Technology Needs AssessmentBY George Taylor

In this assignment, you will determine what resources are available to you and your
students. You will have to contact people to get the information you need. People that
may be helpful can include your media specialist, technology integration specialist,
resource teachers, special education teachers, or department heads. It may be
beneficial to create a survey using Google Forms and distribute it to your staff. We are
working to determine what your school currently has and to assess its needs for future
technology. This needs assessment will help us in creating our technology plan which
will layout the technology goals for our school over the next few years.

SCHOOL POPULATION
Location: Westport Middle School is located in the east end of Louisville,Ky.
Enrollment: 1100 Students
Staff & Administration: 1Principal, 3 assistant principals, 3 counselors, 1 Youth
Service center coordinator with 3 assistants, 1 Athletic Director, 1 Technology
Coordinator with 1 clerk, 1 transitional clerk, 1 goal clarity coach, 1 special education
resource teacher, 1 math resource teacher, 1 LA resource teacher, 1behavior coach, 1
attendance clerk, 1 bookkeeper, 2 secretaries, 1 data manager, 1 records clerk, 15
Special Education and regular teacher assistants, 61 regular education teachers, 13
special education teachers

TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES AVAILABLE

What does your school have available to students to further their
learning?

Current
#

Need #

Include computers, tablets, cameras, e-readers, calculators, etc.

Put each item on its own row. To add more rows hover over the line
and hit the plus sign or right click and choose insert.
1 Library/Media Center

35

15

2 Computer labs- HP Computers

55

Staff Computers (HP Elitebooks)

110

Chrome Book Cart

15

10

IPads

57

15

Document Cameras

20

10

57

Smart Clickers (6 sets to check out from media center)

Smart Boards

Chrome Books (In classrooms)

83

IPad Cart (15 to check out from media center)

15

10

Projectors

80

Printers (Black and white)

15

20

Color Printers

15

20

100

Desktops (Majority of teachers have 2 in their classroom)

Adaptive/Assistive Technology List all adaptive/assistive technology available at your school.

You may need to contact someone within the school or district that is an expert in this area. After listing
what you have and your recommendations, you must address all 7 types of learning disabilities listed in
this site. Please identify the disabilities.

Devices/software/applications/websites

Disability

Cost

WHAT YOU CURRENTLY HAVE:

DEVICES
Audible Personal Amplifier- Helps to reduce background noise

Central

so student can focus on 1 on 1 conversations.

processing

$50

disorder
Go talks Portable Communication Devices- Teachers can record

Aphasia,

messages that they match to pictures. Students use device to

Dysphasia

communicate by selecting a picture that is linked to a recorded

or Global

message.

Aphasia
(language
based)

$200

NonVerbal
learning
disorder
Jumbo Vision Talking Calculators- Talks to students as they

Dyscalculia

type in math problems.

and Vision

$24.95

Listen Point System- Reduces noise in the classroom so

students can focus better on teacher.
IPAD- Students use the IPad to take notes, magnify text, record
notes, and complete projects. Students use the Ipads to work
with a variety of apps. Ipads and apps also allow students to

All
Disorders

$800

work on math, reading, language, and writing skills.

IPAD APPS
Stories2Learn-This app personalizes stories by uploading

Nonverbal

pictures and audio to help students deal with common social

learning

$13.99

situations.

disorders

Talking Calculators- Used by visually impaired students and

students with dyscalculia. Allows students to have a visual as

Dyscalculia

$4.99

Dyslexia

$1.99

Dyslexia

$24.99

well as an audio cue.

Dyslexia Quest- Students play games that help them build
phonics skills, processing speed, memory, and helps with
sequencing skills.
Sound Literacy- Students use this program to help them
distinguish sound and develop spelling strategies.
Dexteria- A therapy tool that helps students build fine motor
skills.
Evernote- Students create voice recorded notes, app organizes
their information.
Dragon Dictation- Students speak notes and this app writes the
notes for them. Notes are emailed to teachers.

Dysgraphia $3.99
Dysgraphia Free
Dysgraphia Free

Story Builder- Helps students improve paragraph formation

Visual

writing skills using extensive video clips.

processing

$7.99

disorder
SOFTWARE
Boardmaker- A picture writing software system that allows

Asphasia,

teachers to pair pictures with words in order to modify work.

Dysphasia
or global
asphasia

$749

(language
based)
Read, Write Gold- Provides reading support for struggling
readers (ex. Screen shot reader, picture dictionary, text to
speech)
Cobra 10- Provides speech output and large print
magnification
Close caption and subtitling software- Creates subtitles for
videos so students can read what is being spoken in the video.

All
disabilities

$645

Vision

$849

Hearing

$1095

Symbolstix- Stick figures are used to represent verbal cues.

The stick figures allow students to focus on verbal cues without
being distracted by details. This is also used to help students
strengthen writing skills by mirroring the work with the

Multiple
Disabilities

$360

symbols.
WEBSITES
Learning Ally- This is a site where students obtain audio books.

Dyslexia

Free

RECOMMENDATIONS (10 minimum )

DEVICES
Conversor Pro Assistive Listening Device- Allows students who
have difficulty hearing to hear much better.

Hearing

$489

IPAD APPS
VBookz PDF Voice Reader- With V Bookz open any PDF from
your email, dropbox, safari, google drive or Itunes and the app

Dyslexia

$4.99

Dyslexia

$24.99

Dyslexia

Free

will read it aloud.

Sound Literacy- Customizable letter tile app designed for
tutors and teachers. Used to teach dyslexic students how to
distinguish individual sounds, process word sounds, helps to
structure and develop spelling strategies.
Open Web- Makes web browsing more accessible by converting
text into a more readable format.
Modmath- Allows users to type math problems instead of
writing them by hand, which can prove difficult for people with
dyslexia.
Brevity- Remembers the frequency of the words you use, so
that you can abbreviate them and compute text in record time.
Iwritewords- Young children can play with language in the
colorful world of the handwriting app Iwrite words.

Dyslexia
and

Free

Dysgraphia
Dysgraphia

$.99

Dysgraphia

SOFTWARE
Dolphin Guide and Dolphin Guide hands free- Delivers easy to
learn, simple to use single button computing for blind or
partially sighted users. Dolphin guide reads everything out-

Vision

$795

Vision

$395

loud.
Zoom Text- Zoom text magnifier enlarges and enhances
everything on your computer screen, making all of your
applications easy to see and use.
WEBSITES
SNOW- Website that is all about assistive adaptive technology.

ALL

Free

Distance Learning
School Website recommended additions or changes:
http://westportms.jefferson.kyschools.us/ Contains announcements about the
school, staff and student recognition, school calendar, weekly messages from the
principal, teacher contact information, information about the Montessori magnet
program, page containing daily student created news videos, information about sports

and academic clubs, library and Ptsa news, links to school facebook, twitter and
Instagram accounts, student pages, parent page (lunch menu, bus finder, Sbdm, link
to parent portal), counseling corner (anti-bullying, peer mediation, high school
applications). School website is updated daily.
Teacher Websites: Currently only 10% of the staff use a website. For the teachers that
do use a website, these teachers update their websites on a weekly basis. Teachers
that use a website post homework on their site, project information, help and due
dates. Primarily the majority of teachers use wiki to create their website but a couple
teachers on staff use Weebly.

Teacher Website Recommendations:

Instead of only 10% of the staff using classroom websites I would like to see 30-40%
of the staff using classroom websites. I would like to continue to see teachers posting
assignments, homework, projects, upcoming events in class, class announcements,
and teacher contact info on their websites. Teachers currently update their sites
weekly and I think this is appropriate. I would like to see this goal get met by the end
of the school year.

Learning Management Systems

CURRENT
Edmodo- Currently about 7% of teachers are using Edmodo for
assignments, quizzes, and online discussions.
Artsonia- Used by the art teacher. Students submit their art projects to
make an online gallery of art work.

COST
Free
Free

RECOMMENDATIONS:
I think Edmodo is a great learning management system that more
teachers need to use throughout the school. Another learning
management system that I think more teachers should use is Moodle.
This LMS allows for grade submission, work submission, forums,
uploads, collaboration, and much more.

Software Available
SOFTWARE CURRENTLY AVAILABLE (20 MINIMUM)
PRODUCTIVITY/INSTRUCTION

Free

Microsoft Office 2013

Word- Used to document assignments. Teachers create assignments using word and
students submit some of their assignments in word.
Excel- Used by students in science and some math classes to analyze data. Students
learn to use this application in computer class. Excel is used by teachers to analyze
Smart response and Cascade data.
Powerpoint- Students use powerpoint to create presentations for projects. Teachers
use powepoint to present information to students during daily lessons. Students
learn how to use powerpoint in computer class as well.
Dropbox- Teachers use it to manage and share files with each other.
Lego Mindstorms- Used by the robotics teacher for lessons using robotics.
Team Viewer- Teachers download this to go along with their team view Ipad app
which allows the Ipad to take over the teachers computer. This allows teachers to
walk around the room and control their computer with the Ipad.
Java- Used mostly by science and math teachers to run online math and science
simulations that require Java.
Ladibug- Downloaded by teachers that have ladybug document cameras. The
software is required to use the document camera.
Smart Math Tools- Math teachers use this add on to smart notebook to create
equations and integrate interactive math tools into their lessons.
Smart Notebook- Teachers with smart boards use this software to create interactive
lessons.
Print Artist- Used by the front office to create fliers, posters, handouts, etc.
ASSESSMENT
JCPS eschool program- Used by our transitional island coordinator to help students
who are failing.
Kuta Software- Math teachers use this software program to generate quizzes and
worksheets.
Smart Response- Smart Notebook add-on applications used by teachers to collect
assessment data usually as exit slips or formative assessments.
WEB BROWERS
Internet Explorer- Used by 90% of staff.
Firefox- Used by 1% of staff.
Google Chrome- Used by 9% of staff.
MULTIMEDIA
Itunes- Plays music on computer from Itunes account.
Celestia- 1 sixth grade science teacher uses celestia software to teach astronomy.

Windows media player- Plays united streaming videos

Quick time player- Alternate player for school podcast
Pixir- Used by the art teacher to edit images.
Handbrake- 2 social studies teachers and 4 science teachers use handbrake to
download cd/dvd files to their computer.
MANAGEMENT
Infinite Campus- Infinite campus is used for attendance, tracking behavior incidents,
tracking parent contacts, and for grade input.
A B Tutor- This software is used on all Jcps student computers to remotely control
Jcps desktops/laptops from a central PC. Teachers/administrators can power
up/down Pcs, control PC functions such as Usb port access, and control app usage.
It can also block certain websites and app downloads.
SCHOOL MANAGEMENT/SECURITY
Infinite Campus- Infinite Campus is the only school management software used. The
principal, assistant principal, teachers, counselors, etc. each has a section of the
software they can use. Westport middle is currently using the online version of this
tool.
Software Recommendations (A survey asking staff this question would be

Cost $

helpful)
We are up to date with our Microsoft suite and the staff is pleased with the
version of Windows.
Currently software available is sufficient and effective. The majority of the
staff seems to be happy with the current software available.

Online Resources
CURRENT ONLINE RESOURCES AVAILABLE: (15 minimum)
Collaboration between students or staff:
Todays Meet- Students and teachers post comments on webpage for everyone to
view.
Poll Everywhere- Used to collect information from staff and students.
Edmodo- Students communicate through discussion board posts.
Email- Main source of contact between staff members. Emails are sent daily between
staff members to communicate important information within the school.
Disseminate Information:
Wiki and Weebly- Teacher web pages are updated with help documents, videos and
websites. Assignment information is posted as well.
eChalk- There is a password protected section of Westports school website that is
used to share information between staff members. Professional development,
technology scheduling calendars, meeting minutes, and other important school
information is shared among staff in this location.

Research:
History: Teachtci (online textbooks, webinars) Ancestory.com- Used by social studies
teachers to have students research their heritage.
Math: Carnegie Learning- (help videos/tutorials that accompanies textbook)
Science: FOSS Web- (simulations, worksheets, activities that support Jcps supplied
science modules)
English: Read A-Z (Provides leveled readings and activities to support projects)
Art: National Gallery of Art- (Largest art gallery in the world)
All Subjects: NewsELA(provides leveled current event articles)
Assessment:
CIITS- Teachers can make assessments by choosing test items from a bank of
questions that are aligned with Kentucky common core standards. This is provided by
the Kentucky department of education.
Cascade- Teachers can download tests and answer sheets here and upload the
results. The results can be uploaded to excel for analysis. Custom assessments can
be created here as well. This is mainly where district assessments are located.
TenMarks- Used by math teachers to provide online assessment with progress, trend
reporting and performance.
Multimedia:
Youtube- Teachers use youtube to create and upload videos for instruction. Also
show other youtube videos for instructional purposes.
Success Maker- Success maker is a digital curriculum that provides supports for
struggling math and reading students.
Study Island- District subscribes students as needed to study island. Study Island
provides videos, tutorials, practice problems with explanations.
Smart Notebook- Teachers are using smart notebook to record videos and then
posting them to facebook for students to review.
Mobymax- Math and language arts tutorials and progress monitoring available.
MangaHigh- Math teachers can assign videos, games, and math practice according to
each students level.

Recommendations: (10 minimum)

Collaboration between students or staff:
ChannelMe- Allows users to browse a particular website simultaneously. Able
to look at same content of a webpage with friends in real time.
Search Team- Allows its users to search in small teams and collaborate to find
the best search results.
My simple Surface- Simple online whiteboard that allows users to jot down

COST
Free
Free
Free

and organize their ideas and share them with others.

Disseminate Information:
Edublogs- With edublogs teachers can send newsletters, post videos, podcast
and documents, and communicate with parents.
Class Jump- Provides teachers free websites. Can add homework, upload
documents, post upcoming events and communicate with parents.

Free
Free

Research:
Math- This math education resource provides great resources for teachers
and students.

Free

Science- This site provides great resources for science education.

Free

History- Teachinghistory.org is a great site for history teachers and students.

Free

English- Discovery Education provides great English resources for students

and teachers.
Physical Education- P.E Central is an excellent site for everything P.E

Free
Free

Assessment:
AnswerGarden- A tool for online brainstorming or polling, educators can use
this real time tool to see student feedback on questions.

Free

Multimedia:
Powtoon- Powtoon is a great multimedia site were students or teachers can
create fun animated videos for educational purposes.

Free

INNOVATIVE USE OF TECHNOLOGY

As technology changes and advances over time, we as teachers need to stay current
with the changes to best reach our learners. In this part of the needs assessment we
need to evaluate our current use of technology and offer recommendations for
improvement.
TECHNOLOGY USED FOR INSTRUCTION
CURRENT

RECOMENDATION

Current technology teachers are using:

More innovative technology that could be

-Powerpoint

used:

- Dvds and Cds to present instruction

Prezi for class presentations.

- Smart Notebooks

Powtoon for projects and presentations.

Instructional methods include whole

Youtube for instructional videos

class, group work, partner and

Animoto for making videos from images

individual work

-Continue to use smart boards and apps

-IPads and Chromebooks

for instruction.

-Smartboards

COLLABORATION OR COMMUNICATION
-Students usually work with partners or

-If more teachers used Edmodo that

groups for collaboration.

would increase collaboration.

-Some teachers use Edmodo for

-Creating more Weebly or Wiki class

collaboration.

websites would increase communication

-The main source of communication is

and collaboration.

through email within the staff.

- Using blogsites like Kidblog or Edublogs

-Some teachers have class websites.

would increase communication and

collaboration between students and
teacher.

STUDENT PRODUCTS THAT DISPLAY UNDERSTANDING OF COURSE CONTENT

Students currently use:

A more innovative way to show

Journal Entries

understanding of course content:

Notebooks that display work

-Using Prezi for presentations

Written Assessments

-Using comiclife to present content

Posters

-Using a flipbook to display work

Brochures

-Using powtoon to make videos that

Powerpoint for presentations

display content knowledge.

Artskills.com is an innovative way for
students to make posters online.

TEACHER PRODUCTIVITY AND ORGANIZATION

-Most teachers still use a lesson plan

More innovative uses of technology for

book for organization of lessons.

teachers for productivity and organization

- Students usually turn in work directly

are tools like:

to teachers or in class trays.

-The few teachers that use Edmodo

Engrade- which provides teachers with an

allow some assignments to be

all in one gradebook that offers

submitted through edmodo.

attendance charts, grade books,

-Many teachers still use paper seating

calendars, seating charts, behavior

charts or paperback grade-books for

tracking and more.

grading. Although many teachers are

moving toward electronic gradebooks

The together Teacher- Teachers can find

mainly provided by the district like

multiple resources that will help them

Infinite Campus.

stay organized in their classroom.

My Big Campus- Gives teachers, students,
parents, and administrators and endless

amount of useful resources to raise

student achievement.
My School Binder- Gives teachers the
opportunity to easily add, edit and
organize assignments on their class page.