SWOT+Issues+-+Technology

The compilation of important SWOT issues:  1. Faculty members must be properly trained in the integration of technology in their classroom. This will promote the effective and efficient usage of technology resources at SFA.  2. There is a need to “fix” the technology infrastructure at SFA to make sure classroom computers, servers, and peripherals are functioning as intended.  3. The technology curriculum at SFA, especially for the upper grades, appears to be inadequate in preparing the students for high school. It is not clear as to what the learning expectations are for junior high students as far as software applications and hardware use are concerned. For example, should 7th grade students be expected to be able to use digital imaging/video software to create the family folklore projects instead of scrapbooking projects?  4. My personal concern for latest/greatest technology is minimal in my choice for grade school. It is a bonus, not essential in my opinion. I was educated without it, so why so much time and treasure devoted to it for grade school. How many other parents agree?  5. If current facilities are inadequate for current equipment needs, then focus resources on that unresolved project rather than initiating new and future projects. Accept generosity of family offering free resources for technology help.  6. Technology teacher available to focus full-time on student learning.  7. Lack of an adequate technology budget to cover the needs of the whole school.  8. Repair or possibly replace the school wide network.  9. Create a part time or a full time IT support technician who can deal with all “IT” related issues, thus freeing the technology teachers time for student instruction.  10. Hire a Technology teacher that can focus on teaching five days per week.  11. Complete a technology assessment that details what we have, what we want and what we need.  12. Complete the WEB-SITE that was paid for in November, 2008  13. Formal SFA Tech Plan required from the Diocese with an annual review. This is a living document of the school. The ever changing technological world demands constant evaluation of costs, performance and efficiency with current processes of operations. This is not for one person to do. Technology Board (stakeholders, Administration and faculty) are to be considered for tech vision. This is NOT happening! Where is our 3 to 5 year plan to turn in to the diocese by May 2009?  14. A clear and defined budget for all tech areas need to be established with proper tracking of expenses, annual costs and licensing (legal compliance). A Centralized Data Management System (CDMS) for the school to save time and money in human resources and data input redundancies  15. Technology Staff: Technology Administrator (part of Administration) to assist the principal with all technology management, budgeting, marketing and PR (the Webmaster), manage IT person, support technology lab teacher and classroom teachers with integration projects. The Technology Administrator will plan and promote with the principal regular professional growth training and communicate with public school about Federal funds Title ll Part A and D. The school needs to seriously evaluate an onsite and remote technology support (IT person for educational environments) more than two hours a week.  16. No clear roadmap for the technology needs and plans <span style="mso-list: Ignore; msofareastfontfamily: 'Book Antiqua'; msobidifontfamily: 'Book Antiqua'; msolist: Ignore;"> 17. All technology planning is currently being developed by the Technology teacher rather than a technology administrator <span style="mso-list: Ignore; msofareastfontfamily: 'Book Antiqua'; msobidifontfamily: 'Book Antiqua'; msolist: Ignore;"> 18. Infrastructure is lacking <span style="mso-list: Ignore; msofareastfontfamily: 'Book Antiqua'; msobidifontfamily: 'Book Antiqua'; msolist: Ignore;"> 19. A cutting edge technology program <span style="mso-list: Ignore; msofareastfontfamily: 'Book Antiqua'; msobidifontfamily: 'Book Antiqua'; msolist: Ignore;"> 20. Staff development in technology and integration into core subjects <span style="mso-list: Ignore; msofareastfontfamily: 'Book Antiqua'; msobidifontfamily: 'Book Antiqua'; msolist: Ignore;"> 21. Cost and support of hardware and software