Page 140 - Lakeland Catholic Technology Plan

Introduction
Information technologies have become an important aspect of modern life. As a result, these technologies need to be integrated into appropriate subject areas and used as tools to enhance and improve the education of each student. These new technologies: computers, computer soft- ware and electronic communications, will contribute to the education of each student along with the existing “traditional” information technologies such as: print, video, television and emerging information technologies such as: virtual field trips, simulation software and groupware.
The skills needed by students to use the new technologies must be integrated into existing courses and not taught as a separate subject. The type of skills required include the use of produc- tivity, graphic, multimedia and publishing tools; telecommunication tools; research, information gathering and presentation tools and simulation tools.
According to the U.S. Department of Education in 1996,
“To participate and make informed decisions in today’s world, a global citizen
requires technological and information literacy skills that include the ability to gather, process and manipulate data. These skills are now as essential as traditional numeracy and literacy.”
To make technology a viable tool for learning, all students, including students with disabilities, must have easy and convenient access to computer, computer software and electronic communi- cation technologies. While computer labs can make effective use of equipment and be very valu- able in the teaching of specific skills, computer labs should not be the only access to information technologies for students. A variety of spaces and groupings; such as the library, classrooms and other learning areas; should be structured so that information technology becomes a natural and integrated component of the learning process for all students.
Sub-goals and Actions
Building on the District experience and recent Alberta Learning curriculum initiatives, six sub-goals and actions were identified to achieve Goal One: Student Learning.
The six sub-goal areas are:
1.1 Integration of Technology Outcomes
1.2 Enhance and Improve Student Learning
1.3 Student Computer Access and Use Policies
1.4 Special Education Services
1.5 Distance, Virtual and/or Independent Learning
1.6 Integrated Use of the Internet and Use Policies
1.1 Integration of Technology Outcomes
As a minimum expectation, the Alberta Learning Student Information and Communication Technol- ogy Outcomes will be the standard for all District Schools, K - 12.
1.1.1 Begin the implementation of the Alberta Learning student Information and Communication Technology program outcomes. By Sept. 2000
1.1.2 The District will conduct a survey to determine the extent of implementation of the student Information and Communications program outcomes. By Dec. 2000
1.1.3 Based upon the survey results, the schools and District will develop strategies and actions to assist schools with the implementation of the Alberta Learning student Information and Commu- nication Technology program outcomes. By Jan. 2001
1.1.4 Annual monitoring and reporting on implementation of the Alberta Learning student Infor- mation and Communication Technology program outcomes.
By June 2001
By June 2002
By June 2003
1.1.5 Final implementation of the Alberta Learning student Information and Communication Tech- nology outcomes By June 2003
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