Goals

Today's students must be competent and confident in using a wide range of technology in a variety of settings. Today, and in the future, most career paths require the use of computers and a wide-range of other technology; therefore students must be proficient in using computers and other technologies.

Most importantly, students must have access to technology on a regular basis in their classroom environment so they can become skilled in using it. They must be encouraged and guided to use technology as a tool to access information and to efficiently develop dynamic, effective projects.

Teachers are a key component in developing and nurturing appropriate technology use by students. Therefore, they too must have access to up-to-date technology and the appropriate training and technical support to take advantage of it. Technology then becomes a tool to assist teachers in many ways - from presenting lessons in new, dynamic ways, to meeting the requirements of differentiated learning, to assessing individual student needs in addition to monitoring and reporting student progress. Moreover, teachers must be able to prepare students by teaching the concepts and skills that are necessary for them to understand and use technology effectively.

Technology is equally important to administrators and support staff within the school, from access to student’s data bases to increased communication with parents and the community and to be in fulfillment of the American Nicaraguan School mission and vision statements. It is essential that all ANS personnel have access to technology and have the requisite skills to use it effectively.

Goal 1: To improve teaching and learning through the use of technology.

Goal 2: To improve educator preparation and development through the use of technology.

Goal 3: To improve administration and support services through the use of technology.

Goal 4: To improve infrastructure for technology.

Goal 5: To Improve Community Outreach through the use of technology for communication purposes

Integrating Information Technologies into the Curriculum

A Technology plan has been developed to best prepare ANS stakeholders to be able to participate in the fast-changing global community. The key to a successful integration of this plan is the effective incorporation of technology into the learning process.

ANS will need to continually offer training to all faculty members regarding ways to integrate technology into their everyday curriculum. These technology tools help facilitate best practices for teaching and learning in the classroom, to meet group and individual student needs and to maximize each student's learning environment. Listed below are guidelines and strategies for integrating information technologies in the classroom:

• Focus on content and higher level thinking skills.
• Encourage lifelong learning.
• Provide connections through themes within the subject areas.
• Structure learning around meaningful concepts.
• Encourage active participation in relevant real-life experiences.
• Provide learners opportunities to apply skills they are learning.
• Captivate, motivate, and challenge all learners.
• Offer opportunities for smaller group and individualized instruction.
• Incorporate technology as an integral part of learning.