Technology
Each elementary school in the Lynchburg City school division is equipped with a computer in every classroom and a minimum of two state of the art computer labs. All classrooms and common areas are wired to a high speed switched network connecting all schools throughout the city. Each school also has SmartBoards and Airliner wireless slates available to engage students through interactive learning. Our two Schools for Innovation have SmartBoards permanently mounted in selected classrooms. The Lynchburg City Schools utilizes Classroom Performance System (CPS) response pad technology to actively involve all students in designed lessons. Mobile projection units are placed at each elementary site allowing teachers to enhance lessons through the use of visual stimulation. To further enhance lessons, digital cameras and digital voice recorders are available at all elementary sites. Dearington Elementary School for Innovation and T. C. Miller Elementary School for Innovation have added the Quizdome response package to their science programs.
Software in support of the computer hardware includes the Compass Learning package supporting our reading and math initiatives. Harcourt Math Center has recently been added through our textbook adoption as both an in school program as well at home through an Internet component. Inspiration software is used to allow students to graphically organize their thoughts and ideas. The Learning Company software integrates into our math and language arts curriculum. SOL to Go and SOL Pass are utilized to prepare students for the end of year Standards of Learning testing. United Streaming is used extensively throughout the elementary schools to provide students with short video clips that correlate with lesson objectives. All of the computers in the Lynchburg City School division are preloaded with an operating system of Windows XP Professional and the Office XP productivity suite which includes Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access.
To assist teachers in utilizing the available hardware and software, each school employs a full time instructional technology specialist. This individual works with the school staff to infuse the technology into the instructional program and to provide on-site technical support.