School districts in the United States manage public education for all government-funded schools. Among the many school districts in the United States that give importance to educational technology is the West New York School District. They believe that it is a cumulative process that helps students reach their full potential in the world of IT.
They believe that educational technology will bring many resources, opportunities and good communications in local and global communities. They are committed to preparing students to work with the ever-changing pace and growth of technology in all aspects of life. They make sure that all students, faculty, and staff are proficient enough to use computer tools, to communicate well, and to solve sensitive problems with ease.
West New York Borough Tech Map
The 2007-2010 District Technology Plan is an approved document in which the members of the West New York School System commit to meeting the needs of the urban student population. It aspires to increase each child’s love of learning, potentially develop a sense of self-confidence, and help them recognize the positive nature of their cultural diversity.
The success of the plan depends on the implementation of the system and the equipment to be used. The district’s technology infrastructure includes 13 sites that act as the Network Operations Center. 25MB Internet connections and Cisco 10/100 Ethernet switches are connected in the rooms for voice and data management. The district also purchases a mid-range AS/400 computer that is used by the central office business department to handle the district’s human resources and financial administration.
A software program called SERTS works on requisitions, orders, and inventory that supports an online survey system and its website. The site includes up-to-date educational information and also uses ConnectEd to send personalized messages to parents, staff, faculty, and students. The district provides telecommunications and wireless networking to more than 2,200 computers and laptops for students and faculty. All employees have email accounts that connect via Microsoft Outlook Web Access webmail.
Resources and Implementation
Students in kindergarten through sixth grade are equipped with computers. Formalized computerized instruction is administered for first grade students. They are programmed to use the resources available in their media centers or computer labs. The class can fully use laptops to integrate technology into classroom discussions. All fourth year students are tested on computer skills.
Middle school students, such as seventh and eighth grades, have state-of-the-art classrooms with computers, large screen televisions, streaming videos, VCRs, and DVDs. Student media centers are equipped with wireless laptops, multimedia projectors, and digital cameras in their large computer labs.
However, high school students have eight computer labs, a wireless portable station for laptops, and an interactive TV room with a wide variety of computer electives. Students have the opportunity to enroll in Intermediate Computer Applications to receive Microsoft certification.
The West New York School District had plans for 2010 to expand technology inventory and services. This will also maximize student academic achievement by maintaining and upgrading the district’s extensive technology to the next level. Technology maintenance is also one of the main focuses in preparing for the increasing technology of computers. All of these goals are furthered with the full support of staff, students, parents, and the community for a better tomorrow.