Introduction

Loara High School has continually updated the inventory of the technology on campus. The rapid pace of technological development makes it difficult to maintain timely implementation of new concepts and provide needed staff training on current concepts. Although we believe that we have very advanced technologies on campus, constant advancement in technology force us to revise our current technological status. Therefore, we have planned revisions that consist of recommendations to improve and update our technology. This plan will facilitate an effective response to the change, and keep us current with our technology needs.

Current Status

The following is an updated inventory of the technology we have at Loara High School:

• STRC  (Student Technology Resource Center) – an all Pentium 3 lab
• One dedicated Pentium 4/Windows XP computer lab (Room 6)
• Two dedicated IBM computer labs (Room 3 and Room 4)
• Eight District VAX (mainframe) work stations throughout the campus for staff use
• Eighteen additional VAX work stations in offices
• Computer Assisted Drafting, CAD, for ROP classes (Room 88)
• Special Education Centers (Rooms 29 (11 PCs), 39 (9 PCs) and 40 (8PC & 3Mac)
• Sixteen student networked computers running Windows 2000 in the Media Center available for Internet, Library catalog, all CD-ROM database programs and links to other Internet sites via the main menu and the Library web page.  Two computers are used for administration purposes and another computer is used for circulation of library materials.  All of these computers are networked together with a library server.
• Library automation
• Macintosh and/or IBM computers in most classrooms.
• Scanners (Math, Science, Foreign Language and Special Education Departments)
• LCD units (Business, English, Math, and Social Science Departments)
• Internet in 83% of classrooms (WiFi Pending to increase connection to 100%).
• Dedicated Pentium 3 computer lab for the Reading Program in Room 72 (25 PCs)
• T1 data and T1 voice lines
• Loara Connex room with four computers for college research (Career Center)
• 287 computers were distributed from AB2882 for student use.  This included a classroom set of laptops for the Science Department.

Year 1
2001-2002
Current Goal

A technology committee has been established and meets on a regular basis to discuss the current status of technology at Loara High School and the direction it will be taking in the next 5 years. Computer training for all staff members is scheduled. More technology is continuing to come onto campus from different funding sources. Now it is not a matter of accumulating more technology, but organizing what we have to be used in the most efficient way - for all faculty members and students.

• School-wide standardization of word processing, data management, and presentation applications.
• Continued computer training for all staff in standardized computer software.
• It is expected that all students will be proficient in word processing and data entry upon graduation.
• Establish a Math computer lab.
• Each department will submit a plan as to the use of technology in accomplishing their individual goals and needs.
• Upgrade operating systems licensing and LAN software.
• Upgrade existing servers and purchase additional servers.
• Expand the use of the STRC.
• Hiring of a technology resource technician to monitor the STRC and keep the campus technologically functioning.
• Get all teachers trained on and using the computer-grading program that we have a site license for.
• Update and catalog all licenses

Year 2 – 3
2002-2004
Recommendation

The emphasis here is not necessarily more quantity but more accessibility for teachers and students. Computer training will continue for all staff members. We would hope a majority of the students have taken a course with computer instruction (i.e. Computer Basics, Computer Applications, Desktop Publishing, Graphic Design, and Computer-Assisted Drafting).

• Establishment of a student technology resource center capable of accessing the Internet, producing student generated projects and reports, that provides enrichment or remediation of subject classes.
• Purchase A–V ready computers for use in classroom presentations.
• Provide training for Internet access.
• Development of computer graphic design and desktop publishing courses.
• Additional purchases for technology shall include provisions for a security system and software.

Year 4 – 5
2004-2006
Recommendation

It is essential to continually update the computers we have on campus. Staff development will continue. Student use of technology will increase in all subject areas.

• Investigate monetary resources that will allow for the purchase and installation of campus-wide communication system, video delivery system and electronic attendance.
• Upgrade existing computers.
• Upgrade network infrastructure
• Staff development.
• Establish a school-wide network.  Each teacher would be given disk space on the server for saving important files.
• Set up a network e-mail system for staff and teachers to use on campus.
• WiFi connection in progress in year 2004-05.

Long Term Recommendation

• Modernization of school site (2004-07)
• Phone/PA System in every classroom
• Update and improve the LAN/ Wireless technology
• Continue staff development
• Continue upgrading
• Improving network security to protect computers from intruders and viruses.

Financing

School Improvement Program funds, curriculum cycle funds, and various grants are avenues currently being explored for funding these projects. In the past, Digital TSST funds and AB2882 have provided technology support. In the year 2004-05, e-Rate will provide all technological support.