Tamara Nazario
Grant Proposal
Four Computer Classroom
Grades: 4-5 (all subjects)

Rationale:
In designing the room layout for a room with four computers, the options seemed almost endless compared to a room with one computer. Three of the four computers are located behind the student’s desks and this is to be less distracting for the students. Two of the computers are in the very back of the classroom and are designated as “The Computer Lab”. The computers would be, most likely, a station for the students to participate in and then rotate to a different location. The rotation of the computers is important for each child to get practice on the computers available in the classroom. The printer is also located in this “Computer Lab”, and will be used for students to print off completed work or assignments. One of the computers is located on a table that is out-of-the-way of the student’s desks and this computer would be implemented as a “Math Lab”. This computer will be used by the students that are having trouble with the math concepts being taught and need more help with specific topics. The computer is distant from the other students and not facing toward the class, to let the practice be less threatening. This computer will also be used for the overflow testing on Accelerated Reader. The teacher’s desk was placed in close proximity to this final computer. This was the teacher can monitor the students that are working with the technology in the room and he/she will have access to it as well. All of the student’s seats are facing the board in the direction of the data projector. This way the students do not have to move or strain to see what is on the data projector. The data projector is also positioned where I, the instructor, can face the students while teaching with the data projector.

Available Technology Plan:
The data projector in the classroom will be used in most of the subject taught, specifically math. The teacher will be at the data projector facing the students while teaching. There will times designated by the instructor, according to the schedule, that the students will use the computers in the room. Since there is one computer, completely designed for students to take AR tests, this computer will open to the students at all time during the day. (Appropriate times, not during instruction) The “Math Lab” computer will be used by specific student during math and at other time by students needing to take AR test. The “Computer Lab” will be used by the students during one the centers they rotate to during the day. This will also be used for AR testing when necessary. The other parts of the day the students would be limited to using the computer only when given permission from the teacher. The students and teacher will utilize the printer, located in the “Computer Lab” for various purposes.

Software:
The main software that would be used in the classroom would be The Accelerated Reading Program. (The program will not be used as a grade, but as a progress tool.) Any other “student-friendly” sites that have been previously chosen by the teacher will be implemented, as well. Some of these websites are KidsSpot, NickJr., or Instructional Architect. The Internet is an extremely useful tool for instruction if there is a connection and it has the adequate spy ware and security settings. There are several sites that I use at this time. However, older students can be allowed to use the Internet more freely than younger ones. These students will be responsible for doing research on different topics throughout the year and will be allowed to do this research using search engines. (Google, Ask, etc.) The main use of computers for upper elementary students is to prepare for middle and high school. The computers will also have typing programs to assist students in learning to type. There are so many other types of software that are available and I, as a teacher, would be constantly changing and implementing different types of software.


Acceptable Use Policy:
1. No food or drink allowed at any times!!!!!
2. One student per computer. (Unless approved by the teacher)
3. Students will only go to programs and websites approved by the teacher.
4. Students will only be allowed at the computer at designated times.
5. Students will ONLY use search engines for assigned research. Students that search for material not assigned will be responsible for writing a 2 pages essay on the research found. NO EXCEPTIONS!!!!!!


***If these rules are not followed students will be removed from the computer and computer use will be restricted.

***Rules are subject to changed at the teacher’s discretion.