Minutes for Technology Steering Committee
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
7:15 - 8:15am
CAO - Rm 133
Attendance: Dan Gebauer, Rachelle Russell, Amy Andersen, Glen Allgaier, Chris Thompson, Maxine Weisz, Daniel Paese, Dave Peterson, Jeff Gryzwa, Missy Petersdorf, Rick Ziolkowski
Notice To All: Read eCurrently for article summaries, forecasting events/upgrades like Office 2007, and for professional development opportunities (new this month).
Virus Outbreak
Chris recapped the major events of the virus outbreak - which were also captured in eCurrently and on the technology blog (http://community.elmbrookschools.org/technologyservices).
Post-summary analysis: Desktops, including external devices like jump drives, are more secure now with tightened security from our anti-virus program.
Windows Conversion
Chris outlined the Windows conversion that has already begun (High Schools converted last summer) and continues during this year (WHMS - Feb, PPMS - Mar/Apr, Elementary - Summer '09). Besides standardization on the Microsoft platform (simplify support resources), the three major changes are:
-
Change Login Screen
- Change Program applications (from start menu)
- Faster login time
As soon as dates for middle school are determined we will let those impacted know. This does require touching all computers (by technology staff) but can be done during the day without down time.
Office 2007
Office 2007 is coming with the following timeline for each level:
Microsoft has the option for students to purchase Office 2007 - where a third-party provider administers all aspect of the purchase, including verification they are an Elmbrook student, payment collection, and distribution.
It is important not to confuse the Windows conversion (see above) with the Office upgrade. Office is a much bigger deal and requires some level of training for most/all staff. Resources that are also being considered/developed include:
2-page cheat-sheets with an overview of the application
Online, how-to resources - possibly provided by a company called Atomic Learning (http://www.atomiclearning.com/)
SMARTBoard
Installation:
Another 35 projectors/SMARTBoards were installed in December. Any installation requests going forward will be deferred until the summer. This is because technology staff need to focus on the above Windows/Office conversions this spring.
SMART Academy
The proposal right now is one week (Aug 3 - 7) - Sally Ride sponsored. It will be offered for 2-3 credits, depending on if participant chooses one extra day of class to make it 3 credits. Courses will be content focused for the whole week, with a day in the middle (Wednesday?) for all participant learning - possible guest speaker, small group breakouts on items like (Differentiating using the SMARTBoard, or SMARTBoard accessories like a document camera or Senteos). Chris is checking with Elementary schools to make sure there is building capacity/availability and if there are any conflicts to that week. Possible consideration for year two would be developing a student-based academy to run simultaneously with teacher academy so teachers with kids would have a supervised, activity option.
SMART Certification
Last summer we certified 6 Elmbrook elementary staff members to help carry our SMART initiative by providing certified instructors able to use SMART's curriculum. This summer we would like to train 6 secondary teachers. Principals will be asked to work with their integrators to identify/recommend teachers to be considered - Chris will make final decision with principal input. We will be looking for a balance by level (between middle/high) and by content area.
HS Classroom design feedback
Chris presented the typical high school classroom and answered questions. The standard classroom will include:
- 94" (diagonal) SMARTBoard - conducive for 16:9 format - wider but a little shorter - than existing
- New computer in the back of the room on the teacher desk with DVD player, cable tv
- Wireless keyboard and mouse for flexible use in the front of the classroom
- Projector mounted
- Wireless laptop for classroom teacher
- *Science rooms would not have desktop, rather they would use their laptop at the lab table at the front of the room
- Classroom TV's will be removed - all TV station and closed circuit broadcasting (announcements) could occur through projector
The front of the typical room will be whiteboard on the left, SMARTBoard in the middle, and whiteboard on the right. Chris has not yet considered department specific needs, nor considered what we will do with rooms that are already equipped with some or all of this equipment.
Data review
Dec - 325 Tickets
- Response: 5.5 hours (10.5 hour business day, 10.5 hr goal) - 88.5% met in 10.5 hour (one day) goal
- Closure Avg: 14.5 hours (10.5 hour business day, 31.5 hour goal) - 88.3% completed in 31.5 hour (3-day) goal
Nov - 400 tickets
- Response: 6.25 hrs - 89.8% met in 10.5 hour (one day) goal
- Closure: 14 hrs - 93.9% completed in 31.5 hour (3-day) goal