Manhasset School District technology questionnaire

These are the replies from some districts to the Newsday questionnaire regarding the use of new technologies in their classrooms.

Some of the answers are elaborate, and have not been edited or reduced. Some districts did not answer the questions directly.

1. Please list any major technological innovations introduced in the classroom in the past three years. Please give the name and list the use for each item.

SmartBoard Technology
Three years ago the Manhasset School District, in conjunction with the Manhasset Tower Foundation (An Alumni run not –for-profit), committed to equipping all classrooms throughout the District with a Smart Board. Now, three years later we have reached over 95% of this ambitious goal with the remaining 5% to be covered next year.

Additionally Smart Document cameras were purchased this year for half of the District’s classrooms under a Community Capital Assistance Program from the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York.

Special Education
The District has also made a significant investment in assistive and adaptive technologies for students with Individualized Education Plans and/or who are in need of academic intervention services. Scholastic’s Read 180, System 44, Fraction Nation, and Fast Math programs are available district-wide as is Don Johnston’s Solo 6 suite of applications.

A variety of adaptive and assistive technology hardware has also been purchased for students with visual and cognitive disabilities.

Professional Development
During this same time period the District has provided extensive on-site staff development for its teachers in the effective use of the SmartBoard, Read 180, System 44, FastMath, Solo 6, the MS Office suite of applications and other related technologies. The District recognizes that the effective use of technology depends upon ongoing, quality professional development. Investment in software and hardware without a related investment in PD is ill advised.

2. Please tell us of any major innovations you are planning to introduce within the next year

WiFi
Again working with the Manhasset Tower Foundation, the District is planning a major technology investment – providing wireless access to the District’s computer network in all classrooms in grades four through twelve. This will provide students and teachers with the opportunity to access applications, individualized storage space and the Internet with a variety of wireless devices (laptops, netbooks, ipads, smart phones).

3. Are teachers or students using cellphones in the district for instructional purposes?

Not at this time but possibly next year