About the Bret Harte Tech-Committee
The use of technology in education has changed greatly over the past several years. This change, like many today, is creating both remarkable opportunities and significant challenges for our schools. In addition, we live at the center of the world's technology revolution, which gives us a unique and expanded opportunity as parents to have a positive impact on how technology is used to teach our children.
In early 2002 a group of Bret Harte parents joined together to form the Bret Harte Technology Committee, a subcommittee of the Bret Harte Community Club. The committee's goal is to make parents with skills and interests in technology available to help Bret Harte take advantage of this opportunity.
Our mission is to do the following:
- Support the integration of technology across the curriculum
- Update and implement the Bret Harte Technology Use Plan.
- Establish and maintain a technology inventory
- Coordinate Bret Harte Technology staff and parent volunteers in the maintenance of computers and other technology
- Provide or facilitate day-to-day support/training of teachers and students.
- Advocate for Bret Harte technology needs at District Level.
- Interface with parents that coordinate corporate matching fund purchase of computers and peripherals
- Interface with Bret Harte Community Club Board on the establishment of a technology budget and advise on the use of available funds.
- Make recommendations on the content, design, and use of the School's web site.
In the few academic years since its inception, the Technology Committee has made valuable impact.
Accomplishments include:
- Developing model technology classroom projects: implementing multimedia capabilities for 15 classrooms through the acquisition of LCD projectors, computers, and multifunction printers.
- Hosting student competitions to broaden interest and ability in technology, including a web page design competition, a Powerpoint design competition, and an iMovie competition.
- Supporting the development of the school web site, providing continuously updated information for parents and students.
- Upgrading and maintaining three computer laboratories.
- Assisting with the installation, and development of several on-site servers.
- Facilitating staff training through regular workshops, and guest trainers.
- Initiating and maintaining e-mail communication with parents.
- Visiting local schools known for their innovative use of technology in educatin.
- Awarding 4 fellowships to enable teachers, over the summer, to develop technology based curriculum.
- Leading several other projects to help the school update, maintain, and utilize its existing investment in technology.
