2008 Grant Proposal Details

SMART Board   Meadowlark Elementary

Total: $1750

Description:  Meadowlark Elementary School seeks a grant of $1,750 from EEF to effectively use technology to improve K-5 public school instruction of language and art. The grant would be used to purchase an interactive whiteboard (SMART Board). A SMART Board is a touch-sensitive screen that works in conjunction with a computer and a projector. The board is designed so that students can hear, touch and see information, manipulating it interactive learning activities. The learning benefits of the SMART Board are so evident, that it is the goal of Meadowlark to have a SMART Board in every classroom. This SMART Board will be used in our kindergarten room, to model and involve students in writing, math, reading, science, and social studies activities. In implementing these activities, we would make use of software and web-based teaching content, such as Raz Kids, Learn360 as well as hundreds of already prepared SMART Board activities. An airliner is also being requested. Airliners are the “remote control” for the SMART Board. It is essential for a kinder classroom as it allows the teacher to maintain close proximity with the students while she teaches.

Why is this important?  Research shows that classroom use of a SMART Board raises the level of student engagement, motivates students and promotes enthusiasm for learning. For a particular, hard-to-reach segment of the K student population (visual or tactile learners and special-needs students), the intended result will be increased academic achievement and increased student engagement in their learning .

Who will be served?  This project will serve the 50+ students attending kindergarten at Meadowlark.

How will this be evaluated?  All teachers using SmartBoards prepare, consult and work with the building level Technology team. The kindergarten teacher will join this group to learn ways to use SmartBoard technology in her classroom setting to address student needs and learning outcomes. She will be observed by a member of the technology team and receive feedback, support, and guidance as she acquires new skills in this area. The result will be increased learning for kindergarten students. This learning will take place in the areas of writing, reading and math, as well as the use of technology.

Does this build on existing programs?  At Meadowlark, technology is integrated throughout our curriculum. Students learn and develop computer skills from a technology specialist in our fully-equipped iMac lab and our four Computers On Wheels (COWs), which we frequently use in classrooms to enhance reading, writing, math, and project learning. Every teacher has a laptop, projector and docucam that is used for instruction. The SMART Board for every teacher is the next step in equipping our teachers with necessary technology for teaching. .

Budget:  Interactive whiteboard (SMART Board): 1,199.00 Airliner 340.00 Total: 1,539.00 Shipping: 154.00 Total: 1,693.00

Proposal #:  73