Immersion Programs-Essential Conditions for Success

 AL – ALEX 

When resources and web content is immediately tied to standards the teachers are required to teach, these resources are more likely to be used by teachers.

Findings from current research on the topic of technology standards attests to the fact that state and national standards-based Web portals are invaluable tools for content-related learning (S. Baird, 2006).

The strong correlation of resources to national and state standards was reported as essential for implementation in all three phases of the project. This finding illustrates that standards-based resources are critical features to retain through both the MarcoPolo [Thinkfinity*] website and state website partnerships.

Defining educational goals and standards helps educators to clarify core knowledge and skills to be addressed and measured in the teaching curriculum.

IN - Tech-Know-Build

Leadership at the state level
Leadership at the school and district level
Economic reports that highlighted the shift to a global knowledge based economy

MI – Freedom to Learn

Strong leadership from the Speaker of the State House
Apparent successes of Henrico County, VA and Maine one-to-one programs
Support from the Governor and the legislature
Support from the Department of Education and Michigan Virtual University

ME – Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI). 

Governor strongly supported initiative
Unanticipated revenue of $50 million from a tobacco settlement
Creation of a taskforce to review initiative
School districts participating in one-to-one programs reported increased student engagement – which ME believed would translate to increased student achievement

NH – Media Cart Deployment
The availability of a Technology Coordinator was critical for researching, purchasing, assembling carts and training faculty. Another essential condition was the faculty awareness of the immediate applications of the Media Cart in instructional practice.

NH – Mobile Laptop Cart Deployment. 
Accurate assessment of needs (hardware and software) and funding; teacher training.

PA – Classrooms for the Future

Leadership from the Governor
Existing infrastructure

TX - The TIP Toolkit, a Tool for Planning a School Technology Immersion Program was released in July 2006. The toolkit provides an overview of the TIP project and factors to consider before implementing technology immersion. Information is provided in the following categories:

• Leadership, Vision and Planning
• Teacher Readiness and Receptivity
• Stakeholder Buy-In
• Commitment of Time and Support
• Budget

Lessons learned from the Technology Immersion Pilot are included regarding the importance of a leadership team, curriculum alignment, mentoring, personnel changes, community involvement, school policies, disaster planning, vendor requirements, and additional equipment needs. Recommendations are provided regarding the six components of immersion: wireless mobile computing device, productivity, communication and presentation software, online instructional resources, online diagnostic assessment tools, professional development, and technical support. The TIP Toolkit is available on the TEA TIP website at http://www.tea.state.tx.us/technology/tip/TIPtoolkit.html

VA – Henrico County Public Schools Technology and Learning Initiative

County central office leadership to provide extensive support
Commitment to the initiative
School-based technology trainers
Professional development for teachers
Hardware, software, and technical support