WJHS Technology Integration Program

The Program

WJHS began a three-year pilot program in 2004. We eliminated all computer classes and began to promote the use of computers and other technology devices in the classroom. This program allows students to have more time with the computers completing projects directly related to the curriculum. In addition, we have provided weekly staff development sessions to teachers, greatly increased electronic communication between teachers and parents, and have increased students' motivation to learn.

The program has three areas in which we seek improvement: the content of instruction, the process of learning, and the quality of a student's work output. We use technology to meet the individual needs of the learner as well as the common needs of the group. Every individual has different learning styles, prior knowledge, interests, and abilities, which can be integrated into their everyday learning with technology.

The purpose of the program is not to simply promote technology for the sake of it. We aim to make the teaching and learning process better by using the right combination of excellent teaching practices and the appropriate use of technology.

Philosophy

“Technology can be the means to achieve a democratic education, one where the needs of the individual are met while achieving the goals of the larger group. Technology is used to provide greater educational opportunities while also developing skills necessary to be successful outside of school."

Technology Standards
The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE, www.ISTE.org) created technology standards for students, teachers and administrators. These standards were adopted by the state of Illinois along with 48 other states. In addition, the ISTE also lists ten essential conditions for having a successful technology program.

Click below to see each set of standards:
Students
Teachers
Administrators

Technology Resources
This section will contain useful web sites for teachers to use in preparing and providing instruction to their students. Coming soon.

The Role of a Technology Teacher

1. Teaching – Instruct students in computer applications during curriculum-integrated projects.
2. Collaboration – Work with teachers in instructional settings, including co-teaching lessons, as well as support collaboration among all teachers through email, video chat, and web sites.
3. Orientation - Inform students and staff of the policies regarding computer use, computer lab expectations, and Internet use
4. Consultation – Meet with teachers to discuss methods of technology integration in order to improve instruction and learning.
5. Inservice training – Develop and facilitate staff development workshops during school staff meetings and team planning periods
6. Promote technology use - Share ideas and examples by putting curriculum maps, lessons, quizzes, and projects online.
7. Administration – Ensure proper equipment is available for use, keep inventory of equipment, acquire new equipment and software
8. Research – conduct research on student use, attitudes and abilities concerning computer use.

Changes and Progress at WJHS

Some of the changes since 2004 include:
1.Computer skills are taught within the academic classroom instead of in isolated computers classes.
2. Parents and students have online access to report cards and progress reports.
3. Two new computer labs were added.
4. More than ten projectors and speakers have been made available to teachers for classroom instruction.
5. Staff development is provided on a weekly basis.
6. Internet-based quizzes (Quia.com), short academic videos (BrainPop), and other online subscription-based services have increased.
7. New software from Apple, including Pages, Comic Life, and iWeb, have been introduced to the classrooms.
8. Class registration, homework calendars, and conference sign-up are now on the Internet.

More information on the progress of the pilot will be reported here in the coming weeks.

Technology Repairs and Issues

Technician - Isi Perez will be in every day to fix computers, printers, and other hardware items. His email is wjhstech@wilmette39.org and his phone extension is 263.

Network - Justin Wagner is our district network manager. Network and log-in problems are his specialty. His email is wagnerj@wilmette39.org.

PowerGrade - Phil Earvolino is our district database manager. Grading issues should be directed towards him at earvolip@wilmette39.org.

Wilmette Junior High School