Technology in the Classroom

There was a point in time when blackboards and chalk were considered new technology in a classroom.

Those days are ancient history by now, as educating students in the 21st century requires a host of systems to allow kids to interact with the world’s content on their own and create new products to demonstrate their learning. Teachers also utilize a myriad of tools to engage with students as well as assess their learning online. School sure isn’t what it used to be when we were young.

With levy funding, BISD has been able and will continue to develop both physical and digital environments for students to learn in schools so great they frequently rank in the top tier of our nation’s most prestigious lists.

The following is not an exhaustive list of what past technology levies have paid for, but it will give insight to what is meant when BISD says it relies on technology to provide a robust learning environment.

By voting YES on February 14 , you help ensure the Technology Levy is passed. Renewing this levy allows BISD to keep these important systems in place for teachers and students.

For Students in Classrooms

Online media: Online databases for research, streaming educational
videos, interactive websites, online curriculum

Science probes: Students use these instruments to collect and analyze data in real time.

Computers: Tablets, laptops, desktops in classrooms, computer labs and libraries

Engineering: Robust hardware and software runs the curriculum that meets new engineering standards.   

Speakers/screens: Accommodating the needs of students with visual or hea
ring impairments requires extra equipment to be placed in certain classrooms.

For Teachers

Presentation stations: Each classroom is equipped with a modern computer, projector, interactive display and document camera for projecting student work.

Chromebooks: Each teacher has this mobile device for use in the classroom and for professional development at school or at home after hours

LAN school: Allows teachers to monitor an entire classroom of student computer activity

Assessment: Various tests allow schools to efficiently identify struggling students for placement into support programs.

Homeroom: This data dashboard gives teachers access to all the data available on students and allows for individualized instruction as well as identify necessary interventions for struggling learners.

Professional development: Trainings on-site by other teachers or outside professionals, regional conferences and site visits to learn from other districts who are leading the way

Website: Class assignments and lessons are posted for students to access outside of school.

Google Suite for Education: With this suite of online tools, students and teachers collaborate on projects and assignments. Learn more about 21st century learning here.

For Support Staff

Paraprofessionals: Paras use Chromebooks to support student learning.

Bus drivers: Every bus is equipped with a webcam and a GPS locator to ensure safety and to notify families of location along routes.

The Basics

A network that meets industry standards to keep BISD’s students and staff moving at the fast pace demanded on them, using more tools than can be named on this page. The short list includes:

• Helpdesk and asset management
• Emergency notification system for families
• Microsoft Office Productivity
• Adobe Creative Cloud
• Networked printers/copiers/scanners
• Modern telephones