Technology Everywhere in Broward Schools

About 110,000 computers are used across the District utilizing 880 servers. Approximately 10 million Internet requests are made each day and the District Web site, which consists of nearly 700 pages, receives an average of 4.3 million "hits" each month.

For some people, school conjures up only memories of rows of desks in a classroom and well-worn textbooks, but there is no question that times have changed for Broward's staff and students. Technology is everywhere. It has pushed back classroom walls and in some cases dissolved walls, to make room for a myriad of ever-expanding learning opportunities.

Students do research on the Internet; take classes online; participate in virtual field trips; and link with other students around the world to share learning and cultural experiences. Older students monitor their educational progress online and parents can obtain valuable information about their child's school progress from their home or office computer. Teachers enjoy the convenience of college level classes offered online and access their students' records with only a few clicks of a mouse.

The District will continue to seek out and provide technology enhanced learning opportunities to increase academic achievement and prepare students for the future. Listed below are a few examples of the District's commitment to using emerging technology to benefit students and staff.

Distance Learning
Using the Distance Learning facilities of BECON (Broward Education Communications Network), the District's television station, and the Internet, students are taking classes online and learning from experts in various fields through videoconference classes.

Distance Learning courses offered include elementary and middle school programs in diversity and FCAT preparation in reading, writing and math. Students and teachers in all grade levels participate in videoconferences with other students all over the world and take field trips to distant lands, tour museums and visit other places of interest.

Since November of 2001, Broward County students have been taking high school courses taught online by Broward County teachers. The number of students taking advantage of Broward Virtual Education (BVEd) continues to grow every day. Students learn at their own pace at school, at home, wherever they are and whenever they choose. Readiness and competence determine course placement. Any student eligible to enroll in a Broward County middle or high school may participate in BVEd, even if they attend a private or parochial school or are home schooled.

Teachers, administrators and other district personnel teach, learn and conduct meetings using 2-way, interactive videoconferencing available through facilities at schools and at BECON.

Those interested in learning more about Distance Learning should contact Dr. MaryAnn Butler-Pearson at (954) 370-8392 or visit the District's Web site (www.browardschools.com).

Virtual Counselor
Virtual Counselor is a great tool for students and parents. No one can argue with the fact that it is important for parents to be informed about how their child is doing in school. But, we all lead busy lives and sometimes staying on top of things is not as easy as it sounds. It can be difficult to find time to schedule an appointment to meet with a guidance counselor, but Virtual Counselor brings the counselor directly to parents.

Broward Schools' Virtual Counselor puts important information at the fingertips of parents as well as students. Attendance records, test scores, class rank and more can all be found online. Virtual Counselor can be used at school, office, home or anywhere there is a computer with Internet access. All parents or students need to do is log on to www.browardschools.com, type in their password and a few clicks later; they have the information they are looking for.

Virtual Counselor, a project of Broward County Public Schools and IBM Reinventing Education, is powered by the District's Data Warehouse. For more information, contact Jeff Stanley, Director of Customer Application Systems, 754-321-0329.

Atomic Learning




Atomic Learning offers online tutorials when and where you need them.

All Broward County teachers, staff, students and parents can access this online resource "anytime, anyplace," at home, at school or wherever there is an Internet connection. Atomic Learning is a series of video tutorials that provide assistance in learning how to use curriculum and productivity software. These instructional tutorials can be accessed any time, day or night, via the Internet. Atomic Learning videos are appropriate for beginning, intermediate and advanced users.

In addition to training, other resources are available including activities. These products were developed "by teachers, for teachers" to help integrate the use of technology into the classroom curriculum. The approach and tone of the resource materials support problem-based learning and model best practices for learner-centered, hands-on learning. Learn how to use CAB E-mail, AppleWorks, Fireworks, Flash, Front Page, iDVD, iPhoto, iTunes, iMovie, MAC OSX, Dreamweaver, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and much, much, more. Coming soon, look for Atomic Learning lesson plans aligned to the NETS Standards!

To take advantage of this amazing resource, just log onto
http://broward.atomiclearning.com and use your CAB username and broward as the password. Parents who want to access Atomic Learning can contact their child's school for account information.