Urban Dreams Project Evaluation

To aid and assist classroom teachers to utilize computer technology to enable students to achieve academic success via the direct use of technology by the students in their quest for knowledge.

To use technology in the classroom to teach human rights curriculum.

Goals of the Project

What are the goals of the UD project (Cohort 2 only)?

	To teach teachers to use the technology that enhances education, student learning, and facilitates teacher preparation. To make learning more interesting, to make research easily accessible. Also, to help English and Social Studies teach about literature and history.
	To integrate technology into the classroom and to include an emphasis on human rights. They help provide the technology access for the teachers and students.
	To provide access and technology for teachers for classroom use.
	To bring social justice into the classroom through exposing teachers to a core of global experiences (speakers, books, workshops) and to encourage creation and sharing lessons. To make technology available to students and teachers, especially Internet.

Reasons for Becoming Involved in Urban Dreams

Why did you get involved with UD (Cohort 2 only)?

	Because of promises to teach me how to use a computer and to provide me with the latest computer to use. Also, I could get help when I have problems. I have really wanted to learn about computers but didn’t know how to get started.
	I was advised by my department chair that it was an excellent program and that I could get computers in my classroom which would be maintained (unlike our school-provided computers)
	Primarily to learn more about computer technology although I’m interested in the other goals.
	I got involved in UD on the recommendation of several colleagues who were so impressed by their own experiences. A strong desire to get resources (i.e. monitor/VCR and computers) for my students and learn how to incorporated them effectively was also a consideration.
	I recognize that technology is a weakness for me yet I see the use of technology as important and necessary for classrooms today.
	I was interested in working with other teachers. I was impressed by Stan and Ann (and still am), I attended a few evening workshops on social justice that were enlightening. No BS to it, little jargon, great generosity. I felt guilty that I was so computer illiterate, and am still guilty when it comes to e-mail.
	I had an excellent experience with CORE VALUES – the middle school equivalent of UD.
	To gain access to computer technology and practical help in designing lesson plans and implementing ideas and techniques in the classroom. I can't sing the praises of Urban Dreams enough and being a part of the UD project has helped me get through the tough times I have had as a new teacher.

	I wanted to be a better teacher. I felt Urban Dreams would help me develop, as I was a relatively new teacher.
	I believe in the integration of computers and school curriculums. I also needed computers and a T.V. in my classroom.
	A colleague told me about it. She really enjoyed the benefits and camaraderie that it provides. Stan also talked to me.
	I am always interested in learning new ways to make my teaching more effective. With more and more electronic media taking over the minds and attention of high school students.

On the Cohort I follow-up survey the teachers were asked to comment on these professional development topics: content, pedagogy, and technology.

	Content - receiving opportunities to develop lesson plans will be great.
	Technology - increasing the hardware in the classroom.
	Pedagogy - having the opportunity to see how other professionals taught a particular unit could benefit me and my students.

	Content - More info about Human Rights like those after school meetings w/guest speakers.
	Technology - Want to have access to or my set up for digital camera and editing-[illegible] Pro-receiving training this summer.

	Content - Continue programs of inviting scholars to share their knowledge.
	Technology - Just having more access to programs.

	Pedagogy - Exposure to even more valuable and recommended websites.
	Technology - As I have mentioned, repair of video equipment and perhaps more scanners.

	Content - I'm teaching AP World Today-a brand new class-so material relating to that course would be great.
	Pedagogy - Using tech to help students find and use primary source materials.

	Content - Development of online newspage.
	Pedagogy - Development of a writing program.
	Technology - Learning Photoshop, Illustrator.

Is there anything you would like to add that would help us improve the UD project?

	Let us continue this journey.
	I look forward to this summer's workshops. They're wonderfully done and quite professional which I appreciate.
	This is a great project. I wish there were others like it. Important footnote: I applied for the national teacher certification process and a major emphasis is technology in the classroom, used by teachers for students. If I didn’t have UD, I’d probably not become a nationally certified teacher. Thanks.
	Thank you for the competent, thorough, consistent work and follow through. Don't leave us hanging like happens with most new/funding projects.
	I think the UD project has been a great success at my school. Teachers and students now routinely have the expectation that work will include Internet searches. The human rights work has been invaluable to the school, thoroughly enriching the curriculum and making it more engaging for the students.
	It's not the project itself, but announcements/memos seem to arrive the day of, or the day after, in my school mailbox. I also had difficulty finding UD on the new OUSD web page.
	Not really – I am so grateful for UD – it has been the most professional and effective organization I’ve encountered within OUSD.
	Notify teachers about new software, technology that becomes available. Perhaps a newsletter – with directions to access new technology. Perhaps, after school workshops at Fremont in rooms with computers or with laptops.
	Maybe classes (individual) offered during the summer. For example, a one-day class on PowerPoint. My schedule during the school year does not allow for me to attend after school classes and Saturday classes.
	I simply hope the project continues. This is the most efficiently run, valuable project I have participated in this district. The staff is outstanding and all efforts should be made to maintain current staff and projects. Special thanks to Ann and Kokou.
	Increase the number of technical support staff with outstanding people like Mike and Letty. In fact, they could just go ahead and clone Mike and Letty so that all district schools could benefit from their outstanding services they provide.
	Not that I can think of at this time. I just want to say, thank you so much to everyone at Urban Dreams for all the help they have given me and keep up the good work. If not for UD, I may not have made it through my first year as a teacher.
	You're doing a great job, I only wish more teachers would take advantage of it.
	It is the best thing in Oakland so far.

Urban Dreams

Cohorts I and II Teacher Survey– Spring 2002

The Project

Benefit to Students

Benefit to Teachers

Professional Development

Technology

Support and Resources

Goals of the Project

What are the goals of the UD project (Cohort 2 only)?

Reasons for Becoming Involved in Urban Dreams

Why did you get involved with UD (Cohort 2 only)?

Content, Technology, and Pedagogy

Additional Improvements