Design Credits

a Task Force of the Indiana Public School / University Partnership

Members

Crown Point
Community School Corporation
Crown Point, IN
George Tachtiris
gtach @cps .k12 .in.us

Franklin Township
Community School Corporation
Indianapolis, IN
Ron Blackgrave
Ron.Blackgrave@ ftcsc. k12. in.us

• Technology creates an environment for change and inspires continual redefinition of teaching/learning methods
• Technology enhances the teaching/learning process
• The pursuit of excellence never ends and involves risk taking.

PartnerShare provides visionary leadership through sharing experience and knowledge of current and emerging interactive technological resources for the purpose of enhancing the quality of education.

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Teaching & Technology

PartnerShare was begun in 1987 as part of the Task Force initiative created by the Indiana Public Schools/University Partnership. The partnership is a coalition of public schools and Indiana University.

The PartnerShare Technology Task Force was created to identify appropriate programs for member schools through the monitoring of the rapidly changing environment of the high-tech classroom. The name PartnerShare implies a sharing of resources, human and electronic, within the partnership, to determine those applications of technology with the greatest potential for improving teaching and learning. Students, staff and communities of PartnerShare participants benefit from ongoing synergistic sharing and idea exchange.

The diversity of the membership of PartnerShare is a microcosm of the state and is a strength that benefits all. Its potential for for action research with technology as well as collaboration with business and industry is wide-ranging.

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• Creating and maintaining a vision for effective use of technology;
  
• Evaluating the use of technology;
  
• Training teachers and other staff to use technology; and
  
• Connecting the development of effective technology to research.
  

PartnerShare members have engaged in a self-administered survey which catalogs the current applications of technology within the various school districts and Indiana University. In addition, the Task Force is developing an evaluation approach to identify effective uses. The question being asked is: How does technology make a difference in teaching and learning?

PartnerShare members are engaged in a number of computer-related activities which are making a difference to teachers, students and administrators.

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Most of the schools within the partnership are teaching students basic information and technology skills through interactive programs. Children use instructional software to increase written communication and presentation skills. Students may use technology to access, organize, evaluate and synthesize information. Other applications include the following:

• Participation in corporate-sponsored or corporate-produced programs like NEWS ACCESS and AT&T Long Distance Learning, the International Arctic Project, and the National Geographic Kids Network
  
• Using optical technology (CD-ROM, video disc)
  
• Using on-line databases
  
• Learning robotics
  
• Using media retrieval systems
  
• Using voice, video, and data technology
  
• Using multimedia
  
• Networking classrooms and buildings
  
• Using teleconferencing
  
• Using CAD/CAM
  
• Using LCD projection systems Utilizing distributive networks and computers in classrooms and
  
• Setting a standard for a uniform way of accessing and sharing information.
  

Special needs students also benefit in most of the school systems through the use of computers fitted with adaptive and augmentative devices.

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Technology in the partnership schools is not focused only on direct instructional activities. Every school district provides technology support to teachers, counselors, and administrators to enhance their job performance. In some of the districts, extensive training is provided after school and on Saturdays for personnel to learn new technology. All of the districts provide summer training for teachers and staff. Collaborative teaching, inquiry learning, and on-site technology facilitators provide additional support for professional growth in technology.

Many school libraries throughout the partnership are taking advantage of technology through the use of computerized pro-grams that maintain circulation and inventory control. Automated media centers are utilized in most of the districts. Use of CD-ROM reference/information databases is a growing application in Media Centers.

Technology is also assisting teachers with high quality printing and the preparation of overhead instructional materials through desktop publishing and scanning equipment. Many counselors have computers for easy access to digital information college databases. Several systems have, or are in the process of, developing automated telephone E-mail. or voice mail systems to increase communication within the district and community. Technology provides an addi-tional or an enhanced means to explore Student assessment and performance. Students are using technology and becoming more responsible for their own learning.

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PartnerShare a major component of IPS/UP, is composed of those responsible for technology and/or instructional technology in the member school districts. Through communication with school districts and state partnerships throughout the country, PartnerShare maintains a shared commitment to the state of the art in educational technology.

PartnerShare schools have been involved in a long-distancing network with AT&T and the nationally recognized NEWS ACCESS program. PartnerShare is also linked with the Institute for the Transfer of Technology to Education, a national organization recognized as a leader in educational technology. Indiana University brings to the Partnership its reputation in higher education, as well as its facilities in the Center for Excellence in Education, to provide a sound base for technology research and development in education.

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