Technology Upgrade

Buena Vista Spanish Immersion School
 
We are requesting funds to purchase 3 new eMacs for the Buena Vista computer lab.  The computer lab is currently stocked with 16 out-dated Apple computers using Operating System 7.5.  The computers do not have the capacity to run a more current operating system.  The 4J School District has committed to updating 4JNet, the districts electronic communications network, such that any computer running below Operating System 10 will not be able to access the Internet.  In addition to not providing Internet access, the current computers are also unable to run many of the educational software programs available, including programs such as Renaissance Learning Accelerated Reader, Math Facts, and e-Tools. Nor can the current computers run many of the latest graphics and multimedia software applications, such as iphoto, iMovie and Dreamweaver.  Thus, there is a great need to upgrade these computers so the students can have access to the Internet and valuable software programs.
 
Acquiring new computers for Buena Vista is a top priority throughout the school.  The principal has pledged funds to buy 2 computers using her limited building fund budget.  The Buena Vista Parent Organization is contributing funds to buy an additional 4 computers.  Our goal is to refill the computer lab with 16 eMacs with a variety of funding sources.  We hope that EEF will be one of those sources.
 
Why is this project important?

Computer access and use are integral to the educational process.  Internet access is particularly important for the fourth and fifth grade students because of the depth of work they perform.  The teachers will be thrilled to know that they can give assignments to their students that allow them to develop internet searching skills while studying a breadth of subjects.   A wealth of research specifically geared for K-5th grade students exists on-line and is an excellent way to engage students in technology and learning.  Specific examples include Webquests www.webquest.org, an on-line resource that students can use to complete entire projects encompassing on-line instruction, collaboration, and research.   Other valuable on-line resources include web sites such as www.yahooligans.com, which is an easy, comprehensible source of information for students.  In addition there are on-line encyclopedias, dictionaries, and other educational fun websites.

Buena Vista is a Spanish Immersion program that strives to have all students literate in Spanish reading, writing and communication.  These students will benefit greatly from the numerous web sites that are geared specifically towards helping students learn foreign languages, such as www.enchantedlearning.com and espanol.paraninos.yahoo.com.  There is software available that will switch the entire desktop from English to Spanish as well as numerous other educational software programs specifically designed to help K-5 students learn a second language. Last year Buena Vista was awarded an EEF grant to purchase hand-held computers for the fourth and fifth grade students.  These devices have proved very valuable for teaching the students computer use and keyboarding skills.  These devices, however, do not have Internet access.  Many hand-held integration programs require access to the Internet, especially for interactive applications, such as global positioning systems.  Consequently, there is a great need to bring Internet access to these students.  The computers requested in this proposal will greatly improve the quality of the educational experience of all Buena Vista students.
 
Who, and how many, will be served?

The new computers will serve the entire Buena Vista student population, which is 255 students.
 
How will you evaluate the success of this project?

We will develop a schedule that allows all students access to the computers in order to monitor computer use. The fourth and fifth grade teachers will evaluate success by assessing student proficiency at using the Internet for research on the reports they prepare.  The teachers of the younger students will measure success by monitoring keyboarding skills.  All the teachers will see success in the increased knowledge the students gain by using up to date software programs.
 
Does this proposal build upon existing programs at your school?

Yes.  Buena Vista has a computer lab and computer use is integrated into every class from first through fifth grade.  The age of the current computers, however, greatly limits the educational experience of the students in the computer lab.

How will the funds be spent?

The purchase of three eMac computers.