Effective Projects Case Study

Smartboard Applications at Rochester School District

www.rochesterschools.com

This is a story about a project that started 5/18/2007.

For more information, please contact: Michael Hopkins at hopkins.m@rochesterschools.com.

To provide professional development and the purchase of Smartboards for 20 classrooms.  This activity will ensure student use of the Smartboard for classroom presentations and better instructional activities from classroom teachers. The use of the Smartboards in the classroom will provide better instruction and engage the students in their learning environment.

Funding: This project was supported by $85,000 from federal funds and $0 in local funds. The project illustrates how federal funding supports “Access - Enhancing existing technology and acquiring new technology to support education reforms and improve student achievement (includes servers, desktops, laptops, peripherals).” The project addressed the following grades and content areas: 

   Gr6-8  Gr9-12  EngLangArts  Math  Science  SocSt    Technology

The Setting: As a “high need district.” (Rochester- Total Population 30,181- total kids 5-17 5,131 -total kids in poverty 697 – Poverty  13.5% http://www.nheon.org/oet/nclb/HighNeedList2007-08.htm ),  The Rochester School Department continually strives to provide its students with 21st century technology opportunities

The plot: Deciding where the Smartboards would be placed for the most effective use and success of the project. Installation and training teachers for use of the Smartboards

The teachers: 22 teachers were directly involved. Key Characters: Eleven teachers at both the Middle and High School for a total of twenty-two. These teachers were responsible for learning how to use the Smartboards and integrating the technology into the curriculum to improve the quality of education of students to increase student achievement.

The students: This project accommodated varying learning styles by infusing SMART interactive whiteboard technology across the curriculum. Lessons were enhanced by using colorful interactive images, sounds and movement to engage and motivate students to participate more fully in the learning experiences which increased student achievement.

The data: Teacher’s testing scores, multimedia student projects and observation of student motivation and teacher collaboration have been tracked. Evaluation of NWEA scores is ongoing.  Final testing scores for the school year 2007-2008 will be available soon for final evaluation.

The difference: Outcome: Increased use of technology by both teachers and students resulting in motivation in learning and educational success. Student and teacher surveys and anecdotal records were used to help measure gains. Why it matters: The computer information center has received multiple teacher requests for Smartboard technology. Therefore, Motivating other educators to use technology in their classrooms resulting in positive student achievement.

Essential conditions: Teacher training and technical support by the computer tech department to get this technology up and running on our network, providing one on one instruction on how to operate the Smartboards. Teachers sharing knowledge with other educators to assure success.

Changes for the future: More detailed installation instructions to the maintenance department, more time set aside for professional development and sharing experiences with other educators in the district. Keep more detailed written records of lesson plans used by teachers for others to access and provide more online tutorials to add to teacher and student success.

Recommendations: Know your total cost of ownership including cost of installation and maintenance of the Smartboard and peripherals. Make sure to provide adequate time for staff development and collaboration.

Telling our story: High school math department has online photos and explanation on how Smartboards are used in their department. Smartboards have been used at various PTA and district meetings demonstrating the technology and its effectiveness.

Documents to share:  The only available document promoting this project, at this time, is the Spaulding High School Math website: http://www.rochesterschools.com/SHS/departments/math.html presenting images of math teachers working with the SMARTBoard and provides additional information.