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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY |
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VISION FOR INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY Envision: At West Milford Township Public Schools, the technology vision is to offer the best affordable technology to all students and staff. The quest to make a transition from a traditional classroom to a technology rich environment began in earnest in 1995. At that time it was decided to put as much technology into as many hands as possible in the shortest period of time. Providing high speed Internet access in every classroom and equipping each teacher with e-mail were two of the National Educational Technology Goals undertaken here. Today West Milford Township Public Schools has effectively connected each and every classroom to a series of local and wide area networks. All schools are connected to the Internet. All staff members have access to individual e-mail accounts. Most classrooms are equipped with computer workstations and appropriate peripherals. Now that the foundation is in place and the original technology goals and objectives have been met, it is time to consider the most effective use of this new resource. More students and staff are recognizing the need for technology in day-to-day activities. They know that the computer is an important resource for learning; therefore, it is time to consider changing the physical layout of classrooms and occupational areas to better reflect the new philosophies of teaching and learning. Teachers are no longer the primary source of information in the classroom but rather serve as a facilitator for the students in the quest for information. As expectations change for the instructional classroom, teachers must not only be trained to operate equipment but be able to use the available technology as a means to reach each student individually. Teachers are encouraged to participate in a variety of staff development programs made available through an in-house professional development academy. Upon completion of recommended technology training programs and workshops, teachers will be better prepared to meet the technology goals and objectives of the 21st century. The library media center of each school will act as the center for technology resources. From the media center, information will be transmitted across the wide area networks to the classroom workstations, thus providing equal access to all technology resources. The educational media specialists will be the facilitators of the available on-line resources. All students will have access to additional educational opportunities through the use of the Interactive TV network being developed throughout Passaic County and New Jersey. On-line learning programs will be made available through cooperation with William Paterson University, Montclair State University, and Passaic County Community College as well as other institutions of higher learning. Classroom courses that in the past could not be offered due to low enrollment can now be offered in partnership with cooperating schools. Our ultimate vision is to continue to encourage and develop attitudes harmonious with the age of change and experimentation, and to cultivate within all students the desire for life long learning. To this end, students and staff must be given the tools necessary to research, compile, and analyze information from anywhere in the world at anytime. The West Milford Township Public Schools will continue to provide all students with the best possible education using the most effective tools available, thus allowing students to realize their full personal, educational, and professional career potential. Through technology the district will empower the educational family on a continual basis by providing means, materials, and methods to expand the educational environment beyond the classroom and to provide multiple learning opportunities.
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