Karen's Portfolio

In order to be viewed as a technology leader in my school I have volunteered to be on many different technology committees.  Our school just finished our Middle States Accreditation.  I was the chair of the technology committee.  Our committee needed to examine our technology plan and make recommendations on our strengths and weaknesses, successes and failures.  Adapting and implementing technology has two sides.  Most people know in order to move our students toward 21st century skills we must embed the curriculum with software tools.  We often speak of web 2.0 skills- information literacy skills.  As technology leaders we are open to exploring new software tools.  However, we must not forget all these skills and activities must be supported with the acquisition of new and updated hardware.  It becomes difficult to stretch less dollars further.  But stretch we must.  Our technology committee examined and adapted the use of N-computers in our labs.  Although N-Computers have some drawbacks the monetary savings far outweigh those drawbacks.  Below is an article from the April 2008 issue of Education Week explaining the use of N-computing in an educational format.  Basically, a desktop computer works as a "main frame" supporting a number of users.  The cost savings include fewer CPU's to purchase, less licensing fees (you only pay for the fees on the number  of CPU's not the number of users), and less electricity.

Education Week Article

Attached is my analysis of our five year technology plan.  As any document it is a living and changing one.  It guides us as we explore new ways to integrate technology into our curriculum.  Attached is my analysis of this plan.  Although the plan has expired the director of technology was open to my reflections as our new plan was created and adopted.

Old Bridge Township Board of Education Technology Plan