Last week there were a few meetings specifically related to technology and the issues we are experiencing. Here's a quick summary:
Ms. Angelli presented to the District Administration and the Board of Education a complete technology upgrade. The upgrade addresses all of the current technology issues within the district, as well as insures the district is ready for PARCC. Her proposal was almost $400,000 and would be part of the 2014-2015 school budget. I'm not going to get into details about the plan, but I can assure you if everything gets done, we will be in great shape. Right now this plan has the support of Dr. Raupers and all four Principals.
That's next year. What about the rest of this year here at the High School? I meet with Dianna and Joel last week and we have some answers:
In the senior wing, new wireless access points have been installed, which will help with the issue of laptops not being able to connect.
The loss of internet at certain parts of the day has been fixed. We were having issues with our filter, which has been resolved. There should be no more 12:30 - 1:30 black outs.
Laptop Cart 3 has been put down. It gave us many years of joy, but its time has come. The working computers from Carts 3 & 4 have been combined into Cart 4.
We all have to do our part
To be very honest with you, I need some of you to look in the mirror! They way we treat the laptops is totally unacceptable. I have been talking about this for years. Putting the computers back neatly, making sure they are plugged in, not leaving laptops in the classroom... I could go on and on. Most of you have experienced opening the cart door and being discouraged with what you see. The lack of respect and care is not only about the equipment, but for your fellow teachers!
For this not to happen, you, the teacher, need to: manage your classroom time, manage the students while they put the laptops away, assign two or three students to mange the cart, but you need to monitor them as well. Dianna put out an email with some great suggestions that seem to help. - Link to Dianna's email
I also need to remind everyone that at the end of the day, you need to turn off the projectors. The projector bulbs don't grow on trees and are expensive. Please remember to turn them off.
Another issue related to technology has come to my attention - use of the Media Center Computer Lab. Over the years we have never established clear expectations for the use of the Computer Lab, but I think its time. It's great that so many teachers want to incorporate technology into their lessons, but everyone needs to have that opportunity. Starting in January, the Computer Lab will only be available for two consecutive days per teacher/period. In addition, I want to see the lesson/activity you have planned for the Computer Lab noted in your lesson plans. It should be in bold type and in red. If you are working on a big project that may require more than two days in the lab, email or see me and we will discuss the options. This is something I discussed with multiple teachers and we all agree its fair; we have to start somewhere.
I am working on a staff technology survey so the Administrative Team can get a better understanding of the needs, concerns, wants and strengths of the staff.
I hope this information helps. Stay positive, stay focused and work to be better each and everyday. #ownit
Let's do this!
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