TECHNOLOGY Lincoln Avenue Academy has developed a comprehensive plan for infusion of technology in all aspects of school functioning. Currently, technology is used to improve academic performance of students, provide enrichment and remediation of academic skills, manage classroom data, plan and create instructional lessons, communicate with families, and support parental and community involvement. In order to assure implementation, school wide training has been delivered resulting in 90% of teachers completing district prescribed training. This training has equipped teachers to utilize technology as a tool of teaching, classroom management, and learning.  Teachers at Lincoln are supported by the full time technology teacher whose job it is to integrate technology in curricular areas, support delivery of instruction, and train teachers and students in use of current technologies. The  obstacle of inadequate equipment funding has not deterred Lincoln from implementing advanced technology integration curriculum beginning in the primary grades. Integration of technology in our classroom is a three prong approach, as technology is used as a tool of learning, a supplement to instruction, and an instructional method. Through hands on instruction in technology hardware and software, students are able to use technology as a tool for collecting, analyzing, and reporting data, therefore promoting the development of critical thinking, literacy, and mathematics skills. Technology is also used as a supplement to traditional methods of instruction through practice, remediation, and enrichment opportunities. Finally, teachers actively use technology to deliver instructional units and promote mastery of academic content through multiple learning channels.  From primary centered activities to advanced project based learning, technology at Lincoln is closely tied to academic standards promoting not just achievement of NETS, but also of the core academic proficiencies. Lincoln's curricular projects focus on global collaboration, project based learning, and application of a variety of tools to increase both technology, as well as academic achievement of our students. At the primary level, technology is integrated through long term class units and also in an integrated learning center approach. Our Kindergarten students use digital cameras and word processing in order to investigate the world around them through inquiry based learning. In addition, curriculum in literacy and science is supported by teacher created technology tools, such as interactive storybooks and computer based vocabulary activities.  Our  first graders integrate science content with technologies such as word processing, PowerPoint, and digital video. In addition, a variety of webquests are used to support curricular themes in social studies, reading, and science. Second graders receive hands on instruction in word processing, Power Point, Internet research skills, and basic concepts in web design.  Third grade curriculum is enriched with technology through several webquest based curricular investigations in social studies and science. Through these projects students have an opportunity to explore the Internet, collaborate with classes outside Florida and the USA using platforms such as e-pals and Think.com, and practice technology tools such as Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. Third graders, on our Thinkquest team, focused on in depth research and advanced web development.  Our fourth graders contributed to the Thinkquest team by researching, content creating, writing, as well as developing advanced web pages that included Flash animation, custom graphics, and interactivity. In addition, through our simulation mine project, students have an opportunity to use tools from the Office suite to collect, analyze, and organize data, as well as present their findings.  Fourth graders practice their writing skills through online story writing projects with classes around the world.  Instructional TV is brought to the class through current event activities in which 4th grade social studies students, working in small groups, choose a current event to report on each month. Integration of technology continues in the fifth grade. One of the sessions available for Lincoln Avenue Academy's Fifth Grade Enhancement Hour focuses on a service learning opportunity where students use their web design skills to develop web pages for small businesses, organizations, and self-employed individuals in our community. This project gave our fifth graders an opportunity to practice real life communication, time management, and collaboration skills while developing valuable technology competencies. In addition to integrated lessons, Lincoln students had access to the “learning.com” program which focuses basic computer operations and keyboarding. This program can be accessed in or out of school.  Furthermore, a variety of software and online programs such as Accelerated Reader and FCAT Explorer are available to students and teachers. All of our teachers use reading and math software in their weekly lab visits. Students and parents are provided instructions for accessing programs from home. Technology is also used to help struggling students in areas of reading and math, as well as to provide enrichment to students excelling in academics. As technology became integrated in the curriculum and in the management of our school, it was time to cross the boundaries of our campus and reach into our community. Through this involvement, Lincoln has become a community resource, and has made parental involvement easier and more active. Furthermore, Lincoln students were given opportunities to apply technology skills learned to the real world. This gave our students valuable work experience in understanding the use of technology tools in real life, as well as meeting the National Educational Technology Standards. CHECK OUR COMMUNITY PAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION