The Future of Technology
Technology Co-Directors Shaw Brandt and Greg Pint led two teams of educators through a year-long study of technology integration. The purpose of the teams' study was to make a recommendation to the School Board so they would be able to make an informed decision about the direction of educational technology at New Prague Area Schools.

The study included survey information that was collected from nearly 1,000 students, teachers, and parents, collaborative research, event presentations, site visits to other school districts, consultations from vendors, sharing of personal experiences, and professional discussions.

In November, they presented their recommendation to the School Board. The team recommended that New Prague Area Schools move forward with a Digital Learning Environment. The New Prague School Board approved the team's recommendation at their board meeting on December 12, 2013.

A Digital Learning Environment is a student-centered framework where opportunities for learning and access to educational resources are available anytime, anywhere. Components include 21st century skills (communication, collaboration, creativity, & critical thinking), digital curriculum, mobile devices (wifi laptop or tablet), and personalized learning.

The transformation to a Digital Learning Environment will create opportunities for our students that are simply not possible without anytime, anywhere access to the internet. For example, it generates opportunities for student collaboration, more timely feedback, differentiation, providing equal access to technology for all students, and engage all students in high levels of learning where they can work at their own pace and ability.

Google Chromebooks were selected as the devices for students in grades 2-12, and touch tablets for grades PreK-1. The purchase plan will be a three year lease option. The implementation timeline will begin with a 1:1 initiative for all students in grades 9-12 in the high school for 2014-15. The 1:1 initiative will follow for middle school students in grades 6-8 in 2015-16. The elementary schools will implement classroom sets in 2016-17. Our plan is to re-direct and re-prioritize funds within our existing budget to pay for this lease.

It is important to understand that a successful learning environment focuses on teaching and learning, not the technology. The device is a tool for learning but the teacher facilitates the process and guides each student down their path of personalized learning. Successful digital learning environments implement a number of different devices, use a variety of learning management systems, and collect data with a range of assessment applications; but all focus on student learning and applying best practices in teaching.

We are very excited about creating learning environments at every grade level that develops the potential of each learner for success in a changing world. The best way to accelerate learning is by embedding technology into student courses and classrooms. We believe by transforming to a Digital Learning Environment, we are truly aligned to our school district's mission - "To engage and support everyone in high levels of learning."