Overview 

Over the past 15 years, a variety of committees and groups have met to look at the overall goals and direction for the use of technology. A 40-member committee met in 1992 and established the first set of belief statements in regards to technology. These beliefs were then expanded by the 1996 Technology committee into the goals and objectives.

Beliefs Concerning the use of Instructional Technology

1. All students must be empowered with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to succeed in a changing information-based society.
2. An ongoing commitment to training, equipment maintenance, and technology upgrading must be made to keep abreast of the changes that information technologies will bring to society and the workplace.
3. All students must have equal access to technology, and all staff must have equal access to technology.
4. All teachers must be actively involved in using technology to support and improve instruction.
5. The use of instructional technology must be integrated within the curriculum.
6. The capabilities of information technology must be used to improve communications, organization, and management in schools.

Goals

• Integrate technology into the district curriculum.
• Provide the necessary professional development to make effective use of technology.
• Develop an ongoing plan for the implementation and use of technology.
• Establish the Lawrence school district supported standards for hardware and software.

Objectives

• To provide students and teachers with relevant technology tools and appropriate training.
• To help all students develop the necessary skills using relevant technology for life-long learning.
• To expand technology use and opportunity while making good use of the currently installed technology tools.
• To provide the necessary technological hardware, software, and training to all students and staff on an equitable bases.
• To provide educational opportunities that transcend the classroom and expand it to the world through the use of telecommunications.