Technology Integration Project
Anthony J Blusius Jr. Technology Applications for the Classroom Bloomsburg University Dr. Celina Byers October 22, 2007
Analysis Integration Setting The Southern Columbia School district is located in central Pennsylvania. It is a small school district serving portions of Columbia and Northumberland counties. It currently has an enrollment of over 1,500 students. The district prides itself on being on the forefront of technology. This integration plan will derive a new storage system for the high school’s multimedia content. A new delivery method for the content will also be addressed. Specifically the school’s collection of VHS, DVD, and Laser Disc content will be the main focus of this project.
Problem Staff members who wish to use multimedia content in their classrooms (video and audio materials) must currently check out the required VHS, DVD, or Laser Disc from the library. If the item requested is currently reserved, then the staff member must either wait or the librarian must attempt to create a duplicate copy of the item, if possible. Over the course of time, several scenarios have occurred. One situation is that materials stored on VHS tapes wore out from constant use. Another is that tapes have been destroyed in VCRs. DVDs have become scratched over time and rendered unplayable. Laser Discs are no longer supported and the school has a difficult time finding the necessary equipment to play the content stored on the Laser Discs in its collection. Also when content is not returned the librarians must attempt to find it. Locating missing content has proved a tedious and timely task. The high school library is also running out of storage space for the materials it currently has.
Data Collection/Analysis The two data collection tools will be used to gather the required information from teachers and instructional support staff. First, surveys will be sent to the above mentioned groups. These surveys will gather general information regarding the current content in use and the delivery method. Interviewees will be asked about their current skill level with the current system and what issues frequently arise. Second interviews will be conducted for key figures. These members will include department heads, school librarians, and the principal. The interviews will be more in depth and allow for more detailed information to be gathered from the school staff. Both the interviews and surveys will gauge the interest of the school staff in upgrading the current system. Information on the type of training preferred for the new system will also be collected from the staff. Once the information has been collected, it will be reviewed and the project will then proceed from that point.
Project Goal The primary goal of this project is to upgrade the current method of delivering multimedia content in the classroom, making content more accessible to staff and students.
Objectives • • • • •
Reduce the amount of physical space required to store the multimedia content. Reduce the time required by library staff to catalog and maintain the multimedia content. Allow the multimedia library to be more available to school staff. Motivate staff to actively search out new content from the World Wide Web. Devise a system to review web content for accuracy and copyright concerns.
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Reduce the amount of audiovisual equipment that must be purchased and maintained.
Design Proposed Solution The school will issue all teachers and support personnel video iPods that will interface with television sets located in every classroom. These units will replace the VCRs, Laser Disc players, and DVD players currently in use. The goal is to make multimedia content more accessible to staff and students. Staff will be able to prepare the multimedia content several days or weeks in advance of delivering the lesson. Library space will be saved, due to the decreased need for physical storage space. All iPod-based materials will be stored on a computer located in the library. Staff members will be given free access to the computer. A redundant hard drive will insure that no materials will be lost in the event of a hard drive failure. Staff will then be provided with training on the use of the new system and how to find content on their own.
Required Resources The list of current resources to be utilized for this project is as follows: •
•
• • • • • • •
Television sets or multimedia projectors o In order to display the multimedia content in the classroom a television is required. The school currently has one television in every classroom. There are also several multimedia carts equipped with televisions and projectors. Library of multimedia content o Obviously, content must exist in order for the staff to have something to display. Therefore existing content will need to be converted (if possible) or new content will need to be purchased. Audio equipment connected to TVs or projectors (if applicable) o It is possible that some audio equipment is in use along with multimedia projectors. Therefore this equipment would be used to display the content. Video iPods o These iPods will be assigned to staff and will be used by the staff to store and display the content they wish to use in the classroom. iPod connecting cables o In order for the iPods to successfully connect to the televisions, a specialized audio-video cable will be used. Computer to access the content o A new computer will be located in the library for the staff to use to transfer content to their iPods. This computer will serve as the main portal to access all the multimedia content. Redundant hard drive to house the content o To insure that no data will be lost due to hardware failure, a redundant hard drive (RAID array) will be used to protect against data loss. Internet Access o Internet access will allow staff to download or purchase new content for use in the classroom. The current Internet connection will provide the necessary access. ITS Support Personnel
o
ITS personnel will provide training in the use of the new system and be on hand for the first several weeks of implementation to insure a smooth transition. Current staff will be able to provide all the necessary support and new personnel will not be hired.
Rationale Below are several situations in which this project will elevate or improve the effectiveness of the teaching staff. • • • • • • • •
Teachers will be able to easily locate content from the World Wide Web. There will be a reduction in the amount of physical space needed for media storage (VHS and DVD). Once implemented, there will be reduction in the amount of equipment that needs to be maintained and cleaned. Electronically stored multimedia content cannot degrade over time or be damaged from drops and falls. Redundant storage prevents the loss of multimedia content. Students, who miss class materials due to absence, can view the necessary material within their home. With all the multimedia content stored electronically, there is the potential to easily convert the current system to a web-based system accessible from anywhere. Should the delivery method (video iPods) ever change, the electronic content can easily be converted into the new format, while VHS and DVD media conversion might not be possible.
Development Steps Required 1.
Ascertain problem by means of surveys and interviews of school staff. Before beginning the project it must be determined that a problem actually exists. Therefore information will be collected from the staff via surveys and interviews.
2. Analyze results from surveys and interviews to determine need. The data collected will then be analyzed to justify the need for the technology integration project. 3. Research possible solutions to the problem. A committee will be formed to analyze the current situation and to research several possible solutions to the problem. 4. Analyze cost of possible solutions. Before selection of the best solution, a cost analysis must be conducted to insure that the project is feasible and that enough funds can be allocated.
5. Determine resources needed. Before determining the solution to be implemented, the committee will need to be aware of what resources are required to successfully implement the proposed project. This will include both existing resources as well as resources that need to be purchased. 6. Discuss solution with department heads. Once the committee has made a preliminary decision, the department heads will be brought in for feedback on the proposed solution. The principal will also give feedback at this point. At this point alterations to the project could be made based on their recommendations. 7. Determine the best possible solution. After analyzing the feedback from the department heads the committee will make their decision on the best solution to the problem. 8. Request school board approval. The school board will then vote to approve the implementation of the proposed solution. 9. Allocate necessary resources. Once approved by the school board, the necessary resources will be allocated. New resources will be purchased and existing resources will be made available. 10. Implement and install necessary resources. Once the allocated resources are available, they can be installed or implemented into the school. 11. Conduct staff training. Once the resources are in place staff will be instructed in the use of the new system. 12. Convert media (as applicable). As much as possible, all existing media will be converted to the new media format. Existing media that cannot be converted will be replaced with newer versions.
Proposed Budget Listed below is an itemized list of the required items for project implementation:
Phase 1 Item Apple iPod Classic with Video Apple Composite Video Cable Desktop Computer with LCD monitor Buffalo DriveStation Quattro 2.0 TB Redundant Hard drive New Multimedia Content
Cost $249.00
Quantity 4
Total Cost $996.00
$49.00
4
$196.00
$1,700.00
1
$1,700.00
$1,100.00
1
$1,100.00
$3,500.00
N/A
$3500.00 Phase 1 Subtotal $7,492.00
Phase 2 Item Apple iPod Classic with Video Apple Composite Video Cable New Multimedia Content
Cost $249.00
Quantity 4
Total Cost $996.00
$49.00
4
$196.00
$3,500.00
N/A
$3,500.00 Phase 2 Subtotal $4,692.00
Phase 3 Item Apple iPod Classic with Video Apple Composite Video Cable New Multimedia Content
Cost $249.00
Quantity 8
Total Cost $1,992.00
$49.00
8
$384.00
$7,000.00
N/A
$7,000.00 Phase3 Subtotal $9,376.00
Totals Project Phase Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3
Cost $7,492.00 $4,692.00 $9,376.00
Total Cost
$21,560.00
Existing Resources The following resources will be used in their current capacity/role: • Television sets or multimedia projectors • Audio equipment connected to TVs or projectors (if applicable) • Internet Access • ITS Support Personnel The following resource will be used in a different role: • Library of multimedia content. Current content will be converted to electronic storage if possible.
Cost Benefit Analysis A detailed cost benefit analysis is difficult to give at this time. At this time it is not known how much of the current multimedia content can be converted or how much of the current content needs replacement. Since the school has less equipment to maintain through the implementation of this project, the costs should be acceptable compared to other projects previously implemented by the district.
Timeline This will happen over a three year time period. Each year several subjects will be transitioned to the new delivery system. During the transition period, all VCRs, Laser Disc players, and DVD players will remain in the classroom until the end of the third year. Below is an outline of the three phases. Phase School Year Subjects Transitioned
1 2008-2009 Language Arts Social Studies
2 2009-2010 Science Mathematics
3 2010-2011 All other subjects
The project will be spread out in three phases to allow for the conversion of current media to be completed. Should all subjects be transitioned at once, there could be instances where material would not be ready for instructional use. Therefore, to insure that a situation like that previously mentioned does not occur, the project will be implemented in the above mentioned phases.
End User Involvement Once the new system has been integrated, each staff member will receive an iPod according to the timeline. When they receive their iPod they will be given an orientation session. These sessions will occur the week before the school year starts. The sessions will be lead by ITS personnel. At the sessions, the staff will be instructed on the use of their iPod. This includes how to transfer content to it. Staff will also be encouraged to find content of their own and use it in the classroom. Ease of use will also be stressed to the staff, and how the project can make their day to day tasks easier. Additional training for individual staff members will be available as needed, with the goal of bringing senior staff members not current with technology up to par. The largest issue concerning the project is motivating the staff to accept the project and use it in the classroom. In order to facilitate this, ITS personnel should point out the advantages to the staff members
to encourage the project’s adoption. Advantages can include: extra preparation time/planning periods, more time for grading, and more engaging lessons for students.
Implementation Implementation Steps 1. Purchase iPods and computer hardware. Before any other steps can be taken the equipment must be purchased. 2. Install necessary cables and computer hardware. The iPod connecting cables and the computer to house all the content will be installed so that training can begin after this step. 3. Train staff on use of new equipment. Once everything is ready for use, staff will receive training and instruction on the use of the new system. ITS personnel will also be on hand for the first weeks of implementation to provide training and motivational support. 4. Convert media (as applicable). When the project is fully up and running, current DVDs and CDs will be converted to an electronic format playable on the iPod. 5. Purchase new content (as needed). New content can be purchased throughout the fiscal year as needed by staff to augment the current library of multimedia content.
Organizational Hierarchical Levels School Board
Principal
Teachers and Staff Students
ITS Personnel
Keeping interest in the organization throughout the project phases is very important. It should be stressed to the different levels of the organization that this project will promote the following factors: • • • • • •
Ease of use for staff. Less equipment to maintain. Cost effective, free content from the World Wide Web can be used. Less physical space required. Future proof. Easily expandable in future.
Challenges 1. Adoption The largest challenge will be adoption of the project by older staff members. These individuals have only working knowledge of technology and need additional motivation. This motivation will come in the form of one on one training and support from fellow staff members. 2. Damage or Loss of Equipment Throughout the project it is possible that equipment could be lost or damaged. If this occurs, it is possible that staff members will be hesitant to continue to use the equipment. In the instance that this occurs, staff member should not be punished or written up for damaging or loosing the equipment. This will help insure that the individual will not fear reprisals should something happen to equipment in their possession.
Evaluation Throughout the project there will be three evaluations. They are described below:
Evaluation 1 The first evaluation will occur during the initial decision phase. This will be when department heads are brought in to hear the committee’s preliminary decision. At this meeting, each potential solution will be presented to the group along with the committee’s recommendation. Staff members in attendance will be able to provide feedback to help the committee make the final decision and then make a recommendation to the school board.
Evaluation 2 Once the project has been implemented there will be training held for the staff. At the end of this training there will be an anonymous survey. Staff members will be asked about their impressions of the project and how they feel with regards to it. For example, staff members will be asked if they are excited to take part in the project and if they feel it will be successful. Staff members will also be asked questions about the training session itself. These questions will be used to further refine the training for future use.
Evaluation 3 (Summative) One year after the final phase of the project has been implemented; the summative evaluation will be conducted. This evaluation will be broken down into two steps. Step one surveys will be sent out to gather information about the effectiveness of the tutorials. This information will relate to items such as how often multimedia content is displayed in the classroom or how the project has made day to day activities easier. Staff members will also be asked to rate aspects of the project on a Likert scale of one to ten. Once the surveys have been collected, interviews will be randomly conducted. These questions will collect more detailed information about the staff’s thoughts and experience with the project. For example, an interviewee may be asked what they liked most about the project and what they liked the least. They will also be asked where there is need for improvement in the project and what items they would like to see implemented in the future.