Introduction

Grade Level:

 * The technology outlined for each core strategy is intended to be implemented in a grade six middle school classroom.

The Students:

 * The middle school is made up of a total student count of approximately 700 students. Specifically, the sixth grade is made up of approximately 300 students. Socioeconomically, the majority of students come from middle to upper middle class homes. Also, the sixth grade class has approximately 30 students with specific learning disabilities, 3 students with autism, and 2 hearing impaired students.

The School:

 * The school is located in a suburban area. The original building was built in the 1920s and, as often the case, it has been added to and modified over the years to accommodate growth in student enrollment and changes in laws and codes such as ADA access, etc.

The Classrooms:

 * The middle school classrooms are typical in layout and design. Due to the age of the building, adding technology to the classrooms can be difficult due to lack of proper wiring for power and internet connectivity. On average, classrooms consist of approximately 25-30 students.

Computer Facilities:

 * __Hardware__
 * The school possesses technology that is available in the classroom, library, and in one of four computer labs.
 * Each classroom one computer for teacher use and at least three computers for student use. The oldest of classroom computers have Pentium IV processors and at least 256 MB of memory. The newest of classroom computers are HP dc5700 desktop computers with 512 MB of memory. Smart Boards are available in many of the content area classrooms. In addition, classrooms without Smart Boards are equipped with DVD/VCR players and a television.
 * Each computer lab has 30 HP dc5700, desktop computers with 512 MB of memory. Also labs are equipped with a ceiling mounted projection unit that is connected to one of the computers. Demonstrations may be performed from this computer.
 * The library has one laptop cart with 25 HP laptops and wireless internet connectivity
 * __Lab and Classroom__ __Software__
 * All school computers run Microsoft Windows XP, SP2 operating system.
 * Standard software installed on all computers includes: Microsoft Office Standard Edition (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook email client), Microsoft Movie Maker, Adobe Acrobat Reader, Microsoft Internet Explorer 7
 * Additional software available in labs and select classroom includes: Audacity and Scholastic Read 180.
 * __Site Licensed Software__
 * United Streaming
 * Rand McNally (interactive atlas and map software)
 * INFOhio Information Network (library and research resources)