Equal Tech Opportunities (ETO)
ETO MISSION STATEMENT:
To foster a culture of growth and engagement, G-ASD will empower student success through effective communication, ongoing learning, and professional development.
ETO strives to enhance the teaching and learning environment by:
- Equalizing learning opportunities for all
- Providing immediate access to information and digital resources
- Allowing for innovative instructional strategies that provide an environment for creativity and engagement
- Increasing student engagement through individualization
- Providing ongoing professional development opportunities
Developing a Technology Plan for G-ASD
In 2015, the district assembled a high school technology committee as a means of researching classroom technology integration and sustainability. Our committee spent a great deal of time researching technology implementations conducted by other school districts, evaluating various devices, surveying students, and holding community information sessions. This was done in an effort to devise a 5-year technology plan. The high school technology plan was referred to as Equal Tech Opportunities (ETO). Unfortunately, efforts to move forward with implementation were not possible at the time.
During the 2018-2019 school year, a district technology committee was organized and comprised of key stakeholders to research and devise a plan for ensuring successful technology deployments for the future. Aspects of the research focused on the impact 1:1 device access has on the teaching and learning environment, as well as identifying the need for a technology lifecycle management plan. The committee researched the history of technology in the district, reviewed presentations from several hardware vendors, and participated in a panel discussion with various school districts that have implemented a 1:1 program.
In April 2019, members from our technology committee including administrators, teachers and a parent attended a 2-day executive briefing in Reston, VA with Apple Inc. Three School Board Members were also able to participate. This time allowed us the opportunity to engage in rich discussions to help define our vision for student learning and how technology can support this vision.
At our August 1st board meeting, our board of directors adopted a Technology Plan to cover the next three school years. This plan includes various goals including, but not limited to, a 1:1 implementation in grades 9-12 for SY19-20, a K-5 iPad implementation in SY19-20, and 1:1 for grades 6-8 in SY20-21. The plan will be reviewed on an annual basis should adjustments be needed.