By Robin Rounaghi - Special to the Independent

Laguna Beach school officials are establishing a new goal to prepare students to navigate an increasingly wired world by integrating high-tech tools into the classroom and have turned to SchoolPower to jumpstart an initial first phase, estimated to cost $196,000.

This week, district officials pinpointed the technological literacy initiative called "Simply Integrated" as topping their wish-list for Fund-a-Need, a special underwriting project by the nonprofit school-support organization.

The district's goal for Simply Integrated is to stimulate collaboration and enthusiasm among students through state of the art classroom technology, according to district Superintendent Robert Fraisse.

To help articulate its vision, the district created a video entitled "Simply Integrated" to illustrate the affect of well-utilized technology on students' educational experience. In an effort to make the case for the importance of collaboration and integration through technology, students, teachers, principals and district administrators provided the model through a video.

In the video, a student whose education is textbook oriented is contrasted with one who relies on a computer tablet. High school senior Brendan McGrady, a veteran of several school theatrical productions, who was recently admitted to New York University's drama department, plays both.

The textbook student's education is boring and uninspired. The tablet student's school experience is collaborative, integrated and exciting. While the textbook versus tablet battle exaggerates the point, Fraisse makes clear that traditional teaching methods would continue to be an important aspect of students' education, but that they would be integrated with new technology.


The video mentions many of the district's existing programs and technology advancements initiated with SchoolPower funding, such as elementary Spanish and My Access online grade reports, but suggests how connecting these tools both engages students and prepares them for the future.

"I get it now," said Brendy Michael, mother of a kindergartner and second-grader, who viewed the video on Tuesday with about 15 others at El Morro's PTA meeting. "I see that this is more than technology for technology's stake. This is going to teach them how to navigate in a technological world and its also going to excite them and integrate different subjects. When they are engaged, they will retain more of what they learn and enjoy school." Middle school principal Joanne Culverhouse presented the video at Thurston's PTA meeting on Wednesday and reported that it was very well received.

The district is anticipating the need to prepare students for a future that looks very different from what students' parents might envision. "We are currently preparing students for jobs that don't yet exist, using technologies that haven't been invented, in order to solve problems we don't know are problems yet," said former Clinton administration Secretary of Education Richard Riley, a challenge educators have adopted as a call to arms.

Given that uncertain future, Fraisse said, "the very good news in L.B.U.S.D. is that we have a community that is committed to providing technical, advisory, and financial support so each of these integrated parts will come together and form an amazing school system. Currently, we believe that the under-funded piece of the plan is the classroom technology that we know can significantly increase student engagement and learning retention. With the assistance of our generous community, we can accelerate this target - even greatly accelerate this target."

Teachers at all four district schools are excited about this technological plan and the district is committed to providing teachers with the necessary training to bring these technological resources to life in the classroom, said Assistant Superintendent Nancy Hubbell.

Phase One of the district's Simply Integrated plan includes upgrading technology tools in six elementary classrooms, three each at Top of the World and El Morro. The tools include a projector, projector screen, tablet-style personal computer, sound system, document camera, DVD remotes and wireless connections. The plan calls for two mobile tablet labs for the high school and Thurston, equipped with 36 laptops, a cart for charging them, a wireless router, projector and printer and insurance. The cost is estimated at $196,000, according to Fraisse.

Prior to SchoolPower's March 1 dinner dance and on the night itself, board members aim to raise as much money as possible to speed these resources into the classrooms immediately, said Jennifer Meiswinkel, SchoolPower's president. "Once people see the video and understand what the district is attempting to do, I really believe they are going to want to be a part of making it all happen. Our community is in a position to make this dream a reality for our children, now."


Contribute to Fund-a-Need with PayPal: (A PayPal account is not required!)

    Specify Amount: $