Technology is a vital part of 21st century learning, so the Natomas Unified Board of Trustees approved additional investment Wednesday to enhance student use of Chromebooks over the next two years for critical thinking, problem solving, research, and innovative learning.
The new technology plan supports NUSD’s push for college and career readiness for all graduates and will:
1) Provide more student Chromebooks for research, writing and collaboration in all grades
2) Pave the way for home Internet access for 1,000 students in need
3) Make software and fiberoptic or other cabling improvements, where necessary, to enhance high-speed Internet access at schools
A key part of the new technology plan is to expand student Chromebook use by providing one classroom set for every two teachers, requiring purchase of about 2,400 new Chromebooks and ensuring that all schools have equal access. The plan also envisions a partnership with Comcast to subsidize home Internet access so that 1,000 students in need can further their education and complete assignments after school.
Other highlights include creating a computer coding program for students, expanding teacher training in computer use, implementing software to help teachers monitor student online activity, updating “digital citizenship” standards to discourage improper computer use, and replacing numerous aging computers used by students, teachers or staff.
The new $1.2 million plan is consistent with the following strategic direction approved in NUSD’s “The Next 5,” a five-year blueprint adopted last year after months of parent, student, staff and community input: “Continue providing 21st century classroom technology and support the infrastructure for expansion to prepare students for college and career success.”
Only six years ago, NUSD students shared a desktop computer with four monitors and the district had no wireless network. Now wireless Internet access is available in all schools, all classrooms are equipped with Apple TVs, more than 7,000 Chromebooks are used by students, all teachers are issued a MacBook Air and iPad, and the district has improved its content filter and network hardware. The new plan proposes to take NUSD classroom technology to an even higher level of availability and use.
Trustees approved the plan Wednesday after a staff presentation showing how some NUSD teachers are using Chromebooks innovatively and creatively — for example, to motivate students through educational activities resembling interactive games; to encourage students to create their own video projects; to collaborate with students in other classrooms, states or countries; and to support blended learning in which kids of differing abilities work at their own pace, at the same time, in the same classroom. Possibilities are endless.
To see the full staff presentation, click here.
