White Salmon Schools

Technology Levy

Technology

District Technology: Then and Now

By Jerry Lewis, District Technology Coordinator

The history of technology use in White Salmon Valley Schools during the past decade has involved a cycle of continued growth and demand, but the reality is that much of the available district technology for teacher instruction and student learning is now outdated and in need of replacement. Moving to the next generation of computer operating systems and software programs will require new computers with greater processing speed, memory, video and hard drive capacity. This means that our current computers cannot be upgraded to meet these requirements.

There are a number of concerns in the area of district technology, including having the technology available for students that will help them develop the skills required to be successful in their K-12 learning experience, post-secondary education opportunities, and chosen careers. Outdated technology has also affected how district teachers use technology in the classroom. When the technology does not work properly, teachers become frustrated and are less likely to try to integrate technology into the learning environment. Technology support is another area of concern because the breakdowns and malfunctions in outdated technology simply become overwhelming with limited support staff. The final area of concern involves the need to update and establish best teaching practices in professional development training for assisting teachers in learning the strategies required to use technology as an effective tool for student learning.

In earlier years, the White Salmon Valley School District was viewed by other districts as a cutting-edge district in the use of technology. This view was established in our district by a number of teachers willing to pioneer the use of technology through participation in a variety of state-funded technology programs. Each selected teacher in the program received classroom computers, software, professional development training, and support in the effective use of classroom technology. Participating teachers and their students benefited greatly from these state funded programs, but they are no longer offered . Further, the district was hardwired for Internet access during the 1998-1999 school year and received network servers and video conferencing equipment. The continued growth in our network use district-wide is requiring more up-to-date network equipment including servers, switches, and routers to handle the increased network loads.

The Career and Technical Education (CTE) department also helped with district technology by building over 100 computers for district use from 1998 through 2002. These computers were built by students in the CHS Applied Computer Technology class, but again, lack of funding eliminated these types of opportunities. Other grant opportunities the district has received include technology funding from the Gates Foundation. This grant provided Whitson Elementary with classroom computers, software, and training, but these computers are now eight years old and in need of replacement . The district has also received donated computers through a State program called Computers for Kids. While this program has allowed us to expand the number of computers in classrooms, they are still computers that are four to five years old.

The district is currently at the crossroads for meeting the technology needs of students and staff. Technology, when used as a tool for learning, can have a powerful influence in the educational experience of every student. Technology tools provide opportunities for helping our students develop skills in problem solving, communication, teamwork, and student engagement. Without the support of our community, our district technology will continue to age, breakdown, and limit the academic growth of our students. Our hope is that the community will see the value of supporting this levy to ensure that our students receive the tools necessary to succeed in their education now, and in their future journeys ahead.

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