Transforming Teaching and Learning through Educational Telecommunication

 HIGHER EDUCATIONAL REQUEST PROPOSAL  

    Contact: Brownsville Independent School District                 Instructional Technology Department Brownsville, Texas 78521 Phone: (56) 548-8000, Fax: (956) 548-8010 Email: aigonzalez@bisd.us, Web Site: www.bisd.us

  

 School Information      Simon Rivera High School                         6955 FM 802 Brownsville, Texas 78521 http://www.bisd.us/rivera/    

MISSION STATEMENT   The mission statement provided by Rivera High School, "Faculty, Staff, students and Community of Simon Rivera High School are committed to the development of individuals who are academically competent and self-reliant so that they can successfully pursue post-secondary education and/or training opportunities to better themselves, their community, enabling them to become productive citizens with a global and moral awareness that will impact their lives and increase their self-esteem to create a safe and secure environment."    

DESCRIPTION & POPULATION   Simon Rivera High School first opened its doors in 1988 and is located at 6955 FM 802 on the northeast side of the city.  Rivera High School consists of a story building, housing approximately 2,132 students that are enrolled from 9th-12th grade.  Simon River High School is equipped with 112 classrooms and 8 computer labs.   Population consist of ninety eight percent of the population is Hispanic and less than one percent is White, African American, Native American and Asian.  Simon Rivera High School represents the offers student the ability to work on a career pathway.   The campus represents the Magnet School for Business offering a several business and technology courses.  

 

 

 Project Overview     

CYBER-EDUCATIONAL LAB

 

Abstract   The following is a proposal for the addition and implementation of technology tools such as a new computer lab or a “cyber-educational lab”, for the Simon Rivera High School campus. The new lab will assist students and teachers in their academic endeavors as well as research, activities and web-based lessons.  In addition the computer lab will promote quality education by integrating technology for teacher and student interaction.  It is essential for Simon Rivera High school to provide with the highest quality and up-to-date forms of educational tools for students and faculty.  By providing extra-technology support, Simon Rivera High School seeks to improve student academic achievement and success significantly.  The main purpose is to prepare alumni with the most effective and efficient 21st century skills and to become competent and competitive in our global economy.    

Statement of the Need    With in the past 20 years schools districts around the country are been challenge to meet the global technology expectations.  Simon Rivera High School must meet the strong demand of implementing technology in campus as well as the demand to build a competent instructor.  The new computer lab will give teachers the opportunity to deliver instruction and maintain high levels of interactions as well as the enhancement teacher participation in trainings and professional development sessions.  In addition, the new computer lab will help in the development of a well rounded teacher with maximum abilities in technology.  The campus will undertake the great task of producing productive and competent leaders for this community.   By enhancing our campus with a new computer lab, this school will have the opportunity to shape the citizen of tomorrow.  The new facility will provide room to implement with programs set to target “at risk” student and help them succeed.  Programs such as A+, Stars among others will be placed to help the student regain credit to graduate.  Through the production of active, engaging and life learners, Simon Rivera High School is determined to produce the 21st century workforce. In addition, a new computer lab will enhance learning as well academic skills.    It is essential for Simon Rivera High school to provide the state of the art forms of educational tools for students and faculty.  By providing extra-technology support, Simon Rivera High School seeks to improve student academic achievement and success significantly.  The new computer lab will provide a platform of support for all the students who have failed the TASK.  Also, the new computer lab will give teachers the opportunity to delivery instruction and will maintain high levels of interactions as well as the enhancement teacher participation in trainings and professional development sessions.

Project Goals   The goals are to endow every student with the instruction necessary of the utilization of technology to empower them to be competent and influential in their environment and enhance their academic skills. Another important aspiration is to entirely incorporate technology in to every day instruction to bestow the students with knowledge for the mastery of techniques.  For our campus it is important to cultivate an alliance with parent and the community to assist in the cognitive development and enhance the potential of all students. To coordinate the incorporation and cooperation of administrator’s functions and decision making to fully integrate technology in the campus. Finally, SRHS campus effort is to establish a well functioning and high quality infrastructure with premium and superior quality for hardware and software equipment.  Most importantly, to allow student that have had difficulty in their

academic performance in class or in their TASK test to enhance their potential to succeed.  

Objectives   In conjunction with SRHS administration, faculty and BISD Instructional Technology department the objectives are described as follow:  

To have all student exhibit knowledge and proper usage of technological hardware and software programs, as well as the comprehension of Internet ethics. 

To incorporate Internet access this will be integrate in the instructional areas for all students to improve academic success. 

To support faculty with the training necessary to ensure proper training by encouraging conference and workshop attendance.  

To encourage parent and community involvement with the school and actively participate as well as assist in the usage of electronic communication learning  

To ensure optimal tools and computer hard ware for the usage of all students and administrators and provide state-of-the-art networks and have connected devices are at peak performance.

To implement programs to ensure student success.

 

 Measurable Objectives 

* 30 % increase on all 11th and 12th grade level on TAKS testing resulting in exemplary status.

* 98 % increase on students’ graduation rate.

* To increase the amount of technology used in the instructional setting to benefit the student. 

Population   The new computer lab will house 24 computers for 11th -12th grade “at-risk” students having difficulty with core areas, as well as TASK repeaters as well as for students that need to regain credit.    The new facility will help instructors with research projects, web-based lessons, real time activities and multimedia presentations.

Subject Areas

English Language Arts:   

Student can benefit from gathering data and resources for their research papers and reports. With Microsoft Word the student can not only prepare papers but for student who have dyslexia the spell checker can greatly benefit them with grammar and spelling to draft papers.  Internet services aid in the research of articles, journals, newspapers and encyclopedias, magazines, and Wikipedia, as will as the access to databases for tutorial/instructional lesson delivery and interaction.  Google documents can help the teacher and students create and modify papers in real time.  Photo Story enables the student to create story and presentations with narration, using pictures, audio and music depicting literary elements of a story.  Teacher and students can exchange ideas with the use of blogs, wikis and emails for the revision papers, to communicate privately with the instructor as well as to have immediate response and immediate grade from the teacher.

  Math:   For mathematics the teacher has a vast amount of on-line resources to use for lesson planning and instruction.  For example 3D sketch and Google Earth can help the student comprehend abstract thinking by enhancing the understanding of longitude and latitude in buildings or at any location on earth.   Teachers and students can utilize Excel as well as spreadsheets to calculate different mathematical problem solving scenarios.  There are plenty of math forums where teachers and students can acquire lessons and assignment from math tutorials. The teachers can engage the students with a series of math activities on http://www.howe-two.com/free/.  Virtual manipulatives are fairly new but very beneficial for students that require visual stimulation.  For example at http://www.ct4me.net/math_manipulatives.htm exist plenty of manipulatives that teachers and students can use as reinforcement for mathematics.  Also, the Internet provides a vast amount of websites for students to prepare for the TASK.  Student can practice by using different standard preparation samples on-line.        Science:

There are plenty of tools to use for the instruction of science.  Teachers can access Google Mars and Google earth and the student can have a better understanding of two very different ecological systems. The national geographic websites provides a vast amount of educational resources for the teacher to use in the classroom as wells as video, podcast, pictures and games for students to participate. The Smithsonian website not only does it provide with resources to enhance curriculum but it provides virtual tour of a variety of museums for students to experience (http://www.si.edu).  The Discovery website includes puzzle makers as well as hundreds of original lessons plans written by teachers for teachers and images the teacher can use to incorporate in the presentations (http://school.discoveryeducation.com ).    Social Studies:   The area of history and sociology can greatly benefit from by using Google trends, Google Maps and Google Earth.  Google Maps and Google Earth do not only aid the teacher in explaining geographical environments and settings, but can help in the instruction of culture beliefs systems around the globe as well as locations.  Google Trends provides an over view of all the different trends around the world at this time.  It can help the student comprehend the different perspectives and needs other cultures have around the world.  All these tools can enhance the instruction and curriculum for teachers and students. Websites such as http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/ which provides the students with virtual tours, different events in American History as well as interactive games. The website previously mentioned also has teacher resources, activities, multimedia, interactive time-lines as well as virtual history and exhibitions.    

 Project Time Line

August 2008 – July 2009   Meeting of committee to develop program Writing Grant Submission of Grant Request of equipment Set up equipment  

August 2009  Meet 2 weeks before class starts Teacher in-services   August – October 2009 (First Six Weeks) Continuing with teacher training and workshops on third Saturday of the month Begin of evaluation of student grades. Counseling Department meeting to evaluate and list all 11th & 12th "at risk" and TAKS repeaters.   October – November 2009 (Second Six Weeks) Begin of evaluation of student grades Implement program to strategies to enhance academic performance Continuing with teacher training and workshops on third Saturday of the month TAKS Fall Testing   November 2009 – January 2010 Continuing with teacher training and workshops on third Saturday of the month 2nd Six weeks student evaluation TAKS Fall Testing for 11th and 12th graders   January – February 2010 Commencement of committee for the cyber -educational lab review and measurements Semester student evaluation Teacher training performance and evaluation Student performance and retention Begin second semester TASK Result review for 11th & 12th grade student performance Committee discussion for future subject areas   March – April 2010 4th Six weeks evaluation Emergency TAKS plan (specialized program to review TEKS objectives and TAKS skills) Continuing with teacher training and workshops on third Saturday of the month   April – May 5th Six weeks evaluation TAKS evaluation on 11th & 12th test repeaters.  Continuing with teacher training and workshops on third Saturday of the month Review student’s performance statistics Complete teacher’s evaluation and program evaluation   May – June 2010

Committee gathering to discuss programs performance, goals and objectives attained, plan improvement and modifications

  August 2010 Teacher In-services

Measurement Outcomes

The implementation of a new computer lab in the Rivera High School campus will aid in the enhancement of “at risk” student and for those students having a difficulties with TAKS test.   The cyber-educational lab will create an engaging and productive environment for students’ learning by utilizing the proper technology hardware and software.  The students will engage in multimedia presentations and will participate in activities that incorporate technology.   By incorporating technology in their instruction the students will regain or enhance their high order thinking skills for the necessary academic improvements.   The cyber-educational lab will serve as a support service to aid the student in problem-solving skills and mastery in all subject areas.  Distance education will be available to those students incapable of attending on-campus classes.   Also, the new technology implemented in the computer lab will allow students the opportunity to use and improve their technical skills by utilizing different types of technology that will be available to them.  The student will witness their improvement by developing a portfolio that will measure their progress from the beginning to the end of the school year.  This will allow the student to see their growth and will carry out a self-assessment of their performance as well as identifying point of weakness.  By doing, so the student will create his or her own objectives and goals for next academic year.  Most importantly, the new cyber-educational labs will options to all students that really want and need the necessary support to succeed.   

Teaching Outcomes   The technology implemented in the new computer lab will serve as a resource and instructional tool for teachers. It will support and facilitate the necessary knowledge for the development of curriculum to promote meaningful learning for all students. The Rivera High School faculty will have access to Internet based reference material and streaming video for the delivery of instruction and will have the proper amount of hardware as well as effective and efficient software.  The cyber-educational lab will allow teachers to focus on communication, collaboration and creative problem solving as well as technology connected lessons.   The teacher will use the technology available to increase student’s motivation to learn and help others learn.  In other words, technology will be used as a cooperative and engaging tool.  With the support of a new lab the teacher will serve as a facilitator and guide to construct knowledge.  Mainly the instructor will create a student-centered environment with project-based learning activities and provide opportunities of student collaboration.  The new cyber-educational lab will function as cyber-educational lab where learning will be accomplished by the combination of appropriate and effective use of technology making a dynamic and rich environment.   In order for teachers to maintain a high level of effectiveness, The Instructional Technology Department will offer CPE and stipend based Saturday training sessions for teachers in basic computer and technology related applications based on SBEC technology application standards I-V for educators.  Teacher will be assigned to professional development session as well as special training throughout the academic year.  They will be asked to attend workshops and conferences.  The lesson plans will be evaluated to identify different levels of technology implementation.  Every single faculty member and user of the new computer lab will be asked to fill a survey and provide feed back or suggestions for improvement.

Project Team

Name Title Responsibilities

Tim Snyder Principal Project Supervisor

Mary Garza Dean of Instruction Will maintain an organized planner or all teachers and student utilizing the cyber-educational laboratory

Hugo Garza Math Teacher To accurately provide the information of all students needing assistance in the core areas and TAKS.

Yolanda Cavazos Social Studies To accurately provide the information of all students needing assistance in the core areas and TAKS.

Christina Soto Science To accurately provide the information of all students needing assistance in the core areas and TAKS.

Aimee Reed English To accurately provide the information of all students needing assistance in the core areas and TAKS.

Miguel Molina Technology Support Teacher Will help set up training sessions for faculty.  Will help with the purchasing of equipment as well as the configuration of the lab. 

Robert Fisher IT Administrator Will supervise infrastructure of the new computer lab.

Gloria Vargas Counselor Will provide the information necessary of all "at risk" senior students. Will maintain evaluation of progress of students.

Rudy Juarez IT Lead Teacher Will provide faculty and administrators with curriculum development

Salvador Gonzalez Network Administrator Will perform installations of hardware and software.

Aide Gonzalez HSTE Teacher Will help with the implementation of the cyber-educational lab.

Julie Ramirez Business Teacher Will help with the implantation of the cyber-educational lab.

 Network Design and Justification

Schematic

   

Budget      

DESCRIPTION  QUANTITY  SOURCE  COST 

Adjustable Classroom Table 60"   24  www.versatables.com  $5,976.00 

Basic Task Chair   24  www.versatables.com  $3,936.00 

Office Depot Brand Folding Table, 29"x 96" w x 30" D, Light Walnut 

1  www.officedepot.com  $59.99 

Office Depot Brand State Street Executive Desk, 30 3/8"H x 59 1/2" W x 31 3/4" D, Canyon Maple  

1  www.officedepot.com  $220.99 

Photo Story  24  www.microsoft.com  Free 

Windows Movie Maker  24  www.microsoft.com  Free 

OptiPlex 755 Small Form FactorCore 2 Duo E6550/2.33GHz,4M,VT1333FSB (223-6836) 

24  www.dell.com  www.bisd.us/at  $28,080.00 

HP Color LaserJet 47000dn, 31ppm, 600 sheets input, 100,000 pages monthly duty cycle  3yr warranty included 

1  www.utechusa.com/bids/PrintQuoute.asp  www.bisd.us/at    

$2, 096.00 

HP Mono LaserJet P4015N, 52ppm, 600 sheets input, 225,000pages monthly due cycle  3yr warranty included 

1  www.utechusa.com/bids/PrintQuoute.asp  www.bisd.us/at  $1,184.00 

64" 660 SMART Board w/wireless slate  1  www.dataprojections.com  $1469.00 

Dell M209WX Ultra Moble Widescreen Projector   1  www.dell.com  $899.00 

Dell Mounting Kit for Projector  1  www.dell.com  $299.99 

Nikon CoolPix P60 – Digital Camera  1  www.techdepot.com  $229.99 

Logitech Clear Chat ProUSB Headset  24  www.dell.com  $791.76 

Office Pro 2007 Win32 All Languages w/o FrontPage (License only) 

24  SHI Government Solutions  $1,014.00 

Office Pro 2007 Win32 All Language w/o Front Page (CD only) 

1  SHI Government Solutions  $26.00 

Latitude D630 Laptop with 3 year warranty  1  www.bids.us/at  $1,419.00 

Drive Shield  24 http://www.centuriontech.com   $1,199.76 

Net Op N40 C 7010  1  www.NetOP.com  $875.00 

    Total  $49,776.48 

   

Purchasing Justification

The budget presented above describes and specifies the equipment needed to furnish the new computer lab.  All the equipment the equipment necessary has been research and listed.  Equipment includes software, furniture and hardware.  Some materials and supplies will be provided by the school.  After successfully meeting with the cyber-educational lab committee, we concluded to purchase equipment with dependability and upgrade-ability as well as capacity, ram, capabilities and storage.  All equipment was approved and will be considered for purchase.     Equipment:  The cyber-educational lab will consist of 24 computers, one LCD projector and a Smart Board, all which will be used to deliver instruction and promote interaction.   LCD projector will be mounted on the ceiling with the Dell Mounting Kit for Projectors. Two printers will be set up, one is monochromatic and the other is a color printer.  Both will be used by faculty and students working in the computer lab to print documents.  A camera will be provided, for student to use and take pictures for their projects and/or activities and the scanner will allow them to scan and upload picture to their computers.  The headset will be utilized for distance education purposes.  

   Software:  Microsoft 2007 will be installed upon arrival of the computers as well as Drive Shield to provide high levels security and stability in multiple settings.  This software will prevent students from manipulating the desktop, install unwanted software, change the settings or download dangerous files. NetOP School will allow the teacher to record student PC activity and have a classroom view as well student group view. The teacher will have multi-monitor support and monitoring as well as to broad cast video and demonstrate specific desktop area.     Furniture:  Furniture was chosen to comfortably accommodate 24 computers.  The computers will be placed on the CTL Series Classroom Table 60" which has been considered one of the most advanced in the educational setting. This table was chosen due to its extreme durability, functionality and endurance to wear and tear and lifetime warranty.  The Versa Pneumatic-Ergo Task Chair is exclusively created for the educational setting to meet the high demands of every day users as well as the comfort and durability. The folding table will maintain the two printers at the back of the room as well as the scanner.  It is scratch resistant; features include leg locks, industrial-grade foot caps and edge molding as well as a 1- year warranty.  A desk for the teacher will be provided to create a comfortable working area.  

Topology and Architecture Justification

Rivera High School is equipped with one layer as well as switches with multiple V LANS.  The V LANS is configured to allow E-mail, file sharing, IPTV, IP Telephony, Data Networks, video streaming among other applications.  The cyber-educational lab at Rivera High School is supported with direct optic connections to a framework through a Gigaman providing 1000 MB access.  Two servers as well as 100% of the entire campus are supported through the CISCO switches.  In order to comply with the IT Department, the cyber-educational lab will maintain the districts’ Star topology.  The two servers will share functions.  Server one will maintain an active directory allowing multiple servers and computers.  Both the serves and computer will be under one Domain.  It will also allow the development of secured student and teacher accounts for access.  Server two will serve as an application server, which will allow the sharing of instructional software throughout the campus network and printers.   

References:   Mission Statement provided by Rivera High School. Retrieved on July 20, 2008 from http://www.bisd.us/rivera/campusinfo.html