Technology Plan Update

Administration of Technology Resources

Rebecca Van Pelt Jessica Elmore Julian Jernigan FRIT 8132 Technology Plan Evaluation April 28, 2013

Narrative The Harris County School System is located in Hamilton, Georgia, a rural county consisting of four elementary schools, one intermediate school (5th and 6th grades), one middle school (7th and 8th grades), and one high school with a total of 5,050 students in the county. The demographics of the student population is made up of 76% white, 19% black, 2% Hispanic, <1% Asian/Pacific Islander, <1% American Indian/Alaskan Native, and 1% Unspecified. The county contains 34% classified as economically disadvantaged, and 8% as students with special needs. The technology plan is a three year plan dating from July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2014. It was submitted to the state DOE for approval on May 17, 2011. Currently, the majority of the plans components are being implemented and followed on a district wide basis; however, the initiative to bring the system into the 21st century classroom is currently a work in progress. More successful components of the plan that are in place include a web-based grade book, which provides secure access to parents and guardians to access student information, email, and websites. Digital newsletters are used to communicate with schools, staff, and the community on a regular basis. From a hardware stand point, wireless internet has been provided in all schools throughout the district, the bandwidth has been increased to allow for faster connections, easier downloads and full video streaming capabilities and projectors have been placed in all classrooms where it is appropriate. Other components of the plan are only partially being followed, such as the initiative to provide benchmark tests online, currently only math and language arts are offered online. Teacher websites for

homework and content help are suggested, but not mandatory, resulting in a breakdown of implementation, the major contributing factor being a lack of training on how to use and update the sites. Some sections of this document are extremely dated by more than a decade. The acceptable use policy was adopted in 1999 and has not seen revision since 2001, while the internet safety policy has not seen revision since 2005. The overall document has not been since its submission in 2011. Several parts of the plan have never been implemented due to circumstantial changes that have recently occurred. Classroom computers are no longer being updated on the pre-determined rotational cycle set forth in the plan, due to the current financial crisis. The lease the county held with Dell computers has gone into default, as a result, computers are being used well beyond the cycle period prescribed. Technology training is not being implemented according to the plan. While a new Instructional Technology position was created in the district office to assists with professional development to provide teachers with training to improve skills and abilities for management of assigned tasks and responsibilities. The Ten hour technology training courses that align with technology goals and teacher request have never been implemented. The county most recently adopted a new Bring Your Own Technology (BYOT) initiative that includes training for both teachers and students. But the initiative has not been drafted into the current technology plan. The technology plan has a few problems that need to be evaluated and revised. The plan has not been evaluated since its acceptance in 2011. Current circumstances have caused some needed changes to be made to the plan. We propose an update to the plan with the needed changes reflecting the current financial state of the district. The plan states that computers will be upgraded on a predetermined schedule. The computers are no longer being updated on a regular schedule since the contract with Dell has been ended. This part of the technology plan needs to be deleted or amended. A new policy called Bring Your Own Technology (BYOT) has since been implemented and includes training for both teachers and students along with a new acceptable use policy. This needs to be added to the technology plan and the new acceptable use policy needs to be included in the appendix. Updating the plan will give all stakeholders involved an up to date vision of what has been happening and where the district would like to go in terms of technology. The plan does not show a complete description of current technology use and updated inventory of technology equipment, software, agreements, licenses, policies, etc. A current list of technology and where it is

housed needs to be included in the plan. Providing a complete list and information of all technology, licenses, agreements, and policies will make it easier for stakeholders to know where to find what they need and how it is being used. This will attribute to the support of all involved. The plan includes an action plan for technology integration but no time line is presented. A timeline for when, what, and where technology will be implemented needs to be included in the plan. Some technology has been added to classrooms that are not mentioned in the plan. For example, projectors have already been added to classrooms where needed. Some parts of the plan have not been implemented at all, this needs to be addressed with an addendum. What else is the district planning on implementing? When? Including a detailed timeline gives a vision of where the district would like to go and how they plan to get there in terms of technology. Again, this would attribute to the support of technology in the school district. The plan includes a current and ongoing evaluation and assessment of technology use and needs, but this needs to be in a different location within the plan. This separate section needs to be assigned to current and ongoing evaluation protocols in order for the technology use data to be summarized, analyzed, identified, and evaluated more accurately. Most importantly the technology plan is missing a section discussing conclusion and recommendations. This section needs to be added. This is an important section that will insure the technology plan is a living document that it is being revised as needed, providing a summary about previous technology, what worked and what didnt. It will give certain positions the responsibility to carry out and follow the plan.

Suggested Section for Technology Plan:

Director of Technology-John Graddick Instructional Technologist- Dave Dennie Various On Site Leaders Broad-Based Department Participants Support Business and Director, Stephen Johnston Finance Administrative Assistant, Jeane Jaworski

Roles
Provided input on current issues and future desires for the Business and Finance Department

Human Resources Teaching and Learning

Director, Jeff Branham Secretary, Karen Emory Director of Curriculum, Debbie Korytoski Instructional Coordinator, Rafael Simons Gifted Services, Penny Reddick Curriculum Secretary, Elizabeth Head Instructional Secretary, Linda Register

Provided input on current issues and future desires for the Human Resources Department Provided input on current issues and future desires for the Teaching and Learning Department

Information Systems Elementary, Middle, and High School Resource teachers Resource Teachers By School Mulberry Creek Elementary AnitaWatley, Kathy Welsh, Marty Oxford New Mountain Hill Elementary Mrs. Hodnette, Mrs. Snyder Park Elementary Johnothan Smith Pine Ridge Elemenetary Mrs. Oxford, Mrs. Welch, Mrs. P. Davis, Mrs. Brent Creekside School Amanada Theus, Laurie Stevens- Speech, Karen Walker, Bonnie Simpson, Rinette Burnette, Glenda Weaver Harris County Carver Middle School Kathryn Hall Harris County High School Micahael Woolridge, County Coffee, Denise Fox, Jamie Fox, Melissa Wadsworth, Alonzo Cromer, Derrick Arrington, Arlene Doyle, Barbara Clement, Clara Anderson, Lisa Pittman, Lisa Pittman, Mary Kennedy, Bonnie Carter Community Representatives School Council/PTO Officers By School Mulberry Creek Elementary LaShawna Macon, Hollie Queener, Jennifer Sillitto, Amanda Wilson, Joy Byers, Traci Kalish New Mountain Hill Elementary

Provided input on current issues and future desires for the Information Systems Department Provided input on current issues and future desires for the Technical and Support Services Staff

Provided Community & Parent input into issues concerning employees entering the workforce

Rachel Wolff, Jennifer Ricker, Cortni Madrigal, Lori Jewett Park Elementary Amy Riley, Stacy Harralson, Mary Ellen Taylor, Kerri Rustin, Emily Carlisle, Jennifer Webb, Rachel Crumbley, Janice Owens Pine Ridge Elemenetary Stephen Cason, Sandy Carpenter Leah hunt, Eboni Grillo, Creekside School Douglas Bryant, Mike Garrett, Shawna Bates-Smith, John Grot, Latina Maddoxx, Melanie Williams Harris County Carver Middle School None Listed Harris County High School None Listed

Mission/Visi on

Goals and Objectives

Action Plan
It is our goal to provide all programs (Regular Classroom, ELL, SPED, QUEST, etc.) within a school equal access to technology. The following data collected describes our existing access to technology gap analysis, goals and benchmarks, evaluations/assessments and professional learning and a checklist of completed timelines A chart of all the schools will be completed using these 4 categories for each school; elementary, middle and high schools within the county. Gap anal ysis Action Plan/Multiyear Planning Gap anal ysis Middle Schools Current technology: Date Goals/benc Date compl hmarks compl eted eted Elementary Schools Current technology: Date Goals/benc Date compl hmarks compl eted eted

Evaluations/ass Date essements compl eted

Profess Date ional compl Learni eted ng

Evaluations/ass Date essements compl eted

Profess Date ional compl Learni eted ng

 Gap anal ysis

High School Current technology: Date Goals/benc Date compl hmarks compl eted eted

Evaluations/ass Date essements compl eted

Profess Date ional compl Learni eted ng

Summary: Needs Assessment

The development process for this comprehensive plan has been strategic and well thought out. The Comprehensive Technology Plan for 2011-2014 incorporates the district mission statement, goals of the Board and Superintendent, and an action plan for all instructional and educational technology within the district. To this end, school principals have established their Local School Committees that meet to articulate the local school and community needs and interests, assess local school progress, and discuss continued school improvement plans, procedures, and processes. Adjunct to the Local School committees in each school, local school Technology Support Liaisons, and district-level Instructional Technology Specialist, Technology Specialists, and System Engineers meet monthly to discuss development, implementation, maintenance, and evaluation of instructional, administrative, and community technology initiatives as they relate to implementation of effective, innovative, and reliable technology solutions. Meeting attendance, minutes, agendas, and notes are archived in both hard copy and electronic format and possibly reviewed as needed. The committees also examined and analyzed a collection of evaluation/assessments of community, staff, and student needs to determine what worked and what did not work within the technology environment for the schools within the district. The Technology Planning committee supports the expansion of virtual teaching and learning capabilities by supporting current and emerging technology learning projects along with an upgrade to the district technology environment. This plan proposes the pilot of virtual technologies for online communication and collaboration. Research

School Pilot Projects/Edu cational Research

conducted on emerging technologies in the area of the pilot projects will be evaluated over the next three years to determine the best solution for the district. BYOT (Bring Your Own Technology) Harris County will provide a BYOT pilot program for all schools to test the feasibility of collaboration and communication throughout the system. In order to expand collaboration and communication, this pilot will create less expensive and more flexible alternatives to the current learning classrooms that we have in all schools. As required by Harris County Schools, the program will include an evaluation component. References: "Chip" German, R. F. "The Wild-Card Character Of "Bring Your Own." Educause Review (2013): 10-28. Computer Source. Web. 24 Apr. 2013. COSTA SR., JONATHAN P. "Digital Learning For All, Now." Education Digest 78.8 (2013): 4-9. MasterFILE Elite. Web. 24 Apr. 2013. Zyskowski, John, and Michael Hardy. "Bring Your Own Device? Bring Your Own Policy." Federal Computer Week 26.7 (2012): 7. Internet and Personal Computing Abstracts. Web. 24 Apr. 2013.

Edmodo Harris County will provide an Edmodo pilot program for all schools to test the feasibility of collaboration and communication throughout the system, including staff, parents, students, and administration. In order to expand distance learning solutions, this pilot will create less expensive and more flexible alternatives to the current learning and distance learning within each classroom. Implementation will allow our schools to be more connected to outside learning resources. As required by Harris County Schools, the program will include an evaluation component. References: Edmodo. "At Edmodo, We Help Teachers Make Their Classroom a Community." http://about.edmodo.com/ (accessed October 31, 2012). School Libraries Work! Scholastic Library Publishing. http://libassoc.ccsd.net/documents/School%20Libraries%20Work.pdf (accessed October 31, 2012). Statistics about California School Libraries. California Department of Education. http://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/cr/lb/schoollibrstats08.asp (accessed October 31, 2012). Lakeview learning goes virtual January 10, 2013 Battle Creek Enqirer EDMODO: A GREAT TOOL FOR SCHOOL LIBRARIANS January 18, 2013 School Library Monthly Edmodo. "Edmodo Acquires Education Technology Start-up Root-1." Business Wire (English) May 0003: Regional Business News. Web. 24 Apr. 2013

HOLZWEISS, KRISTINA. "Edmodo." School Library Monthly 29.5 (2013): 14-16. Professional Development Collection. Web. 24 Apr. 2013.

Evaluation

STANDARDS FOR GLOBAL LEARNING IN THE DIGITAL AGE

Educational technology standards are the road map to teaching effectively and growing professionally in an increasingly digital world. Technology literacy is a crucial component of modern society. In fact, the globalizing economy and technological advances continue to place a premium on a highly skilled labor force. Education Must Change As technology dramatically changes our society, educators need to demonstrate the skills and behaviors of digital age professionals. Competence with technology is the foundation. Standards

Societies are changing Expectations are changing Teaching is changing Educators must lead

Transforming Learning Environments with Technology Todays educators must provide a learning environment that takes students beyond the walls of their classrooms and into a world of endless opportunities. Technology standards promote this classroom transformation by ensuring that digital age students are empowered to learn, live, and work successfully today and tomorrow. The school district follows all NETS standards.

Copyright/A cceptable Use Policy

Harris County Schools Protocol for the Use of Student Owned Technology At School Bring Your Own Technology (BYOT)
As new technologies continue to change the world in which we live, they also provide many new and positive educational benefits for classroom instruction. To encourage this growth, students in select classes may now bring their own technology (BYOT). All students and staff wishing to participate in BYOT must first attend training on using personally owned devices while on school campus and at school sponsored activities. Definition of Technology For purposes of BYOT, Technology means a privatel y owned wireless and/or portable electronic hand held equipment that includes, but is not limited to, existing and emerging mobile communication systems and smart technologies, portable internet devices, e-book readers, hand held entertainment systems, gaming devices, or portable information technology systems that can be used for word processing, wireless Internet access, image capture/recording, sound recording and information transmitting/receiving/storing, etc. Internet Only the internet gateway provided by the school may be accessed while on campus. Personal internet connective devices such as but not limited to cell phones / cell network adapters are not permitted to be used to access outside internet sources at any time. Security and Damages Responsibility to keep the device secure rests with the individual owner. The Harris County School System, staff, and employees are not liable for any device stolen or damaged on campus. If a device is stolen or damaged, it will be handled through the administrative office similar to other personal artifacts that are impacted in similar situations. It is recommended that appropriate skins (decals) and other custom touches are used to physically identify your device from others. Additionally, protective cases for technology are encouraged. B.Y.O.T. Harris County Student Agreement The use of technology to provide educational material is not a necessity but a privilege. BYOT is a privilege with the explicit purpose of allowing students access to educational material during teacher guided instruction and/or assignments. A student does not have the right to use his or her laptop, cell phone or other electronic device while at school for non-approved purposes. When abused, privileges will be taken away. When respected, they will benefit the learning environment as a whole. Students and parents/guardians participating in B.Y.O.T. must adhere to the Student Code of Conduct, as well as all Board policies, particularly Internet Acceptable Use (Policy IFBG) and Acceptable Use Agreements and Guidelines (Policy Exhibits IFBGE). Additionally, technology: 1. Must be in silent mode while on school campuses and while riding school buses. 2. May not be used to cheat on assignments or tests, or for non-instructional purposes (such as making personal phone calls and text/instant messaging). 3. May not be used to record, transmit or post photographic images or video of a

person, or persons on campus during school activities and/or hours without the permission of the person or persons. 4. May only be used to access files on computer or internet sites which are relevant to the classroom curriculum. Games are not permitted. Students acknowledge that: 1. The school's network filters will be applied to one's connection to the internet and attempts will not be made to bypass them. 2. Bringing on premises or infecting the network with a Virus, Trojan, or program designed to damage, alter, destroy, or provide access to unauthorized data or information is in violation of Policy IFBG. 3. Processing or accessing information on school property related to hacking, altering, or bypassing network security policies is in violation of policy IFBG. 4. The school district has the right to collect and examine any device that is suspected of causing problems or was the source of an attack or virus infection. 5. Printing from personal laptops will not be possible at school. 6. Personal technology is charged prior to bringing it to school and runs off its own battery while at school.

Gift Policy: As a general rule, gift materials are accepted based on compliance with the academic goals of the district. Gifts are greatly accepted with the understanding that materials will be retained based on instructional needs.

Gifts and Disposal

All gifts should be approved by the Department of Technology and the Financial Departments of the school district. The following will NOT be accepted. 1. Out of date materials. 2. Duplicates, unless in better condition than the original. 3. Materials in poor condition. Once the gift item is added to the collection, it is owned by the school district and is

subject to weeding and discarding. Donors are solely responsible for determining the value of the gift and reporting it to the IRS. Any gift valued at $5,000 or more requires appraisal from a qualified appraiser and filing of IRS Form 82 Charitable Contributions.

Required Items for Gifts: Name and address of the donor Name, age and description of the item(s). An itemized checklist is required if there are multiple items Fair market value of the item(s) Date the item(s) was received by the district Signature of the person(s) accepting the item The title of the accepting department Third-party appraisal if the gift has a fair market value above $5,000 and is from an individual

Staff Developmen t

Maintenance Each school in the district is assigned a technology specialist who /Support will ensure that the schools computers and network run smoothly. The duties include:

Troubleshoots and repairs hardware and software problems. Develops a technology hardware preventative maintenance schedule. Performs regular preventative maintenance on technology hardware. Sets-ups, installs, and maintains new computers and peripheral devices. Creates and maintains a system-wide help desk for reporting and responding to technology problems. Maintains accurate records on technology troubleshooting and repair. Maintains an appropriate technology replacement parts inventory. Maintains and troubleshoots existing network. Installs, maintains, and troubleshoots on-line communications hardware and software to provide Internet access to school system sites. Conducts on-line hardware and software training for system personnel. Acts as a consultant and advisor for system personnel who have problems or questions regarding all aspects of technology. Consults with principals and staff during the purchasing process to determine hardware and software specifications and provide vendor recommendations. Acts as a consultant and advisor to principals and staff in determining technology needs during budget preparation. Participates regularly in technology training in order to acquire additional skills needed for superior job performance. Consults with principals and other staff to develop system requirements, analysis, and design of customized programming for district problem solving and statistical reporting.

Each school also consists of technology recourse teachers who

volunteer to work as technology support representatives.

Conclusion/Recommendations: This technology plan should be treated as a living document. A technology improvement committee should be formed to review this document periodically and make any needed improvements or changes. The technology improvement team should consist of the Director of Technology, the Curriculum Technology Specialist, personnel from the finance department, and technology support teachers from each school. This is to ensure that the technology plan will be implemented properly. The changes made to this plan will ensure that all stakeholders, including, students, teachers, other staff members, county office personnel and the community have a clear vision of what is taking place with technology on all levels. This will help to increase the support as we move our county into the 21st century.