A Comparison of Two High Schools Integrating Technology

Ridgedale High School in the Washington County Public School District and Central Medical Magnet High School in the Beaumont Independent School District have many similarities with a few differences in dealing with computers and other computer-based technologies, Both schools have a local area network that allows administrators, teachers and students to share information with one another and with others outside of the school. Just as Ridgedale has computer labs, so does Central. Unlike Ridgedale who has at least in five computers in each classroom, Central has at least one in every classroom. All computers are connected with Internet access in both high schools and have a school web page that provides information for students, teachers, parents, and the community.

Superintendent

Dr. Hartley, superintendent of Washington County Public School District, appears to be very involved in integrating technology into the schools. The level of involvement the BISD superintendent has in technology integration is unknown, but technology is a main theme and used district wide.

Principal

Both principals at each high school begins their day with sending various email messages to teachers and staff and encourages cross-curriculum computer-based technology programs.
School Secretary
Both school secretaries also use computer technology to complete daily tasks. Though the responsibility to identify potential substitute teachers from the database is delegated to Ridgedale’s secretary, this is a duty for the Associate Principal at Central. As both secretaries utilize desktop publishing programs to create customized certificates, this is also an activity that the counselors are involved in as well at Central.

Technology Coordinator

Ridgedale and Central have a technology coordinator on campus. Both locate information, install, test, and troubleshoot new software applications, set up digital technology for meetings, and maintain the computer technology for its respective campuses.
Teachers
Teachers at both high school integrate technology in the class room and provide similar education experiences for students. Just as in Mr. Boone’s Biology class at Ridgedale, the science and Health Science classes use wireless notebook computers to work on projects and present projects. Central has extending the learning opportunities for students by adding distant learning classes connected with Lamar University and the University of Texas.

Media Specialist

Ridgedale has their own media specialist that work with teachers to create activities that help students in various subject areas. Mr. Finely runs a media resource center to facilitate in student learning and gather resources for teachers. Central does not have a media specialist and the tasks described are reserved for their teachers.

Students

The students at Ridgedale have access to a TV production studio which allows them to experience TV production and various ways to communicate to a mass audience. Though this is not available to students at Central, it is available at another high school in their district.
Parents
Parents at both high schools have the capability to communicate with administrators and teachers through their school websites.

Community

Ridgedale students utilizes technology to reach out to the community. They have a program called Seniors Online designed to match students with special needs with senior citizens, who serve as mentors. Central may not use the Internet to get the community involved but it does assess the community through a local educational channel.

Using technology in the schools have become an important aspect of leadership, teaching, and learning. There are many schools across the globe that share the same ideas for technology use and there are some that are more advance.