Created a 1:1 committee - superintendent, administrators, teachers and students represented
Visitations with 1:1 schools - Riverton Parke, Logansport, Peru, North Whiteand Rochester by administrators
Researching RUPs, handbook policies
Defined and wrote our vision and mission statement
Evaluated infrastructure
Summer 2013
Increased bandwidth from 10 mbps to 35 mbps
Increase access points from 20 to 40 and added 5 outside access points
Migrated from Novel to Microsoft network
New servers and switches
New firewall
Fall 2013
1:1 committee to Eastern Howard and Logansport- we observed, asked questions and listened
Hired Leslie Fishers for PD workshop days in September - she worked with each department
Discussion on devices - tablet vs laptop
1:1 Committee selects device - Lenovo X140e - to be approved at November board meeting
Tech PD Wednesdays held bi-monthly
Spring 2014
Moved two current positions to half-time so that staff member would fill a half time tech coach position. One for the elementary and one for middle school/high school
Ordered 725 devices for 3rd - 12th grades
1:1 committee assists with writing the student use agreement
Board approves technology policies for student use and insurance agreements.
Lenovo laptop was tested and used by a few staff members and 5 high school students for a few months to check battery life, durability and be able to give suggestions on imaging package
Tech staff creates the student device assistance program - the help desk manned by high school technology students
All devices arrive and imaging of units begin.
Parent/community informational letter sent out describing the 1:1 program
Summer 2014
Increased bandwidth from 35 mbps to 100 mbps
Offered June PD opportunity - 3 full days - featured 22 tech- based topic sessions
Offered August PD opportunity - 3 full days - keynote speaker Dr. James Beeghley presented on Day 1 and held sessions on social media, tradigital history, virtual integrity and web 2.0 tools. Another 20 tech-based topic session were held over the 3 days. Introduction of elem/MS/HS student modules were presented for teachers to become familiarized with material.
Fall 2014
1st day of school deployed of MS/HS devices - followed an all school 1 ½ hour kickoff event in the auditorium - presentations, videos, student participation, twitter feed, techno music - a happening!
Following the Kick Off party, MS/HS students and staff participated in a 2 day technology-based classes based on 12 student modules featuring topics such as LMS and teacher websites, efficient searching, social media, academic honesty and so much more. Each module had a tech component to be experienced by the students. All modules were introduced by the teachers.
6 elementary parent meetings were held to inform parents and community about the Elementary 1:1 program.
Elementary devices deployment - occurred 3rd week of school - all 3rd - 5th grade students participated in 8 student modules featuring information on laptop care and responsibilities, procedures, saving options, what to do if you have a problem, etc. Once again, each module featured a tech activity to be completed by the student.
October - Google Classroom in the Elementary - 2 hour workshop per grade level on setting up your Google Classroom for grades 3 - 5.
Bi-monthly PD sessions on a variety of tech topics - ES/MS/HS
January 2015
Mid-year evaluation of the 1:1 program by 1:1 committee - to identify successes and weaknesses
Accomplishments:
placed a device in every 3rd - 12th graders hands - devices are really being used and a benefit to our students' learning
increased student engagement
more outlets for creativity
easier to do work at home
preparation for college
preparing students for success in the workplace
teachers who are unable to be at school can still be in contact, offer lessons, feedback and materials to students
student becoming good troubleshooter when dealing with tech issues
using less paper
all teachers have created a digital presence grades 3- 12
Struggles:
NO 1:1 program at the kindergarten, first and second grades
too many LMS for MS/HS students to learn
more communication with parents - MS/HS beginning of the year parent meeting
parent demonstration to showcase what students are creating with the technology at their disposal
access to headphones and mice for elementary students
more homework being assigned in some classrooms
backpack issues - not very durable
elementary help desk still has some issues not always manned to staff schedule
making sure classroom structure/methods have changed - continue to develop on the SAMR model to ensure we reach the Redefinition level-- it will increase student interest and ownership towards their learning