SPASD Information and Technology Plan 2009 - 2012
student population, this is below the number needed especially with the gains the district has made in online classes. We have met the goal of opening a computer lab in 3 locations beyond the school day. The high school is available three days a week until 4:30, and the middle schools are open four nights per week until 3:45 pm. Application software is equitable across all elementary schools. All application software has gone through a strict screening process. The elementary level has reviewed computer software, and updated the licenses and implemented the same software in all schools. GOAL 5, ROBUST ACCESS Although the district is continuing to strive toward equitable hardware distribution, access to technology programs and hardware is steadily increasing. Access to Mobile labs: IT Staff has installed 1 mobile wireless laptop system in the following schools: Elementary: CH Bird, Northside, Eastside, Royal Oaks and Westside. In the middle schools, there is one mobile lab at Patrick Marsh and one at Prairie View. At the high school, we have implemented three mobile computer labs. The basic functions of the mobile labs are Internet access and word processing. Some elementary buildings have used mobile labs to meet computer literacy skill curriculum requirements. Staff development regarding mobile labs has been held in various ways. Formats include: Formal training during Tech Day Troubleshooting tip sheet Informal training Library media specialist models set up in the classroom. Technical troubleshooting for the mobile labs falls to the library media specialist. If the media specialist cannot or does not have time, then the problem is referred to the building IT person. On an elementary level, there have been many issues regarding the inconsistency of the unit. The mobile computer labs have not been proven to be an equitable solution to the student/computer ratio. As a result, the schools have worked to create other lab opportunities within their schools. Wireless access points have been installed in schools on an “as needed� basis. Presently, there are a minimum of four wireless access points in each building. The district has begun implementing controller based wireless systems to improve signal quality within the schools. Buildings have increased the number of video projection systems; however the quantity varies by building. The district technology advisory committee has set installing projectors in all classrooms as the priority for creating technology equity between schools. During 2008, projectors were installed in all grade 4 and 5 classrooms in the district, and in grade 3 classrooms at Bird School and Westside School. Also, three classrooms at the Alternative Learning Center had projectors installed, as well as the music and band rooms at both middle schools. The district has allocated sufficient funds to provide technology for new schools. With Creekside School, the district standard for technology was expanded to include an interactive white board and an amplification system with teacher microphone in each classroom. With the passing of the referendum for the new high school, the district again allocated an adequate amount of money to support state of the art technology resources.
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