Technology Services

SMART Board Classes in March

thompsoc — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 06:19:00 GMT

In March, we will be offering three SMART Board Courses through WI Education Innovations (formerly Sally Ride) and Cardinal Stritch (1-credit option). These courses are taught by Elmbrook teachers who are also SMART Certified trainers. There is a $30 materials fee for each course, and a 1-credit option is available for $160 (not required). Space is limited so sign up in PDExpress via the link below today! More SMART Board courses will be offered during summer academy (June 14-17) and the 2^nd annual Elmbrook Technology Academy (August 2-5).

http://pdexpress.elmbrookschools.org

SMART Board Level 1 (Basics) – instructor - Angela O’Regan

March 9, 16, 23, 30

Wisconsin Hills Middle School

5:15pm – 8:15pm

SMART Board Level 1 (Basics) – instructor - Robin Schrot

March 26 (5-9pm) & March 27 (8am-4pm)

Burleigh Elementary

SMART Board Level 2 (Beyond the Basics) – instructor - Dan Gebauer

March 4, 11, 18, 25

Swanson Elementary

5:15pm – 8:15pm

Three Year Budget Priorities

thompsoc — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 17:21:00 GMT

SMART Board Deployment
1. There are approximately 260 SMART Boards installed throughout the district.
2. The HS remodeling will finish another 70 rooms by Aug, 2010
3. Estimated 40-45 needed to complete middle schools this summer from district budget
4. Total installation by Aug 2010 will be around 380 classrooms
5. Long-range request to be considered to provide installation costs again (similar request funded in 2009)
6. Training to include ½ day introduction when Board installed, district in-service offerings (Jan 18^th), for-credit offerings during 2^nd semester 2010, Summer Academy (June) and SMART Academy (Aug 2-5) options also available to staff
Lab Replacement
1. 6 elementary library labs need replacement to support Office 2007
2. Elementary ITL curriculum revised in summer 2010 to include Office 2007
3. 2 middle school library labs need replacement to increase performance (5 years old)
4. Funding sources and virtual desktop solutions are both being considered in Jan/Feb
Wireless at High Schools, WHMS, & FVS
1. Necessary to equip all locations with wireless coverage as well as to support staff laptop initiatives
2. Currently slated as an added item in the HS referendum budget, there is a good chance this will get funded with referendum dollars
3. WHMS access points need to be mounted in specials area - target completion (Mar 1)
4. FVS - needs cabling and access points - partial access (Mar 1), complete wireless (Aug 1)
Staff Laptops
1. Tablet initiative at elementary has provided 250 tablets in 2009-2010
2. Tablet training – ½ day during 2^nd semester, summer academy (June) class to prepare for 10-11 school year
3. HS initiative for 2010-2011 given priority over middle school due to the % of staff who travel between rooms and between buildings during the school day
4. MS/HS staff laptop initiative would not require tablets at this time – standard laptops with a larger display would be purchased
Classroom desktop replacement
1. Need to guarantee a viable computer is available in each classroom
2. Current replacement cycle of 7 years is not adequate – particularly for SMART Board computer

Consideration needs to be given to classroom mini-lab approach in grades 3-8 or shared netbooks/laptops

Blackboard to SharePoint/Moodle

thompsoc — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 17:20:07 GMT

With the maturing implementation of Moodle across the district and with the new course management tools available in Microsoft's SharePoint, it is felt that the district's annual expense of $14,000 in Blackboard can be better spent on other technologies, with little impact to overall teaching and learning. However, although the number of current Blackboard users and subsequent courses is small, these teachers were our early adopters and rely heavily on the technology. In addition, many utilize advanced course management features such as drop boxes, quizzes, and online exams. These features are more difficult to move to Moodle and will probably require one on one time with the technology integrator to make sure the transition is successful.

Transition Information

January – Identification of Blackboard users and initial contact by technology integrator to understand scope of transition, desired end-product, and support required
Feb-May – Small group, 1-1 work by technology integrator with current blackboard users to begin transition of content
June – Summer Academy course focused on content transition from Blackboard to Moodle, as well as introducing SharePoint to new online users
July – Blackboard courses archived with content stored for emergency recovery use
August 1, 2010 – Access to Blackboard removed, SharePoint courses released (if not before)

SharePoint or Moodle? Which product do I use?

For the majority of classroom teachers that are interested in using an online course management tool, a decision tree chart is being developed to help direct the teacher to either SharePoint or Moodle. While sample rationale is outlined below and subject to change, it is best to discuss one's needs with the technology integrator to verify appropriate selection of the tool to match both the teacher's current and future needs.

Online Course Need	Input Tool	Output (student) Tool
Post Assignments	Infinite Campus (if only forecasting assignment name and due date) SharePoint (name, date, descriptions, and attachments)	SharePoint
Post Classroom Announcements	SharePoint	SharePoint
Post course syllabus or course documents	SharePoint	SharePoint
Create Discussion Boards	SharePoint	SharePoint
Have an assignment drop box	SharePoint	SharePoint
Class Wikis	SharePoint	SharePoint
Create Quizzes or Tests	Moodle	Moodle
Student Blogs for a specific course	Moodle	Moodle
Students share or develop content in small groups	Moodle	Moodle

For now, teachers who maintain a class blog at Blogspot or some other 3^rd party provider will be able to continue using that technology and integrate it into the student portal experience. More information about this functionality will be released in the project plan.

Elmbrook 3.0 (New Web Portal)

thompsoc — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 17:18:54 GMT

Goal

To efficiently and effectively communicate data, information, and opportunities in order to connect our staff, students, and parents with their schools, the district, and each other using web-based portal technology.

Overview

This portal will be a person's web browser home page and combine data and information from a variety of sources such as:

Staff Portal – School calendar, staff announcements, Teacher course information, e-mail, alerts from Parentlink/Alio/Technology, professional development opportunities, curriculum, forms, handbook, and more

Student Portal – school calendar, school announcements, student course information, e-mail, alerts such as missing assignments/unexcused absences/low food balance/overdue books, recent standardized test scores, recent grades posted, and more

Parent Portal – school announcements, calendar, their child's courses and relevant information including grades, principal's message, staff contact info, alerts with food service balance/unexcused absences, failing grades notice, forms, and more

Sample portal

Microsoft partnered with the Miami-Dade school district to develop a similar solution. In response to many requests, Microsoft developed a sample portal displaying its work with Miami-Dade and demonstrating content which could be included in a student, staff, or parent portal.

http://www.k12portals.com

Project Plan Key Elements (not comprehensive)

A project plan will be developed and implemented by January 25^th to include key elements:

Transition of staff from Blackboard to SharePoint or Moodle (see SharePoint/Moodle description for details)
Transfer of content from existing content management site (and MyElmbrook) to new portal solution
Development of input tools for creation of new content
Implementation of data warehouse to present decision making data pertinent to the stakeholder
Devleopment of a process for continuous improvement of portal and future development of web content
Testing of use, functionality, and input tools in advance of final release dates
Re-design and development of our public facing web site

Key Milestones

January 31 – Project plan complete and impacted staff (owners of content such as secretaries for calendar information, CAO departments for forms/curriculum, etc) notified of timeline and responsibilities during the transition process
March 15 - Phase 1 – Mockup and sample functionality complete for testing and feedback with select users from all three stakeholder groups
May 15 – Phase 2 – core functionality complete and ready for testing
June 15 – receive feedback on all components of Phase 2 rollout (input tools and portal) from all stakeholder groups
July 15 – incorporated feedback into Phase 3 – release of portal to all staff members
August 15 – release of portal to all parents and students

Middle School Desktop Rollout

thompsoc — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 17:18:18 GMT

We are preparing for the rollout of 30 new computers at each middle school. Targeted classrooms will be determined with input from the principal, integrator and technician. Priorities will include SMART Board equipped rooms, age of computers, and then unique needs/circumstances. We hope to begin installation by the start of 2^nd semester. Replaced machines will either be pulled out and retired or used to replace other older machines. In most cases, they will not be used to add a computer to the same room.

HS Facilities Outstanding Work Items for Jan – Aug, 2010

thompsoc — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 17:17:40 GMT

Resolve SMART Board/sound issues (plan should be done by Jan 15th - this would include a meeting with reps from CG Schmidt and Electrician Cos)
Solution for lab stations in Science (end of February)
Work with Jean Kienzle and both librarians on a security solution (April)
Purchase Mac Lab for each school (end of April/May)
Develop plan for upgrading all machines running Office 2000 to Office 2007 (plan due March 31, upgrade over summer)
Wireless solution installed - pending BOE approval or it becomes part of tech budget - installed in summer
Reconcile remaining inventory and needed equipment for classroom SMART Board setup (done by Jan 31)
Implement wall-mounted computer solution for music rooms (BEHS - Mar 15, BCHS - summer)
Coordinate graduation needs with Joanie/Rick
Work with Tim Dittmann to finalize a plan for closed circuit broadcasting (plan is in place - BCHS needs balancing to improve signal - Mar 15)
Better manage summer demands to reduce scrambling at start of the year

Technology Department Improvement Plan

thompsoc — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 17:16:35 GMT

Overview

Each central office department participated in a two-day operations academy in Nov/Dec. Based on a reflective review of department data, key processes, knowledge management, and customer commitments each department was asked to identify two opportunities for improvement and develop a department goal using the PDSA template for continuous improvement.

The Technology Department's two goals for 2010 include:

Implement a department dashboard for internal and external stakeholders
1. Key milestones of this plan include:
  1. Project tracking in Sharepoint (tool, testing, training) – Feb 1
  2. Implement/Deploy Archibus – Feb 15 – May 31
  3. Implement Data Warehouse – May 31
  4. Implement PDExpress for Technical training (taken and provided) – Feb 1
  5. Sharepoint Portals – Mar – May – July
Documentation of all core job functions
1. Key milestones of this plan include:
  1. Establish criteria for key job functions – Jan 31
  2. Identify consistent format for SOP – Jan 31
  3. Common Storage Location / Structure / Security - June

Audit / Verification of SOP - August

Staff Technology Survey

thompsoc — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 17:07:26 GMT

Overview

The electronic technology survey distributed to all staff is seeking to collect feedback on key themes:

Access to technology
Performance of technology
Support
Professional Development Participation
Classroom Integration
Clear Expectations of Use
Rate of Technology Adoption

Survey feedback will be disaggregated by job type and reviewed by the Technology Steering Committee to identify strengths and opportunities for improvement which will be incorporated into the District's three-year technology plan (2010 – 2013).

Survey released: Feb 8 – Feb 17

Incentive: School with highest percentage of total staff participation – Classroom set of Senteos

October Help Desk Response Data

thompsoc — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:58:00 GMT

A short report on our response/resolution data. October's numbers show slight signs of recovery, particularly in our resolution rate. Despite entering another phase of the building construction project, we continue to make solid progress on key outstanding projects.

bigWeb Data

October 2009

880 tickets (614 in October 2008)

Response 69% (goal - 95%)
Resolution 77% (goal - 95%)

Record 1427 tickets submitted in September (1190 in 2008)

Response: 65% (goal – 95%)
Resolution: 67% (goal 95%)

September Response Data

thompsoc — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:51:00 GMT

September was the usual challenging month, particularly complicated by the $60 million remodeling project currently underway at both high schools. Our department's response and resolution times suffered, but optimistically, there is light at the end of the tunnel. We expect stronger support numbers in October and November, with many of the outstanding projects addressed by the end of 1st quarter.

bigWeb Data

Record 1427 tickets submitted in September (1190 in 2008)

Response: 65% (goal – 95%)
Resolution: 67% (goal 95%)

October 2009 to date

414 tickets (223 in 2008 for same days)
69% response, 77% completion rates in October 2009

156 bigWeb Tickets outstanding as of October 12, 2009Key changes introduced during the summer of 2009Goal #1 – Integrate Technology with Student Learning Initiatives

Deployed 250 Tablet Laptops at Elementary
Wireless at all K-8 Schools (WHMS to be completed)
Installed 80 SMART Boards – 45 at MS
Office 2007 on all MS Computers
Student e-mail conversion to Microsoft Live@edu (free) hosted mail solution
Changed student passwords to six characters (3^rd-12^th grade) to comply with mail requirements
Mac Labs (60 computers) at MS for two new computer classes
Mandatory Day training for 200 tablet laptop users
Elmbrook Technology Academy – 180 participants for 4-day SMART Board training
Approximately 80% of Summer Academy (June) participants took technology courses (Office 2007, tablets, SMART Board)
AutoCAD 2010 on new computers at both high schools (65)
MAP testing setup – for Oct/Nov testing window

Goal #2 - Support continuous improvement

Response to Intervention tracking tool released in IC – K-12
Student assessment tab and student dashboard developed in IC

Goal #3 - Maintain system integrity

Novell – Windows Conversion at CAO, FVS, and 6 Elementary Schools
Groupwise – Microsoft Outlook Conversion
Internet Explorer 7.0 install/upgrade
Setup over 900 workstations at high schools in one week (with much help from staff)
Office 2007 on staff computers (Elem) and some HS computers
Converted to Microsoft Forefront Anti-Virus on desktops and servers
Converted to Microsoft Forefront spam filter for e-mail
Installed configuration manager for remote installation/deployment of software

Tablet Laptop Training

admin — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 11:18:00 GMT

On Tuesday, August 25th, Elmbrook's tablet laptop for elementary teachers initiative was launched. Over 200 teachers will be equipped to perform reading assessments and the features/functionality of Microsoft OneNote 2007.

To support tablet training, this blog post is open to replies to encourage the posting of questions on and after the initial training day.

Thanks to all who led training on the 25th and who successfully piloted the use of the tablet laptop over the last two years!

Chris

2009 Summer Technology Changes

thompsoc — Wed, 13 May 2009 18:50:27 GMT

Technology Department Forecasts Summer Changes

The technology budget supports three district technology goals and seeks to balance initiatives across grade levels and departments over time. The three goals are:

Integrate technology with student learning initiatives
Support continuous improvement through the development or acquisition of new applications
Maintain system integrity (consistent network performance, reliable applications, etc.)

District Initiatives

Microsoft Outlook E-Mail (June 24 conversion date) (Meets Goal #3)
Helpdesk Software Conversion – "biggerWeb" (July 1 conversion) (#3)
Blackboard & Moodle Renewal (#1)
Web-based Document Management System (Share curriculum, SMART Notebook lessons, etc) across the district (#2)

Elementary Initiatives

Tablet Laptops for 150 Classroom Teachers – available June 1 (Goal #2)
Wireless network in all schools (#3)
Office 2007 on Teacher Laptop/Office Computers (#3)
Install SMART Boards at Burleigh (KG), Dixon (LGI), Hillside (KG & Lab), Swanson (Lab), and at least 9 Special Education classrooms (#1)

Middle School Initiatives

Office 2007 on all computers (Goal #1)
Install SMART Boards and Projectors (#1)
- WHMS – 18 Core Classrooms (SMART Boards only – projectors already installed)
- WHMS – 5 Core Classrooms (SMART Board & Projector)
- PPMS – 15 Core Classrooms (SMART Board & Projector)
iMac Lab to support iConnect and Video courses (#1)
Replace 30 computers at each school (#3)
Memory Upgrade for 180 computers to insure Office 2007 compatibility (#3)
Network Equipment (#3)

High School Initiatives

Office 2007 in all computer labs and office computers (#3)
Follow construction to establish Multimedia Classrooms (#1)

Replace 32 CAD Lab computers (#1)

Staff Use of Technology, Policy 4511 – Frequently Asked Questions

thompsoc — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 04:31:00 GMT

Revision to Policy 4511: Staff Use of Information Technology and Information Resources

Background
The original discussion about policy 4511 started in the Fall of 2008 after a request from a high school activity advisor to open up access to Facebook (in school) so a school's activity group could communicate with its student members efficiently. While this would be an excellent application of a popular social networking tool, the uncontrollable social aspects of Facebook prevent the district from providing access during the school day on school computers. After consultation with the superintendent and assistant superintendents, our district attorney and other district administrators, the following policy language was proposed by the Chief Information Officer and approved by the Board of Education on February 10, 2009.

Extract from Policy 4511 (click here for full policy)
District employees shall use electronic communication responsibly. Practices considered irresponsible can include but are not limited to:

1. Using electronic communication devices for commercial purposes;
2. Sending obscene or patently offensive electronic communications;
3. Accessing, downloading, displaying, or distributing sexually explicit images and materials;
4. Intercepting, disrupting, or altering any electronic communication without proper authorization;
5. Accessing, copying, sending or modifying electronic messages from or within the electronic files or records of another without permission;
6. Allowing another to use one's network or electronic account for fraudulent purposes;
7. Using electronic communication to interfere with the ability of others to conduct District business;
8. Sending unsolicited "junk" electronic communication or mass electronic mailings without a legitimate District purpose or without prior authorization of the Superintendent/designee;
9. Reproducing or distributing copyrighted materials per Practice Statement 6163.2-Copyright;
10. Using electronic mail in such a way that violates District policy, state law, or federal law.

(NEW) 11. Personal communication via non-District sponsored applications/devices between staff and students, including, but not limited to, the use of social networking sites and instant messaging.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a staff member maintain a Facebook account for class use to communicate about curriculum, assignments, activity or club news and information, or general course information?
No, use of Facebook by a staff member for school/course/activity purposes is not allowed. While it is understood that Facebook is the current popular tool of choice with our students and could be used for positive classroom interaction, the risks in supporting or endorsing the use of technology outweigh the benefits. Those risks include:

Potential Risk to the Student: Exposure to at-risk behaviors by other teens and the potential to disclose personal or private information to strangers, colleges, or future employers
Potential Risk to the Staff Member: Exposure to at-risk student behaviors that may be reportable to administrators, police, or social service agencies, as well as online conduct by students that would violate school rules such as inappropriate language, bullying, or slanderous comments
From a district perspective, we also have concerns about encouraging classroom use of a technology like Facebook which could place parents in an awkward position of having to allow their child to access Facebook in order to fully participate in a class.
Development of casual ("inappropriate") relationships between staff and students with no administration oversight

Can a staff member maintain a personal Facebook account for personal use?
Yes. While District policy does suggest guidelines for personal conduct and a code of ethics, it does not necessarily extend to the use of personal technology (non-district equipment) for personal use. However, because of the nature of Facebook, staff members are strongly encouraged to think carefully about disclosing personal information online and are discouraged from accepting current students or students still in our K-12 system as friends. Even former students as friends can connect existing students to their teachers as 'friends of friends'.

Does this policy affect teachers communicating with students through e-mail?
No. District-wide access to e-mail is provided to both staff and students and is a district-approved communication tool. With the increased use of SMART Phones by staff and students, e-mail has become a "push" technology similar to social networking tools, allowing the user some satisfaction that the message has been received. The use of district e-mail provides for additional protections such as logging of all messages and interaction between staff members and students.

Can I use Skype or other Instant Messaging (IM) applications to communicate with my students?
No. These instant messaging tools are not allowed. Exceptions to this would be instant messaging tools built into district-approved applications such as Blackboard or Moodle.

What options do I have available to me and my students to communicate using social networking tools?
Currently, the district supports two course management systems: Blackboard and Moodle. Both applications have social networking tools built into them such as blogs, wikis, chat, and discussion forums. Any of these tools can be used by staff to manage course content and classroom communication.

I have a classroom blog hosted on a non-district server (i.e. blogspot), is this still allowed?
Some teachers, primarily at the elementary level, maintain a class blog to communicate with parents and students about the activities of the week. In their use as a one-way (teacher posts content, students/parents read content) communication tool this level of blogging is acceptable. Teachers should not encourage, nor require, two-way dialogue on their classroom blog between teacher and students. Teachers should also exercise caution in encouraging students to maintain their own blog on a public blogging site, particularly without extensive conversation and consultation about what is or is not appropriate content to post on the world wide web. If student blogs are desired, the teacher should contact his/her integrator to consider the use of Moodle.

Can I text message my students on their cell phones?
Policy 4511 does not expressly prohibit text messaging, primarily because of the inability to enforce such a policy. However, staff members are encouraged to consider appropriate use, the staff code of ethics, and the risks associated with the disclosure of any personal information including personal cell phone numbers. A reasonable litmus test of staff to student text messaging answers positively the following question: "Is the content of the text message something the principal and the student's parents would approve of and find necessary?"

How should I evaluate other social networking tools (i.e. wikispaces, googledocs, etc.) and whether they are acceptable for classroom use?

I would consider the following questions when evaluating other social networking tools:

What am I trying to accomplish and do I have any in-District tools available to me? (i.e. Wikis/Blogs are supported in Moodle, chat feature in Blackboard)
Do all of my students have access to the tool I am considering and what will I do for those who do not?
Do students have to submit personal information to establish an account with the tool and is that information shared with other users?
Is the intended use of the tool for student-student communication, or staff-student? If staff-student communication is the primary objective, am I able to capture and archive that communication?
Does the use of this tool expose me or the District to unnecessary risk or liability?

Is this policy just for high school staff?
No. This policy applies to all district staff K-12.

What is the District doing that is proactive, rather than only restricting staff use of technology?
It is not the District's current practice to just say no to a technology solution, without providing or considering alternatives. While not perfect, it is believed that Blackboard and Moodle can be used to meet some of the needs that could be provided by existing social networking sites. This summer, a blogging tool will be incorporated into our private network for students and staff use in the Fall (2009). Finally, a new web portal is currently in development for staff, students, and parents. It is anticipated these portals (one per stakeholder group) will be phased in over the summer and fall (2009) and will incorporate social networking tools in their design and use. In addition, the District will consider the purchase/integration of a social networking platform during the 2009-2010 school year.

What should I do if I have other questions?

All questions can be directed to Chris Thompson, Chief Information Officer for the School District of Elmbrook.

TSC March Agenda

thompsoc — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 11:54:19 GMT

Agenda for Technology Steering Committee

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

7:15 – 8:15am

CAO – Rm 133

7:15 – 7:40 Social Networking Guidelines

7:40 – 7:50 2009-2010 Budget Priorities

7:50 – 8:10 Technology Issues

What are they?
Process to address them?
Who?
Prioritization

8:10 – 8:15 Elmbrook Technology Academy

Data review

Feb – 495 Tickets

Response: 6.5 hours (10.5 hour business day, 10.5 hr goal) – 88.5%
Closure Avg: 11.5 hours (10.5 hour business day, 31.5 hour goal) – 94.1%

Jan – 461 tickets

Response: 4.25 hrs –90.5%

Closure: 10 hrs – 95.7%

Elmbrook Technology Academy

thompsoc — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 21:14:57 GMT

Elmbrook Technology Academy

"Where your time to get SMART is now!"

The School District of Elmbrook has partnered with the Sally Ride Academy to offer the premier technology academy for SMARTBoard training! Fourteen different SMARTBoard classes will be offered during this 4-day academy with a 2-credit option available through Cardinal Stritch University. Courses will be taught by classroom teachers, many of whom are SMART Master's certified. One, two-day course is offered to Administrators (Aug 5 & 6) at a reduced registration fee. A showcase day (Aug 8) will feature demonstrations of exceptional technology integration, SMART accessory products such as Airliners, Senteos, and Document Cameras, and breakout sessions on how to engage, differentiate and inspire!

Click here for detailed academy and registration information. Elmbrook staff can register online through PDExpress. For other Sally Ride Academies visit their web site.

Contact Chris Thompson, Chief Information Officer, School District of Elmbrook (262-781-3030 x1163) with any questions.