Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS THE TECHNOLOGY INCLUSION PROJECT?
The Technology Inclusion Project (TIP) is a joint project of Special Education Technology British Columbia (SET-BC) and the Provincial Integration Support Program (PISP). This project will provide assistive technology tools, resources and training to 30 special education teachers in British Columbia. The goal is to help them create more active and participatory learning environments for students with severe and multiple disabilities in intermediate or secondary school classrooms or resource rooms.
WHAT ARE THE PROJECT GOALS?
This project is designed to accomplish the following goals:
- Work with BC educators to promote active and participatory learning environments for students with severe and multiple disabilities.
- Provide assistive technology equipment, training, and a set of related resources to 30 intermediate or secondary classrooms.
- Focus on educational practices that promote learning for students with severe and multiple disabilities in grades 4 through 12.
- Create opportunities for resource room teachers to try new tools and techniques and collaborate with other educators working with students with severe and multiple disabilities.
- Collect information on the project’s impact on instruction, student engagement and student achievement.
WHAT RESOURCES AND SUPPORT WILL BE PROVIDED FOR PARTICIPATING TEACHERS?
- Training – Participating teachers will attend 2 face-to-face training sessions in Vancouver on October 23rd, 2009 and January 11th, 2010 (tentative date). They will also have the opportunity to participate in optional online training focusing on strategies for assistive technology use.
- Technology – Each classroom will receive a set of project equipment which will include a computer station, software, low tech communication aids, a variety of access tools, and peripherals (e.g. touchscreen monitors, multifunction printers, environmental control systems). Each teacher will also select a limited number of additional items from an optional equipment list to address the unique needs of their classroom (e.g. switch adapted cameras).
- Resources – Teachers will receive readymade curriculum activities and resource materials.
- Release time – As October 23rd, 2009 is a provincial professional development day, no release time will be paid for teachers attending this training day. If required, release time will be funded for teachers attending the second training day on January 11th, 2010 (tentative date).
- Travel – When required, teachers will receive funding for travel and accommodation for the two training sessions in Vancouver.
WHAT WILL DISTRICTS AND SCHOOLS BE ASKED TO PROVIDE?
School districts and SET-BC will work in partnership to provide support for the participating teachers. The district special education administrator, with school administrators, will identify one teacher per district to take part in the project. The administrators will assist in making arrangements for his or her participation and provide support as needed (e.g. arranging release time, etc). District or school IT departments will provide technical support (e.g. Internet access, or the ability to download curriculum resources) to project teachers as required.
WHAT ARE THE TIP PROJECT TIMELINES?
- March 23, 2009: Project announcement and application forms sent to special education administrators
- April 30: Application deadline
- May 15: Notification of teachers accepted into the project
- October 23: Orientation and training in Vancouver
- November 10: Provision of hardware, software, related tools and resources
- January 11, 2010 (Tentative): 2nd training day in Vancouver
- January and June 2010: Teachers will complete short project survey
HOW WILL SCHOOL DISTRICTS APPLY?
BC school districts are invited to submit 1 application per district, using the project application forms provided to special education administrators. The application must be signed and submitted by a district special education administrator and school administrator. A sample of the form is available on the project webpage (see below).
HOW WILL TEACHERS BE SELECTED TO PARTICIPATE?
When selecting teachers for this project, we will consider:
- Geographical representation
- Teacher commitment to attending training, implementing technologies and sharing information within district
- Rationale (interest, stated goals) for involvement in the project
WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE PROJECT?
Detailed information about the project is available at www.setbc.org/setinfo/TIP, including:
- a sample project application form (pdf)
- FAQ and Descriptions of assistive technology equipment available through this project
WHO CAN I CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION?
- Contact John Drescher, Project Leader.
- Email at jdrescher@setbc.org.
- Phone 604-269-2232, or leave a message at 604-261-9450, extension 319.