My View
By Karen G. McGonigle Director of Technology, NPS
Having just completed my fourth week at Nantucket Public Schools as the new Director of Technology I am beginning to get a picture of the school organization and how technology fits in. My vision for Nantucket is to provide access to technology for all students and staff in an equitable manner. Providing our children with the tools to compete in today's technologically demanding environment is our primary objective. Our aim is to provide opportunities that will help prepare them for success in an increasingly global economy. It is my goal to deliver these tools in the most cost-effective, equitable and efficient manner possible.

Technology initiatives that I am considering include an updated five year technology plan, the formation of a technology committee, the assessment of existing technology hardware and software, and recommendations for an appropriate replacement cycle for computers. The five-year technology plan will be based on the department of education's Local Technology Plan Guidelines for School Years 2007- 2010. It is my expectation that the technology committee will be represented by a combination of school staff and community members. This committee will provide insight into identifying technology requirements that will provide tools for teachers to enhance the curriculum through their use. The formation of the technology committee will be by invitation to NPS staff and the community. Members will be selected based on knowledge and experience, as well as how their particular strengths will complement the group as a whole. It is my goal to start this committee in late 2007 or early 2008.

All computers get old and their inevitable replacement becomes necessary. By developing an adequate computer replacement cycle we can ensure that new technology is entering the schools on an ongoing basis and that the existing equipment is sufficient for current demands. In addition, our support staff relies on school systems for organizational and administrative functions. Adequate and up to date equipment is essential in running the organization and providing learning opportunities to our students.

Simply placing computers in a classroom or lab will have little to no impact on teaching and learning if they are not used. This is why appropriate professional development opportunities for teachers and staff are invaluable and provide the skills required to effectively use technology in the classroom. I plan on reviewing our current technology professional development initiatives and determine their effectiveness, as well as how this process might be improved.

Technology can play an important role in enhancing teaching and learning. Teachers have tools at their disposal for developing lessons based on statemandated curriculum benchmarks, communicating with peers locally and globally, professional development opportunities, advanced educational opportunities via online programs, communicating effectively with students and parents, and the ability to research in a global environment. The learning experience can be enhanced through the use of curriculum specific applications, interactive white board technology, WebQuests, podcasts, and the ability to access the curriculum and lessons online. Students in school today have grown up with computers and the Internet and they instinctively use these tools in their daily lives for social interaction, entertainment and information gathering.

At the end of the day, the reason that we are here is for our students. It is my responsibility to provide these students with the tools and knowledge base necessary to compete in today's competitive environment.

In closing, I would like to thank everyone who has made me feel very welcome on Nantucket, and I am looking forward to

a productive and exciting year. I