To: Miguel Guhlin , A1-Instructional Tech; Area
Re: Campus Technology Representatives' (CTR) Meeting on January 11, 2004

Howdy! Thought I'd write and give you a quick summary of what was discussed at the Campus Technology Representatives meeting. Your campus tech rep will give you more details.

APPRECIATION!
Thank you to you and your team for the hard work they put in protecting campus computers from spyware/adware as well as updating SyncStations (K-3 campuses only)!

TOPICS DISCUSSED AT THE CTR MEETING
Be aware that we had district-wide attendance of 81% at the CTR Meeting on January 11th (down from 87% in November). Attendance breakdown by Area:

  Total Attendance: 81%
Area 1 Breakdown of Attendance: 81%
Area 2 Breakdown of Attendance: 88%
Area 3 Breakdown of Attendance: 76%

Topics discussed at the CTR meeting on January 12th included a wide variety, including the following:

1) Graphic Organizer Initiative: This initiative, like the Campus Enhancement Program, will match you license for license to help you obtain electronic graphic organizer software like Kidspiration (grades K-2) and Inspiration (3-5). Middle schools already have access to Inspiration software through their TA:TEKS Teacher (provided they are implementing the TA:TEKS Curriculum). You can purchase additional licenses for Inspiration/Kidspiration for your campus from the bid-approved vendor, Learning Services (attn: Matthew Backer,  (888) 805-3184 ). More information can be found online at http://itls.saisd.net/go

2) LOTI Survey 2004-2005 School Year: Please be aware that the LOTI Questionnaire administration period runs from January 13 through March 4th.

An electronic, paperless needs assessment instrument that assesses the level of technology implementation (LoTI) will be implemented during the Spring of 2005. It will help campuses tailor their professional development efforts developed as a result of Summit 2004 planning. It is important to note that this needs assessment may not be used for PDAS appraisal purposes. Only aggregated results will be available to principals, although teachers will be able to see their individual assessment totals via the Professional Development Planner (PDP). The aggregated data of the assessment will be included in the SAISD Long Range Plan for Technology. This plan is submitted to the State of Texas in compliance with its needs assessment requirements, and required for eRate funding critical to District initiatives. Then, results of the assessment will be shared with teachers, and aggregated at both the campus and district level through meetings with area superintendents, principals, and CICs/CITs.

The LoTI results can be used to track campus progress and develop customized professional learning opportunities for staff. The Levels of Technology Implementation (LoTI) Survey is a consistent set of measures that accurately reflect the progressive nature of teaching with technology. Completing the questionnaire will enable your school to make better choices regarding staff development and future technology purchases. It will also enable the District to respond to questions “What impact is technology having on student academic achievement? How has technology funding for professional development changed teaching practices?” So as to ensure smooth implementation, some suggestions are shown below. You are urged to put the following suggestions into practice:

• The administration window for needs assessment is January 13th   through March 4 th . The needs assessment will be available at http://itls.saisd.net/loti
• Administer the needs assessment during Faculty Meeting time. It is a 15-20 minutes survey.
• Since this needs assessment only takes 15-20 minutes to complete, and requires a computer per teacher consider using computer stations in your computer lab(s) and library. The needs assessment can also be taken from any computer – on or off campus – with high-speed Internet access.
• Encourage those uncomfortable with using technology to pair up with staff who are more comfortable. While each will take the assessment individually, they can also lend a helping hand.

3) Dell Computer Employee Purchase Program: This program was shared again at the January CTR Meeting, enabling SAISD staff to purchase 3 desktop computer systems (entry (<$500), mid (<$<650), and high level (<$920) at different price ranges. A laptop computer is now available as part of the purchase. Flyers are being sent to your campus 01/14/2005 .

4) Product Review Handbook: Going to be buying software, or a web-based service, soon? A new process has been developed to better track product purchases related to instructional software/services. This campus and department process should be followed PRIOR to an electronic requisition being submitted through Purchasing's online system. The Product Review Committee will analyze the the product being considered for purchase and solicit feedback on whether it is aligned to Vision 2005, district scope and sequence, and will work well on the SAISD network. A copy of the handbook and the process with electronic form is available online at http://itls.saisd.net/ctr/prc/reviewprocess.htm . CTRs have a printed copy to share with you.

5) Protecting Windows Comptuers from Spyware/Adware: Spyware/adware have become serious problems in the last year for all Windows computers. Making the changes on the computers themselves can be time-consuming if only 1-2 people are left to do it. Windows 2000/XP/98 computers (whether at elementary or secondary campuses) should be done by March, 2005. Campuses have had the tools they need to combat invasive spyware/adware since November 16, 2004 . Campus will receive 2 new CDs (mailed to your campus on 01/14/2005 ) reflecting the latest software updates. More information is available online at http://itls.saisd.net/software/spykit

6) Campus Enhancement Program (CEP): This program, which provides your campus with $4400 of matching funds for computer purchases (e.g. desktops, laptops, printers), ends January 14th. If you lack a Purchase Order #, please be aware that you can submit the requisition number generated when submitting an electronic purchase. You can submit the requisition online at http://lms.saisd.net/sql/cat/cep/

7) New format for the CTR Meeting: In addition to sharing critical information, CTR meetings--occurring by Area this Spring--also model technology integration into the classroom curriculum. The lesson shared at this past meeting included a lesson on accessing and using World Book Online. Participants learned how to use technology resources already available in K-12 settings. The World Book Online activity focused on modeling active learning using the following topics: 1) Causes of a tsunami; 2) Areas that have suffered Tsunamis; and 3) Research on past tsunamis and areas impacted. More information online at http://itls.saisd.net/ctr/0405resources.htm

This brief update will be elaborated on by your Campus Technology Representative. If for some reason your CTR did not make it to the meeting, you will receive a packet in the mail. Note that campus attendance at CTR Meetings is tracked online at http://itls.saisd.net/ctr

If you have any questions or require clarification, please do not hesitate to contact Miguel Guhlin at mguhlin@saisd.net or 527-1400. Instructional Technology is here to collaborate with you on the best ways to realize the benefits of technology so as to impact teaching, learning and leadership. Area contacts are available to do campus walkthroughs with you to assess how technology is being used tofacilitate higher-order thinking skills and active learning.

Wishing you well,

 

Miguel Guhlin
Director, Instructional Technology
San Antonio ISD, Texas
http://itls.saisd.net
Email: mguhlin@saisd.net
Phone: 210-527-1400 ; Fax: 210-281-0257
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"Ask not what computers can do with
students,but rather, what students can do
with computers."
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