Technology Integration Project (E-Tip)

Edison Elementary

Professional development for teachers is critical to the effective use of technology in today's schools. Without it, computers are apt to sit idle or become expensive baby-sitters or reward machines. With proper support, computers become tools for the lifelong skills of creating, observing, researching, organizing, editing, and publishing.

After a successful first year, Edison is committed to continuing its E-TIP professional development project. Through E-TIP, every teacher receives direct, on-site coaching to plan, implement and evaluate curriculum activities using computers and other cutting edge digital equipment. Fourth and fifth grade students take digital photos to document field trips, science experiments and other projects, using the photos as a basis for narrative and expository writing. Kindergartners can use the same cameras as they hunt for and compare two- and three-dimensional objects in the environment. First graders use draw-and-paint software to create books and slide shows in the style of favorite authors. Second grade students use the internet to follow the progress of their favorite Iditarod racers. Third illustrate the water cycle with concept mapping software, and share their work using presentation software. Schoolwide, students will write, edit and publish their best work in Toucan Tales, our school's literary anthology.

An Edison parent with fifteen years experience in educational technology will continue as the technology coach. Each teacher and class will work with the coach on five unique E-TIP lab projects over the course of the year. Teachers will work individually with the coach to co-plan and implement the activities, and exchange feedback. The teachers provide the theme, content and goals for each lab, and the coach and teacher collaborate to create an effective technology-supported lesson. In the lab, teachers choose to observe, co-teach or lead teach, allowing them to try new things, with support at hand.

Teachers also join the coach for periodic technology workshops to problem-solve practical challenges and strengthen key skills for planning computer-based activities, managing students in the computer lab, and using the available hardware and software.

Edison families receive monthly "Toucan Technology Tips, authored by the technology coach, via the school web site and newsletter. The tips share ways families can support their children's productive use of technology at home or in the community, and feature one family web site of the month and one student web site of month.

Why is this project important?

Edison's teachers and families know technological literacy is fundamental for today's students. However, budget cuts have chipped away at the valuable professional development opportunities and technical support teachers need to become proficient at teaching with technology. At the very same time, we've experienced high enrollments at Edison, leaving our teachers to face greater responsibilities and time pressures.

Through E-TIP, every teacher in the school will receive ongoing, individualized training and support, instead of paying substitute salaries and workshop fees to learn isolated skills.

Who and how many will be served?

Edison's 12 certified teachers will participate in ten collaboratively planned lessons, along with coaching during E-TIP labs, and periodic technology workshops provided by the E-TIP coach. Edison's 300+ students will benefit directly and indirectly from the coaching, new curriculum-based activities, and technical support. Parent and student volunteers will participate in E-TIP labs, following training by the coach. Every Edison family will benefit from a student project gallery and "Toucan Technology Tips" published in our school newsletter and web site.

How will you evaluate the success of this project?

Ongoing evaluation will include observing students in the lab, reviewing student projects produced through E-TIP activities, and asking teachers for brief feedback following E-TIP activities. We'll also collect formal and informal comments about technology use from students and families throughout the year.

Does this proposal build upon existing programs at your school?

This proposal builds on our first year of E-TIP, funded in part by EEF last year. Through E-TIP, teachers, students and volunteers explored math problem-solving techniques, used our new digital cameras to document several school events & share the photos in slide shows. published several curriculum-based projects, such as ABC books shared across classrooms, state travel guides, and more. E-TIP also supported the writing and editing of the first edition of the Toucan Tales, Edison's school wide anthology, with creative writing pieces and artwork by every student.

How will the funds be spent?

Salary for the technology coach and for ten hands-on lab sessions with each teacher.