NORWICH – After the kick-off of a new school building, students and faculty are bracing for a year centered on technology use in the classroom, with a bigger push for more student-centered tech projects that prepare students for higher education and other opportunities in the 21st Century.

Peter Somich, the district director of information services, stressed that his department’s focus this year will be on integrating already available technology into the school’s common core curriculum. Coming off the completion the school’s multi-million dollar expansion project, all classrooms encompassing the Norwich School District are up to speed when it comes to available technology, Somich said, and the school is currently embarking on year three of a five-year technology plan.

There are no plans to include any new technologies in the school’s curriculum this year, Somich said, noting the common students’ proficiency when it comes to technology use. “This year, we want to try to engage students to use more of the technology we already have ... Our main goal is to provide teachers and students with what they need in the process.”

Tech related projects students can expect to work on this year invoke more use of Smart Boards (an interactive white board that’s available in every classroom), multimedia tools and internet-based research projects, Somich explained. According to the district’s technology plan, the district maintains 1,300 computers, with 60 different servers and 175 multi-media classrooms with sound, video projection, document cameras, presentation computers and cameras.