Spring and Summer 2010 Tech Update

There are a number of technology projects currently under way and planned for this summer that I want to make you aware of.

District Data and Phone Systems Upgrades
Our entire computer and phone networks are being reconstructed this summer district wide. This project includes replacement of all of the switches that control our voice and data traffic in preparation for a new phone system in all buildings and high speed wireless services in the High School and Five Lakes sites. Specific information about this project will be posted at this site throughout the spring and summer.

The new Voice over IP (VoIP) phone system will use the computer network to handle our phone communications. Following are some key changes that you should be aware of:

• All phones will be replaced throughout the district.
• The new phones will be connected to the computer network so phones will typically be placed close to your classroom or office computer.
• All teachers and administrators will have voice mail services available to them.
• The new system will allow for a number of call control, routing, and transfer options and other features.
• Most offices and classrooms will continue to have the same phone number.
• Any old phones or answering machines will no longer work on the new system.
• Most classroom phones will be shut down during the summer while the new system is installed.
• The monthly costs to operate the new phone system will be less then our current monthly costs even though we will have more features included with the new system.

Computer Lab Upgrades
There are projects started and plans underway to update four computer labs.

• At the high school a 30 station mobile lab mobile lab is now on-line that can be used in the media center or set up in classrooms. Teachers should contact Mr. Bancks or one of the tech coaches for more details.
• The "big lab" in the HS Media Center is getting upgraded starting next week. New computers have been ordered and are being loaded this week. The existing computers will be refurbished and installed in the Computer Assisted Instruction classroom and the Tech 8 Classroom.
• We are exploring options for upgrading the 2nd floor lab at Five Lakes. We hope to make this a 2010 project. The existing computers from this lab will be placed in elementary classroom learning centers.
• We will be looking at Budd School lab updates as part of the building project when the referendum passes.

Migrating to Google Apps For Education

I am recommending that the school district migrate to Google Apps for Education during this summer and the 2010-2011 school year http://www.google.com/educators/p_apps.html . This along with the migration to a number of Open Source applications will replace much of our current Microsoft Office, Email and other productivity software that we currently have to pay for.

Please take a look at this send me your recommendations, questions and concerns.

What Should I Do If I Want A SMART Board or a Document Camera or a Tablet or a ... In My Classroom?

• Collaborate with others that have similar needs and ideas.
• Look for professional development opportunities.
• Put together a tech plan for yourself and the learning environment you are trying to impact.
• Present your tech plan to a member of your site technology committee.
• The HS Tech Committee is developing a survey for you to use to request hardware or software