In the journey to achieve the vision of Citrus Middle School,

WE BELIEVE:

• Technology, in and of itself, is nothing but equipment and cable.
• A classroom teacher who uses instructional strategies to integrate technology-based resources into the curriculum makes technology a powerful tool for teaching and learning.
• Technology facilitates learning across the disciplines and enables students to engage in projects that develop higher-order thinking skills, problem solving, and relate to real life.

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Classroom Environment and Connectivity

Each classroom is equipped with one teacher multimedia laptop computer and a digital projector for classroom viewing and a minimum of 5 to 7 Apple workstations for students. We have a 30 station Apple computer lab in the Library Media Center, a mobile cart with 30 AlphaSmart keyboards, two wireless Apple laptop carts, and a wireless Windows laptop cart. A DS-3 line provides internet accessibility throughout the campus. Apple Workgroup Manager is installed on all computers for student file management and network and hardware security. The Library Media Center is also equipped with 8 Apple workstations for student use. Students and staff have access to World Book and Groliers online through an internet subscription.

How Is Technology Being Used?

Student Use

6th grade-keyboarding, word processing, Scholastic Read 180, Scholastic ReadingCounts, Multimedia projects, internet research, library card catalog online, textbook resource links

7th Grade- Specific Technology Classes: Computer Literacy, Gateway to Engineering,

Appropriate technologies are used on a daily basis in Language Arts/Social Studies, Mathematics, Science, and Music to develop, accelerate, and extend content skills and knowledge using tutorial software such as: Larson Math and adopted text publishers' software; explore concepts with science and social science simulation software and webquests; gather information using the internet, CD-ROMs. software applications, such as Microsoft Office, Appleworks, Inspiration and the Big6 information literacy model; and produce understanding on all levels of Bloom's taxonomy with PowerPoint presentations and web pages.

Staff Use

Word processing, e-mail, internet research, spreadsheets, Grade book Programs, iMovie, Digital cameras, scanners, Digital Camcorders, LCD Projector, VCR/DVD, Scholastic Management Suite, SASIxp, web pages.

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Sequence of Technology Skills

6th Grade  Acceptable Use Policy - Ethics and Responsibilities Keyboarding Skills--AlphaSmart--15 WPM Word Processing--Apple Works Introduction to PowerPoint--2 cards, text and basic graphics Introduce using the internet for research and links to specific sites Introduce library catalog online

7th Grade  Acceptable Use Policy - Ethics and Responsibilities Keyboarding Skills--All the Right Type--20-25 WPM Word Processing--Apple Works Simple Multimedia Project using PowerPoint card stack with text, graphic and buttons Search and navigate through the internet to locate resources. Create documents that use basic word processing skills

8th Grade  Acceptable Use Policy - Ethics and Responsibilities Keyboarding Skills--All the Right Type--20-25 WPM Word Processing--Apple Works Create a variety of cross curricular multimedia projects using Microsoft PowerPoint and/or Claris Home Page or Microsoft Word (html). Use and access all available and appropriate resources to complete class projects. Create documents that incorporate appropriate page layout using standard formatting tools.

 

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Professional Development Activities

All staff members complete and update the on-line CTAP survey. Every summer Citrus Middle School has provided a week long opportunity for staff members to learn new technologies, work on web pages, and develop standards based units and projects that enhance learning through the use of technology.

A tech coach is funded through the grant to collaborate with teachers to integrate technology. Teachers are provided with substitute teacher planning days to share ideas, refine a skill, learn new skills, browse the internet, and develop standards-based units. The curriculum page provides links to completed projects.

Building Standards-Based Curriculum Units That Incorporate Technology

Expected Outcomes

1. Possess a strong foundation in the elements required to build standards-based curriculum units;
2. Understand the importance of information literacy, information power and essential questions while addressing the challenge of teaching students to analyze, interpret and infer;
3. See the value of blending technology with more traditional tools.
4. Use technology on a daily basis.

Resources for Teachers

The Research Cycle: Teaching Student to Become Information Producers - Jamie McKenzie's Site Big6 Skills Approach to Information Problem Big6 Resources Technology Integration Unit Planning What does the research say about using technology effectively? This site reviews how to design an effective technology lesson, construct the assessment, identify instructional resources, and plan for classroom management. Technology Integration Resources - This site holds a wealth of information from keyboarding lessons and game templates to classroom applications using a digital camera and software tutorials. Also available are virtual activities, Web page design tips, links to student sites, and how to use Windows and interactive whiteboards. The Big List on Technology Integration - The George Lucas Educational Foundation (GLEF) offers courseware modules, articles, interviews, professional organizations, and resources to show teachers how to weave computers into the curriculum. eThemes - eThemes is an extensive database of content-rich, age-appropriate resources organized around specific themes. These resources are created for educators to use in their classrooms. BrainPOP - the more you know, the more you know. Great resource for all subjects Sites for Teachers: hundreds of educational websites rated by popularity

Professional Development

Workshop Modules by Jamie McKenzie

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