Mansfield, TX - Mansfield ISD classroom teachers will soon have new instructional technology tools to help improve student learning. At the March 2010 School Board meeting, trustees approved a three-phase plan for interactive technology classroom upgrades including mounted data projectors, interactive white boards, and interactive tablets.

The Board originally approved a comprehensive district-wide technology upgrade package earlier in the school year that included plans to add mobile presentation carts and interactive slates. However, based on feedback from 2009-10 Teacher and Librarian surveys, the District has chosen instead to substitute those items with a more comprehensive solution that will include the installation of interactive instructional technologies in each MISD classroom.

Below are the major classroom technology component packages approved in the technology upgrade:

Elementary Schools (Prekindergarten - Grade 4)

Document Camera
Mounted Short-Throw Data Projector
Interactive White Board

Intermediate, Middle and High Schools (Grades 5 - 12)

Document Camera
Mounted Standard Data Projector
June 16, 2010 Update: “...the District now plans to adopt the Promethean ActivSlate and Promethean ActivInspire software as the interactive technology standard for 5-12 campuses instead of the InterWrite MOBI and Workspace software as previously planned.”

Feedback fuels decision

More than 1700 MISD elementary and secondary teachers and librarians responded to the 2010 survey and the vast majority indicated that the installation of an integrated presentation system would significantly impact teaching and learning. Here are a couple of notable items from the survey:

85% noted (as either a first or second choice) that such an upgrade would have the most positive impact on teaching and learning at their school
96% indicated that they agreed or strongly agreed with the statement, "When used properly, technology really improves student learning."

Classroom pilots, teacher focus groups, and product testing procedures were used to select the recommended classroom packages.

The project will be separated into three phases that will be completed over an 12-18 month time frame and two or more budgetary cycles. The campuses targeted for each phase will correspond with the computer replacement cycle. A total of $8,571,411.54 is budgeted for the entire project. The District's fund balance is the targeted funding source for this set of upgrades.