be offered by participants. Any other suggested streamlining of lesson plans would be given at this time. What works? What doesn’t flow?
3. Any suggestions as to improve future workshop series will be invited and discussed. Evaluation sheets will be provided to all participants. Tech Mentor Diplomas will be awarded to each participant.

Budget

Budget Justification

Personnel:

To ensure success for the SmartCart proposal, an experienced member of tech support must facilitate the workshop series. S/he must be one who is familiar with the features of the equipment and can guide participants while using computer software. A commitment of time to support and mentor is crucial for participants to realize success in these workshops. Twenty hours have been budgeted to compensate the facilitator: 2 hours to become familiar with the equipment, 8 hours for set up and facilitating of the 4 workshops, and 10 hours approximated for helping participants outside of workshop time, either in person or by email. The hourly rate of twenty five dollars is the amount that Highland School District offers for tech support personnel for outside duties. Without technical support during the workshop sessions and outside of workshop time, success for participants would significantly decrease.

Equipment and Supplies

Before any workshop could take place, the equipment must be in place. This proposal requests the purchase of 12 SmartCart packages. Each SmartCart is to include a computer projector to present the lesson developed by the workshop’s participants. This would provide a SmartCart for each high school department: Agriculture, Physical Education, Mathematics, Science, English, Social Studies, Business, Fine Arts, Special Education, Music, and Foreign Language, and an additional SmartCart for use by the high school administration. It is also intended to be used as a back up in case one of the others is in for repair.

Conclusion

The equipment is necessary for teachers to present tech-based lesson plans in their respective classrooms. The equipment, along with the training needed for its intended use, will afford students throughout the school the opportunity to become more engaged in their lessons and learn of technology used in today’s business world. Attendance can be expected to increase with a natural increase in achievement as well. Teachers will become more tech savvy and will strive to look for more ways to incorporate technology into their subject material. Their confidence in using technology will increase as the teacher support system expands. Mentoring will become a natural byproduct of the program. Teachers will mentor other teachers, staff development will be ongoing, and technology skills will increase for teacher and student alike. Sharing files with other teachers will also assist incoming first-year teachers, as the groundwork will have already been laid. The connections will be made - teachers to technology, technology to learning, and learning to students.

References:

Highland High School Improvement Plan

Phone Interview: Steven Outten - Highland School Technology Leader

National Council for Teachers of Mathematics E-Standard (2000). http://standards.nctm.org/

Arroyo, A., Rhoad, R., and Drew, P. (1999). Meeting diverse student needs in urban schools: Research-based recommendations for school personnel. Preventing School Failure, 43(4), 145-153.

Steve Smith – Senna Technology Systems

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Last updated on 8 July 2005