a. Rationale:
Both districts know that teachers and students need to be apt in 21st Century Learning Skills. The rationale for this plan is to introduce to teachers and students a piece of technology that is simple to use and easy to incorporate within the schools’ curriculum and standards. The Flip Video Cameras would be used to integrate technology, meet different students' learning abilities, engage learning, and increase student achievement.
c. Expected Outcomes:
The Flip Video Cameras will receive positive feedback from teachers and students. It has been shown from articles, websites, blogs and comments that teachers, who used the Flip Video Cameras, did indeed enjoy them and the students had a positive response to it as well. Teachers will find that these cameras are easy to use and upload. Because of the simplicity of this technology, teachers who normally shy away from technology, due to its complexity, will be more apt to try it out and potentially use the product. They will also find that it can be utilized in all subjects and grade levels. We expect Flip Video Cameras to be fully integrated without much effort into the classroom rather than used just once and then put on the shelf. Students will be able to take more meaningful lessons away due to their experiences with this technology we are introducing.
d. Policies and Guidelines for Selecting Technology:
Learning Curve: We chose the Flip Camera as our technology initiative because the cameras are extremely easy to use. We figured something that would need little training and still have great results would appeal to teachers, due to the minimal effort needed in order to use it, and the students because they won’t have to be taught how to use and just get to use it quicker. We also felt that this tool is comparative to the real world technologies so it would be easy to pick up and use, even may have already been used by some of our teachers and students.
Price/Cost: As we will further discuss, the cost is to purchase and use this technology tool is minimal in comparison to other 21st century tools out there. There is a one-time purchase price that ranges from $149.99 to about $279.99. Accessories are always available, which will increase cost, but are not a necessity to start off. USB is built in as well as the software, so there is no additional cost.
Reputation of brand: Flip Cameras are one of the up and coming cameras on the market. Big name brands, such as Nikon and Sony, are following in the footsteps and creating their own versions of the original Flip Camera. The names speak for themselves.
Student Learning: The Flip Cameras will allow students to create and customize their learning, which is at the higher levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy. By allowing students to use cameras to capture the evidence of learning and allowing teachers to teach to the 21st century students we have, learning and interest in learning will both increase through out initiative with this technology tool.
e. Current Technologies:
Currently there are classrooms with computers and overhead projectors for both teachers student use. Teachers have a personal laptop that the school gives them to use while employed. There are laptop carts available for teachers to sign out for classes as well as resource rooms and a library with computers for students and teachers. Internet access is also available through a wireless connection.
As for the Flip Camera technology requirements, the software for the Flip Camera comes preinstalled. It includes a version for PCs and for Macs. These will need to be purchased for each school. Numbers are to be later decided, whether one per grade, one per subject, or one per classroom.
f. Analyzing Costs and Establishing a Budget: Installation: Technology staff at school can install on computers/laptops:
$0 Hardware: Depends on version http://www.theflip.com/en-us/Products/specs.aspx (all come with wrist strap, soft protective case, user guide, built in USB arm/speaker/microphone).
$149.99 - $279.99
Accessories are available (Rechargeable batteries would be a good purchase to consider if funding allows.) http://www.theflip.com/en-us/Products/accessories.aspx:
$14.99 - $49.99. Software: Comes preinstalled on Flip Camera for both PCs and Macs:
$0 Maintenance: Flip Cameras come with a standard warranty http://www.theflip.com/en-us/support/warranty.aspx. Any other questions can be directed to the customer support line
(888-222-6689).:
$0 Security: Product storage in technology department of school.
Teachers must sign out product. Any students handling Flip Cameras
must have previously signed the Williamstown Middle School Acceptable Use Policy or St. Mark's High School User Policy Agreement Form.:
$0 Training: Training will be provided by someone who knows how to use
the Flip Cameras (someone in school preferably) after school.
Communication would be required amongst teachers participating in
the training. Technology department within the school would also be
available for questions/concerns/problems.:
$0
g. Basic Design Parameters:
The Flip Video Camera fits into the strategic plan by illustrating how teachers and students in all schools can use it. It can be incorporated within the curriculum and meets the needs of the 21st Century Standards of Learning. The premise of the plan is to encourage teachers to communicate with each other and not be afraid to incorporate technology within their lessons. By using the Flip Video Cameras, it will enhance the lesson and build student achievement. It will help both teachers and students build 21st century skills for the future.
h. Benefits:
Saves Time: So easy to use- just turn it on, point, and shoot. Software is preinstalled on the camera.
Best Mini Camcorder HD: Flip camcorder UltraHD
Reliable Warranties: Comes with a 90 day warranty (repaired or replaced with a refurbished unit). After 90 day warranty (repair service).
Free Flip Video Camera Software Upgrades: All upgrades are free and available on their website http://www.theflip.com/en-us/App/fvsw/5.x/update/
i. Communicate Plan With Professional Technology Committee:
The technology committee has reviewed and communicated the technology solution plan via our blog and some conversations. The committee members agree that it is simple enough to train others to use within their classroom setting. It can be utilized with all ages in all subjects. We have gotten some great ideas from our committee about how they would use it, which is very exciting. The number of cameras purchased can be decided within each school. But as a consensus, we, at both schools agree that each student does not need their own camera, but each department or core may want to purchase 3 to 5 cameras to share. After reviewing the cost and benefits of the Flip Video Cameras, it is conclusive that all teachers and students throughout the entire school could use this piece of technology.
Technology Solution Plan
a. Rationale:
Both districts know that teachers and students need to be apt in 21st Century Learning Skills. The rationale for this plan is to introduce to teachers and students a piece of technology that is simple to use and easy to incorporate within the schools’ curriculum and standards. The Flip Video Cameras would be used to integrate technology, meet different students' learning abilities, engage learning, and increase student achievement.
b. Specific Description of Technology:
Flip Video Cameras are small digital camcorders that are simple to use. It has a lens and microphone with very few buttons to operate. It comes equipped with spring-loaded USB drive and built-in software. This all makes it easy to record and upload onto ones computer. It can hold anywhere from one to four hours of recording, depending on the version. It allows for direct uploading on Myspace, Facebook, and YouTube. Video editing is also another feature that enables you to create movies with multiple video clips and add titles, music and credits to your recording. Software updates are available online.
Below are links that can enhance students’ learning:
http://www.digmo.co.uk/edu/10-education-uses-for-flip-video/
http://www.digitalwish.com/dw/digitalwish/view_lesson_plans
http://blog.weareteachers.com/tag/flip-video-camera/
http://docs.google.com/present/view?id=df6bwk2v_458hfn94kfd
http://docs.google.com/present/view?pli=1&id=dhn2vcv5_6tv55j7g9
c. Expected Outcomes:
The Flip Video Cameras will receive positive feedback from teachers and students. It has been shown from articles, websites, blogs and comments that teachers, who used the Flip Video Cameras, did indeed enjoy them and the students had a positive response to it as well. Teachers will find that these cameras are easy to use and upload. Because of the simplicity of this technology, teachers who normally shy away from technology, due to its complexity, will be more apt to try it out and potentially use the product. They will also find that it can be utilized in all subjects and grade levels. We expect Flip Video Cameras to be fully integrated without much effort into the classroom rather than used just once and then put on the shelf. Students will be able to take more meaningful lessons away due to their experiences with this technology we are introducing.
d. Policies and Guidelines for Selecting Technology:
Learning Curve: We chose the Flip Camera as our technology initiative because the cameras are extremely easy to use. We figured something that would need little training and still have great results would appeal to teachers, due to the minimal effort needed in order to use it, and the students because they won’t have to be taught how to use and just get to use it quicker. We also felt that this tool is comparative to the real world technologies so it would be easy to pick up and use, even may have already been used by some of our teachers and students.
Price/Cost: As we will further discuss, the cost is to purchase and use this technology tool is minimal in comparison to other 21st century tools out there. There is a one-time purchase price that ranges from $149.99 to about $279.99. Accessories are always available, which will increase cost, but are not a necessity to start off. USB is built in as well as the software, so there is no additional cost.
Reputation of brand: Flip Cameras are one of the up and coming cameras on the market. Big name brands, such as Nikon and Sony, are following in the footsteps and creating their own versions of the original Flip Camera. The names speak for themselves.
Student Learning: The Flip Cameras will allow students to create and customize their learning, which is at the higher levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy. By allowing students to use cameras to capture the evidence of learning and allowing teachers to teach to the 21st century students we have, learning and interest in learning will both increase through out initiative with this technology tool.
e. Current Technologies:
Currently there are classrooms with computers and overhead projectors for both teachers student use. Teachers have a personal laptop that the school gives them to use while employed. There are laptop carts available for teachers to sign out for classes as well as resource rooms and a library with computers for students and teachers. Internet access is also available through a wireless connection.
As for the Flip Camera technology requirements, the software for the Flip Camera comes preinstalled. It includes a version for PCs and for Macs. These will need to be purchased for each school. Numbers are to be later decided, whether one per grade, one per subject, or one per classroom.
f. Analyzing Costs and Establishing a Budget:
Installation: Technology staff at school can install on computers/laptops:
$0
Hardware: Depends on version
http://www.theflip.com/en-us/Products/specs.aspx (all come with wrist strap, soft protective case, user guide, built in USB arm/speaker/microphone).
$149.99 - $279.99
Accessories are available (Rechargeable batteries would be a good purchase to consider if funding allows.)
http://www.theflip.com/en-us/Products/accessories.aspx:
$14.99 - $49.99.
Software: Comes preinstalled on Flip Camera for both PCs and Macs:
$0
Maintenance: Flip Cameras come with a standard warranty
http://www.theflip.com/en-us/support/warranty.aspx. Any other questions can be directed to the customer support line
(888-222-6689).:
$0
Security: Product storage in technology department of school.
Teachers must sign out product. Any students handling Flip Cameras
must have previously signed the Williamstown Middle School Acceptable Use Policy or
St. Mark's High School User Policy Agreement Form.:
$0
Training: Training will be provided by someone who knows how to use
the Flip Cameras (someone in school preferably) after school.
Communication would be required amongst teachers participating in
the training. Technology department within the school would also be
available for questions/concerns/problems.:
$0
g. Basic Design Parameters:
The Flip Video Camera fits into the strategic plan by illustrating how teachers and students in all schools can use it. It can be incorporated within the curriculum and meets the needs of the 21st Century Standards of Learning. The premise of the plan is to encourage teachers to communicate with each other and not be afraid to incorporate technology within their lessons. By using the Flip Video Cameras, it will enhance the lesson and build student achievement. It will help both teachers and students build 21st century skills for the future.
h. Benefits:
Saves Time: So easy to use- just turn it on, point, and shoot. Software is preinstalled on the camera.
Best Mini Camcorder HD: Flip camcorder UltraHD
Reliable Warranties: Comes with a 90 day warranty (repaired or replaced with a refurbished unit). After 90 day warranty (repair service).
Free Flip Video Camera Software Upgrades: All upgrades are free and available on their website http://www.theflip.com/en-us/App/fvsw/5.x/update/
i. Communicate Plan With Professional Technology Committee:
The technology committee has reviewed and communicated the technology solution plan via our blog and some conversations. The committee members agree that it is simple enough to train others to use within their classroom setting. It can be utilized with all ages in all subjects. We have gotten some great ideas from our committee about how they would use it, which is very exciting. The number of cameras purchased can be decided within each school. But as a consensus, we, at both schools agree that each student does not need their own camera, but each department or core may want to purchase 3 to 5 cameras to share. After reviewing the cost and benefits of the Flip Video Cameras, it is conclusive that all teachers and students throughout the entire school could use this piece of technology.