Georgetown Internation Academy Technoilogy Plan

VISION
ALL MEMBERS OF THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY WILL USE CURRENT AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGY IN SUPPORT OF THE LEARNING PROCESS AND TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF NEW LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES.
STUDENTS AND STAFF WILL MAKE THE TRANSITION TO A NON-PAPER BASED DIGITAL WORLD WHERE WORK IS CREATED, EDITED, SHARED, AND STORED IN DIGITAL FORMAT.
COMPUTERS AND OTHER SCHOOL APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY WILL BE SEEN AND USED AS TOOLS AND INTEGRATED INTO EVERY PART OF THE CURRICULUM.

BACKGROUND

As in most schools, technology was introduced into the curriculum at GAS without a Technology plan. The school’s first computer, an Apple iic, and printer was a donation from the Department of State and was introduced at GAS in 1990. Eight compatible 128K computers were purchased by the Board in the following year. Basic programing was taught as a part of the science curriculum and integrated into the math curriculum.
In 1995 the Board for the first time considered a technology plan which provided for the purchase of ten compatible computers over a two year period. The plan also called for the placement of these computers in the school office and a computer lab as a first priority. Placement of computers in classrooms was reduced to 2nd priority and the creation of work stations as a 3rd priority.
It was also decided as another first priority to establish a satellite up link/down link for the purpose of taking advantage of distance education opportunities for staff and students alike. (This later was discovered not to be possible as Georgetown was found to be outside the “footprint” of the satellite.)
In 1996 the school’s first computer lab became a reality and was used primarily on a scheduled basis as a place to use educational learning programs and to teach computer applications, and a CD ROM based research extension to the library.
In 1997 the school’s technology plan was revised in response to the local availability of internet access, the experience of schools world wide, and advances in technology.
New technology priorities were established as follows:

IMMEDIATE

1. school usable internet access (for 15 simultaneous users)
2. The establishment of a mixed platform ethernet LAN
3. The creation of at least two workstations in building A

LONG TERM

1. workstations in every classroom
2. regular upgrading of computers, LAN, and internet access
3. introduction of school appropriate technology (especially for the purpose of integrated introduction to basic technology in lower school)

In 1997 through 1999 5 iMac, 3 G3s (inclusive of a server) and 5 Compaqs were purchased to create the backbone of an ethernet LAN with internet access. Two workstations were created--one in the office, and one on the upper floor of building A. Three of the older model computers ,which are not capable of running on the LAN, were replaced in the classrooms of the lower school and one recently repaired is now available as a low-end work station in the conference room.
Block scheduling was introduced in the middle and upper schools in order to facilitate the integrated use of the school’s technology resources.

OBJECTIVES

A. To expose students to the use of technology in the learning process.
i. To have computers available for use in every classroom
ii. to have a computer lab available for class use

B. To provide integrated instruction in the use of technology

C. To provide elective courses in specific uses of technology
i. to offer basic computer applications courses
ii. to offer courses in programming and / or networking

D. To expose students to the resources of the internet.
i. to expand the library reference facilities through the use of the internet.
ii to involve the students in collaborative learning through the use of the internet.
iii. to involve the students in real time science through the use of the internet.
iv. to provide the staff with on-line continuing education opportunities

E. To use the internet to provide school information
1. To develop a school web site with school information resources
2. To make the web site interactive by providing:
a. links to Guyana resources
b. links to student resources
c. links to teacher resources
d. email drops
c. assignment drops

F. To introduce school appropriate technology as it becomes available

G. To showcase GAS through technology
i. to introduce after-school internet based activities for
1. school community
2. educational community
3. greater community

H. To upgrade GAS office efficiency through:
1. rapid e-mail access for clients and potential clients
2. online banking
3. online ordering
3. secure computerized accounting system

Priority One--Provide a Computer lab with twelve computers and software to support:
1. Word Processing
2. Spreadsheet creation
3. Database creation
4. Drawing
5. Basic Research
6. Language development
7. Math skills development
8. Reading Development
9. Foreign Language development

Priority Two--Build a multi-platform, LAN ( accessible from both main building and expandable to include all classrooms) with effective (maximum of two minutes site access time) internet access for simultaneous access from 16 workstations.
1. Provide one digital camera
2. Provide building internet access
3. Provide classroom internet access
4. Provide office and computer lab internet access

Priority three--Introduce wireless networking and data transfer.

(Note;--priorities one, two, and three have all been achieved as of Sept , 2001. This plan is now due to be reviewed vis-à-vis the newly adopted working technology standards.)