The mission of the North Bellmore Instructional Technology program is to strengthen and support the teaching and learning process through the integration of technology with the curriculum. Computer skills are not taught in isolation but are developed progressively through repeated use and application in various contexts that are aligned with both the National Educational Technology and New York State Learning Standards. Besides the enrichment of the curriculum, students are provided the opportunity to gain mastery of software that provides a foundation for computer literacy, an important lifelong skill; students increased computer knowledge also fosters self-confidence and leads to their growth as independent, passionate learners.
To support the effective use of technology integration, the district has built a high bandwidth network infrastructure with high speed Internet access that will sustain our technology needs for many years to come. The network has enabled the district to take advantage of on-line applications for both administrative and instructional purposes, and integrate newer technologies including video-on-demand and a voiceover IP telephony.
One of our goals is to ensure that technology continues to have a positive impact on the teaching and learning process for all learners by providing user-friendly and seamless technology-enhanced learning environments that serve the increasing needs of our stakeholders.
With this in mind, each of the classrooms is equipped with networked multimedia workstations and printers. An array of digital instructional tools are available to teachers, including: scanners, cameras, camcorders, document cameras, webcams, automated response systems and large screen monitors that can be used for group instruction in locations that are not equipped with SMART Boards. In the Dinkelmeyer School we have a computer lab with twenty-six networked multimedia workstations and a SMART Board. The other five schools have a mobile cart with twenty wireless laptops, four workstations and a SMART Board to support instruction in the classrooms.
Recently, interactive whiteboard technology has started to play a significant role in supporting classroom instruction. Each school is equipped with two portable SMART Boards and permanent units in various grade levels. As of September 2010, all fourth, fifth and sixth grade classrooms are equipped with a permanently mounted unit. The District plans to continue the implementation of these permanent SMART Boards in the lower grades as funds become available.
The district’s approach to technology will remain open-minded, flexible and forward-looking so as to accommodate its inevitable rapid evolution. The District understands that technology plays a pivotal role in the execution of its mission. Technology, as a teaching and learning tool, will assist to foster and create a community of life-long passionate learners who acquire the skills necessary to live, work and learn in a society which relies on technology.
