Tech.Vision

=Vision for Technology Use at SFHS =

Students will be able to engage in the classroom and at home, during and after school, in learning activities because of technologies like workstations, campus wireless networking, the Internet in general, and teachers’ materials online.
 * __Students and Learning__**

Students will be better prepared for college and the work force because of their experiences with up-to-date technologies.

Comprehension and retention of student learning will maximize thorough technology giving more opportunities to address different learning styles. Through technology, students will be introduced to ideas, concepts, and materials otherwise not available in the classroom, thereby increasing their exposure and overall educational experience.

__**Faculty and Staff**__ Faculty and Staff will be computer literate with a set of standardized software programs and annual training opportunities for new and existing software. They will use electronic mail and webpages to communicate with students, administration, coworkers, parents, and alumni. Teachers will use network access to link up with other educators through the World Wide Web and other Internet services.

Teachers will have one computer they need not share and can use for lesson planning, preparing class materials, accessing the Internet, tracking grades, email, and other activities. The same or another computer will be in place for use in presenting material to students. Every classroom will have a computer projector or some other means of displaying the instructor’s computer screen.

Teachers will provide our students with new experiences though the use of technology.

Teachers use software to streamline tasks and quickly and more easily prepare teaching materials.

Teachers will access current information to supplement teaching resources with electronic sources and on-line services. They will utilize quality software programs which allow teachers and students to more easily evaluate and present information.

Teachers will evaluate individual work with reporting options available on software programs, report student achievement to parents, review portfolios of student work and writing saved on the network. Teachers will provide progress reports online for parents to access.

Teachers will use a variety of multi-media materials to more effectively differentiate instruction to reach students with diverse learning styles. Plan individualized learning programs based on assessment data. Increase student motivation with expanded multi-media resources for classwork and assignments. Provide opportunities for students to work collaboratively and actively.

Mobile computing devises such as PDA’s, laptops, and tablet computers will be available for any faculty member who demonstrates a need for such a computer. Faculty members with mobile devices or home computers will able to access their teacher webpage, home directories, and grade book program off campus.

The administration and staff will have the computers and software needed to ensure their productivity. Staff computers and software needs will be determined primarily by head of the associated departments (Main Office, Institutional Advancement, Business Office, Alumni, Admissions, Athletics, Fine Arts, Information Technology, Campus Ministry, and Guidance) with the help of the Technology Coordinator. Upgrades and replacement of staff computers and software will come from the budges of the staff departments. Staff department heads will review the needs of their department members yearly at budget time.

Parents will be well-informed of school activities and their son’s progress through traditional methods as wells as through email and the school website. Specific documents and information such as mid-semester progress reports can be easily and securely accessed online.
 * __Parents__**

We envision students, faculty, and staff having modern computers with up-to-date operating systems and software. For students and faculty, this will be ensured by a set schedule of purchasing new computers and computer rotation along with procedures in place for requesting and updating software or hardware.
 * __Computer Hardware__**

__**Repairs**__ Computer, printer, and other technology repairs will be done in an organized and timely manner.

SFHS will have hardwire and wireless network connections available in the classrooms, labs, and the library for students and faculty to use laptops and other mobile computing devices.
 * __Network__**

A virtual private network (VPN) will allow teachers to access their network home directories and programs from off campus thereby increasing productivity.

An integrated software product that combines lesson plans, website content, and grading will streamline teachers’ tasks and also increase productivity.

The Internet bandwidth and LAN connectivity will be sufficient (fast) enough to support the student body, faculty, staff, and administration.

Network devices and servers will be warranted to ensure a speedy return of services due to any hardware or software failure.

Security will be in place that ensures the protection of all devices on the network from viruses, spyware, hacking, and other attacks from outside or within our local area network.
 * __Security and Monitoring__**

Internet filtering will be in place to block student access to a variety of inappropriate websites. The Technology Coordinator will monitor the activity of the student body and faculty for inappropriate use of any kind of any networked hardware or software.