SWOT

=SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats)=


 * ===Strengths of ICT in Learning and Teaching at ISB:=== [[image:space.gif width="440" height="1" align="left"]]* Funding of ICT less of an issue that many schools.
 * Students are tech savvy and have tech at home.
 * Summer 07 Tech upgrade.
 * Pilot classrooms project.
 * World-class teaching staff - well trained, motivated.
 * Individuals willing to explore and develop new models.
 * Science has great integration of technology into labs and experiments.
 * Use of word processing and Power Point, esp in language classes for paper and projects[[image:space.gif width="14" height="229"]] || [[image:space.gif width="440" height="1" align="left"]]

Weaknesses of ICT in Learning and Teaching at ISB:
* The Great Firewall of China
 * Bandwidth expense and availability
 * Disconnect between teachers and ICT dept.
 * Variable expectations, etc. between divisions
 * ICT support may not be adequate to support multiple new tech initiatives.
 * PD opportunities often limited to just nuts and bolts of software and basics. Limited opportunities to explore.
 * We are behind the curve (equipment, staff dev.). Catching up will take a massive effort.
 * Collaboration is needed between teachers.
 * Inclusion of technology integration in the school wide curriculum. Lack of guidelines for tech implemantation.
 * Softwre - are our choices for software installed and used with the children (e.g., drill and practice, problem-solving, etc.) the best choices in regard to their benefit to learning?
 * ICT is still too often seen as something NOT connected to the classroom.
 * Kids save to USB or net folder, not both, so no backups
 * UES kids can't e-mail work to self
 * Drop collect folders are poorly or improperly used
 * Drop and collect folder access privileges too restrictive for teachers ||
 * ===Opportunities of ICT in Learning and Teaching at ISB:=== [[image:space.gif width="440" height="1" align="left"]]* Chinese language learning podcasts.
 * Could help us in differentiating instruction.
 * Improve communication with parents and students.
 * Could become Beijing (regional, world?) leader in ICT integration.
 * Creative students and staff will take the ball and run with it once things start happening.
 * Collaboration with other schools in Beijing or region possible.
 * Progressive ICT will attract top teachers and students to ISB
 * Teachers can check for understanding by using quizzes placed online, and even use it as exam review materials.
 * Using technology in the work we are doing with UbD lesson design/planning
 * wireless networks!
 * Smartboards, especially for math and science || ===Threats of ICT in Learning and Teaching at ISB:=== [[image:space.gif width="440" height="1" align="left"]]* ICT teachers roles may need to change.
 * TTWWADI - That's the way we've always done it.
 * Tech competency requirements of staff may need to change.
 * Tech support staff needs to work more closely with teachers to develop new projects and initiatives.
 * (HS) IB courses - sacred cow, people can be set in their ways which are already very successful (in terms of IB scores, univ. matriculation).
 * (Some) negative attitudes towards use of computer applications in teaching particular subject areas
 * Tech basics/standards must be required of all teachers, with opportunities to learn from others.
 * Things change too fast...both technology and faculty!
 * Since students come and go, there will be inefficiencies in the system of integrating technology into learning since repetition of some instruction time will be needed to assist new students. ||