As educational technology and cooperative learning trends continue to bring change, classroom settings have changed considerably the last two decades. As the importance of technology integration continues to grow, teachers are learning how to seamlessly mesh the curriculum and technology.

With what the school has in place and a vision for growth, Dozier Elementary has a goal to continue stepping forward by utilizing current technology resources, with a hope of gaining new ones as well.

Dozier Elementary recently completed their five year technology plan in the spring, and in its wake, began a new journey by launching a campaign for attaining more resources and is seeking more professional development opportunities. Professional Development workshops, online communication and technology meetings were offered to assist teachers with Promethean Board activities, websites and to discuss productive technology growth in the classrooms.

In early 2010, the technology committee also launched a Digital Wish-Technology Campaign to attain additional technology resources that will enrich lessons in all core subject areas. One target area was acquiring grade level tools for digital storytelling. In the months following the launch of the project, the school was able to attain 7 grade level flip video cameras, as well as 7 grade level student digital cameras (with accessories) for digital storytelling lessons. Some teachers also had software donations, while a few computers were donated as well. 

With a goal at hand Dozier's tech team successfully worked to set up model classrooms for each  K-5 teacher.  (Model classrooms include 5:1 computer/student ratio, projectors, printers, etc.) Next year’s agenda includes upgrading several older computers and gaining additional reading and math software for their daily technology centers and intervention periods. Long term goals include possibly having a computer lab classroom.

Teachers at all grade levels are utilizing classroom computers and the mobile lab (with fifteen laptops) in an effort for productive and engaging lessons. Teachers are actively integrating technology in their classrooms by working with core subject area center work, writing assignments, graphing, research projects, web quests, VMath Live, creating timelines, powerpoints and more.

Next year’s goals include more professional development with the use of Promethean Boards, digital storytelling and ways to strengthen reading and math technology center work for the students. The technology committee also hopes to partner with groups and is continually working on technology grants for needed computer upgrades.

With a technology plan in place, goals on the horizon and model classrooms in place, Dozier Elementary appears to be ready to take another step forward with technology in the fall.