General Information

The Technology Department is in charge of maintaining a network of approximately 150 computers distributed throughout campus. Most of these computers are located in the four instructional labs in the Technology Center. Additionally, in collaboration with the Technology Committee, and with the constant support of the administration, our department has developed new curriculum, purchased new equipment and improved the overall quality and scope of IT services provided to the school community.
Our department provides technical support to instructional and non-instructional personnel.

Overall Program Goal

The American Nicaraguan School perceives the intensifying need to have access to information, to understand new technologies, and to communicate locally and globally. By embracing technology as a vital component of a well-balanced curriculum, our students will have the opportunity to develop the skills necessary to value learning and be technologically proficient in order to achieve their fullest potential.

Specific Goals

The Instructional Technology Program is committed to:

• Enhancement of student performance and achievement through curriculum integration
• Enhancement of teacher performance through training and support
• Facilitate access of resources and information throughout campus
• Incorporation of technology in all aspects of education and school operations
• Provide direction and focus for present and future technology initiatives
• Establish policies and procedures for effective and appropriate use of technology.

Curriculum Goals

• Promote and facilitate the Integration of technology into classroom learning.
• Implement technology curriculum goals and objectives per grade level.
• Evaluate technology curriculum on an on-going basis.

Student Application of Technology Goals

• Educate all students in the use of technology as it relates to their daily lives.
• Prepare students for college/university studies using technology as a tool for learning.
• Develop an educationally sound skills foundation in technology for success in and out of the classroom.
• Increase student awareness of social and ethical issues in the appropriate use of technology resources.
• Facilitate student’s development of strategies for solving problems and making informed decisions.

Staff Application of Technology Goals

• Demonstrate a sound understanding of technology operations and concepts.

• Plan and design learning experiences integrating technology resources and tools.
• Enhance professional performance through the use of technology resources and tools.
• Demonstrate awareness of social and ethical issues in the appropriate use of technology resources.
• Practice and model appropriate use of technology resources.

Hardware and Software Goals

• Establish a centralized decision making process to facilitate development of minimum specifications and recommendations for purchases.
• Acquire hardware/software and adopt technologies that support and promote the accomplishment of the technology program and school goals.
• Develop and maintain an accurate and up-to-date inventory system.

DESCRIPTION OF PRESENT PROGRAM

The Technology Department operates to facilitate and promote the use of technology that enhances instructional and school operations performance. This is a twofold purpose. The academic scope of the technology program reaches all students from Pre-School to High School. There are four computer labs located in the technology building. Lab T-1 serves elementary student from 2 nd through 5 th grade. Lab T-2 serves Middle School students. Lab T-3 serves high school students. Lab T-4 is reserved for the yearbook class and it is open most of the day for teachers to schedule lab time. One of the high school labs is open for students before and after school and during lunch or break. All labs can be reserved for individual classes according to a set schedule.

Teachers wishing to reserve a lab should contact technology@ans.edu.ni via email to check on availability. Teachers may reserve a lab one or two weeks in advance for up to two weeks worth of lab time. Integration of technology into the curriculum is a key element of the program. The department’s staff provides assistance in the learning process daily. Teachers, students and staff can receive assistance in setting up a class webpage, creating technology based projects, research and information management strategies, electronic grading, presentations, etc. The technology program also aims at increasing access for teachers, students and staff to use physical technology resources, i.e., scanners, laptops, projectors, photo and video cameras, etc. The Technology Department is in charge of expanding the access of information to the school community. This is accomplished by providing e-mail accounts to facilitate instructional collaboration among staff and to facilitate distribution of communication and also by maintaining a school page on the internet where information about school and activities is posted regularly.

In collaboration with the Technology Committee, the operations scope of the technology program reaches offices, administration and non-academic areas. Some of the responsibilities include establishing configurations and purchasing procedures for hardware and other technology equipment to streamline order process and maximize school savings. Review standardized software to be used for different curriculum areas in support of the instructional goals. Negotiate license or purchase of software. Evaluate technology expenditures and return on investment. Review and update the technology plan on a yearly basis to ensure that the goals and objectives are being met.

RECENT PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Acquisition of 50 desktops
• Participation in PowerSchool training and the deployment of this Student Management Database
• Updating Library cataloguing system to web based along with online resources.
• Acquisition of network equipment and supplies such as server, switches, cables, rack, to continue improving technology infrastructure.
• Network / internet connectivity via wireless access points is available in all academic areas.
• The internet connection bandwidth was increased to over 1mega.
• Oversight and deployment of Voice over IP telephony system.
• 128kbps of bandwidth for the exclusive use of the VoIP telephony system.
• Installation, deployment and constant monitoring of firewall software to enhance security and network performance.
• Work on the school’s webpage to provide a user friendly and simple of way for school community to access relevant and up-to-date information.
• The “School Agreement” with Microsoft was renewed for all school computers.
• Training sessions conducted during the different professional development days. Topics covered include webpage design, multimedia presentations, Online Grades, Rubicon Atlas, video conferencing, etc.
• Implementation of the Sharepoint platform. Deployment of access to parents and students school wide.
• Implementation of online grades system where faculty can upload grades and post progress report and parents can access grades information on demand.
• Revision of technology curriculum development course descriptions and curriculum maps.
• Revision of a Technology Committee’s procedures manual.
• Revision of a Technology Department’s procedures manual, including contingency plans and back up procedures.
• Development of Faculty and Staff Acceptable Use Policy.
• Continuous tutorials of technology modules for teachers.
• Revision of technology proficiency standards and benchmarks for teachers.
• Implementation of Technology Integration Model in 2nd through 5th grade.