Introduction

Wayne County High School is a new school, opened in the fall of 2002. As a result, it has a lot of technology already available in the media center and in several classrooms. For example, every 9th grade Academy teacher, Social Studies teacher, Science teacher, and Math teacher has an LCD projector and screen in his or her room. And they are in the process of making this a reality in the Language Arts classrooms as well. There are also three operational computer labs, and several computers available for student use in the media center. The computer labs and the media center all each have an LCD screen and projector available for teacher use, also. All teachers have access to overhead projectors, which can be checked out from the media center. Though there are not enough overheads for every teacher to have every day, there is never an issue with “not being able to get one.” Supply exceeds demand in this case. Also, every teacher has a television mounted in her room, with a VCR. DVD players are available for checkout in the media center. Overall, the school is very well supplied with technology. However, there are still needs.

I surveyed one teacher from each of the content areas in the school, and included a teacher from the ninth grade academy, inclusion teacher, media specialist, and administrator. These surveys were administered through email to find overall needs for new technology. I also interviewed one student from each grade level to see what they wanted most from the technology in the school. As a result of the surveys, I have created a prioritized list of the new technology needed.

Prioritized List of Technology Items

1. Classroom Response System The media specialist, several teachers, and students felt that a classroom response system would enhance instruction in their classrooms. The media specialist loved how interactive and technology-based this system is. She also loved how it could be used for very diverse purposes. Classroom teachers loved the way it provided a kinesthetic approach to learning and thought it would work great with the learning focused components they implement in their classrooms. And the students thought it would be “fun.” And anytime learning can be made fun, the students say they are interested.

2. Read Aloud Software This software was mentioned by the inclusion teacher, regular classroom teachers, and the media specialist. Several students at the high school require that material be read aloud to them. This modification is included in their IEPs and is essential for their success. Often times Special Education teachers have to be pulled from their classes to read tests, assignments, or class reading aloud to these students. The read aloud software would prevent this “pulling” of teachers from their own classes, while still meeting modifications required through IEPs. Because of the large number of students that require this modification, this software would be of upmost importance.

3. MP3 Players with headsets These would be necessary for the read aloud software. The software converts written text to spoken word either through mp3 or CD format. These MP3 players and headsets provide “listening centers” for students who need this modification. The centers are mobile, so they could be used in the back corner of a classroom, in the media center, or in a teacher

workroom. That way, students can hear the test, assignment, or class reading be read aloud, without interrupting the rest of the class as they work silently.

4. Scanners Though a couple of teachers mentioned how useful scanners would be, this was primarily a main focus of the students. They expressed the need to scan pictures for assignments, and there is no scanner at the school that is available for student use. These could be placed in the media center and the three computer labs for easy student use.

Classroom Response System

Specifications:- At least 30 controllers because of large class sizes- Wireless Remotes- Windows Compatible

Item Product Specifications

Company Picture PriceState Contract

Availability

Senteo Interactive Response

System

-Wireless Remotes-Windows or Mac Compatible-Automatic Tallying of Responses-Responses transmitted to Receiver-Responses projected on screen-1 central receiver-32 handheld controllers with screens

Learning Services

http://www.learningservicesus.com/home/ls1/page_4216/senteo_interactive_response_system_response_system.html

$1,999.00

GTCO InterWrite

PRS Personal

Response System

-Wireless Remotes-Mac or Windows Compatible-Numerical Keypads-32 handheld controllers-1 central receiver-Responses directly transmitted to receiver

AV Superstore

http://www.avsuperstore.com/moreinfo.cfm/GTCO.InterWrite/PRS%2032%20Class%20Pack

$2,278.00

eInstruction Classroom

Performance System

-Wireless Remotes-Automatic Tallying of Responses-Results exported to various computer programs-Windows or Mac Compatible-1 central receiver-32 handheld controllers-

Touchboards

http://www.touchboards.com/einstruction/einstruction_overview.asp

$3,955.00

Read Aloud Software

Specifications:- Windows Compatible- Able to be converted to MP3 to be listened to on portable player- Converts written text to auditory words

Item Product Specifications

Company Picture PriceState

Contract Availability

Read Please

Plus 2003

-Microsoft Vista Compatible-Reads emoticons-Adjustable Voice Speed-Highlights text while reading

Read Please

http://www.readplease.com/english/products/

$49.95

Natural Soft Prof. Version 7

-Converts any written text to spoken words-Converts to MP3 and WAV files-Toolbar can be added in Microsoft Applications-Change speaker and speed

Natural Soft

http://www.naturalreaders.com/

Professional

Version 7

$99.50

Text Aloud 2

-Converts text into spoken audio-Coverts to MP3 or WMA files

Next Up

http://sites.fastspring.com/nextup/product/textaloud?option=mc

$29.95

-Downloadable voice options-Windows Compatible-Control Speed and Pitch of voices

TextAloud

MP3 Players with Headsets

Specifications:- Must play MP3s- Should Multiple Headsets- Should be Portable

Item Product Specifications

Company Picture PriceState Contract

Availability

Califone 8104

Classroom Listening Center

-Four headsets-MP3 Player-Dual Headphone Jacks-Built-in Electret Microphone-Includes Carrying Case

Cousin’s Video

http://store.cousinsvideo.com/cal-8104.html

$156.90

Califone MP3

Listening Center

-Four headsets-MP3 Player-One Year Warranty-Dual Headphone Jacks-Built in Microphone-Accommodates 2 GB SD Card

School Outfitters

https://www.schooloutfitters.com/catalog/product_info?pfam_id=PFAM3814&products_id=PRO11498

$169.99

4 Position Listening Center

-Four headsets-MP3 Player-Built-in Volume Control-Carrying Case-Built-in Microphone-One Year Warranty

Ebay

http://cgi.ebay.com/4-POSITION-MP3-LISTENING-CENTER_W0QQitemZ110300226830QQcmdZViewItem

$245.00

Scanners

Specifications:- Scanner and Printer Combo- Color Printer- Microsoft Compatible

Item Product Specifications

Company Picture PriceState Contract

Availability

Canon Pixma

MX300 All-in-One Photo

Printer/ Copier/

Scanner/ Fax

-Printer/Scanner/ Copier/Fax All-in-One-Scans at 600 dpi-Color Printer-Ink-jet Printer-Microsoft Compatible

Walmart

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=7810490

$59.88

+$17.33(3 Yr. Ext. Warranty)

HP Officejet J6480

Wireless All-in-One

Printer

-Printer/Scanner/ Copier/Fax All-in-One-Scans at 4800 dpi-Color Printer-Ink-jet Printer-Windows or Mac Compatible-Wireless Capability-Two-Sided Printing

Circuit City

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/HP-Officejet-J6480-Wireless-All-in-One-Printer/sem/rpsm/oid/208219/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do?cc_fm=Similar+Items+Mod

$199.99

Epson WorkForce

600 Wireless All-in-One

Printer

-Printer/Scanner/ Copier/Fax All-in-One-Color Printer-Ink-jet Printer-Wireless Capabilities-2 yr. limited Warranty-Two-Sided Printing-Windows or Mac Compatible

Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Epson-WorkForce-Wireless-Printer-C11CA18201/dp/B001DJ9JF4/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1226287587&sr=1-3

$158.99