| |
| |
| |
|
|
| |
 |
|
Delivering on our promises, listening
to your feedback has been key to the success of Instructional
Technology in SAISD. Yet, the road ahead is long and the journey
may sap our strength--unless we work together.
Not all suggested initiatives have
been implemented; however, we are working hard to put powerful
tools in the hands of teachers and students, then support
the use of those tools with professional learning opportunities.
This is evident in our past (e.g. Digital Video Distribution
System, Middle School TA:TEKS Curriculum) and current efforts
(e.g. GradeSpeed). To our new efforts, we hope to add acquisition
of electronic graphic organizer software such as Kidspiration
(K-2) and Inspiration (3-8).
We are also striving to build online
learning environments to support other initiatives, such as
Campus Administrators Technology Leadership Seminar participants.
Undoubtedly, we are outgunned and understaffed on all these
initiatives. Yet, like you, we are committed to transforming
teaching, learning and leadership...and our students, our
children, and our staff cannot wait.
"If you want to achieve excellence, you can get there
today...as of this second," writes Thomas Watson, "quit
doing less than excellent work." For Instructional Technology,
excellent work is defined by curriculum and instruction initiatives
that have technology infused at the target level of technology
expected by the State.
Excellent work is defined by
quality professional learning opportunities that model best
practices, and create an environment in which you can fail
now so as to succeed in your classroom. Excellent work is
ensuring that you have video examples of constitutes best
practice, the hardware and software needed, and the campus
administrator support required to be successful.
We join you in delivering on our promise of excellent work.
. .as of this second. May you have an excellent year this
2004-2005.
Click
here to learn more
|
|
| |
 |
|  The
Special Education Automation Software (SEAS) provided by Computer
Automation Systems, Inc. (CAS) is a web-based program used
to enhance the development and processing of individualized
education plans (IEPs). The automated IEP system will provide
information and resource management tools to improve efficiency
and productivity by supplying the information and functionality
necessary.
To support the district vision, goals, and functions, the
state-of-the-art automated IEP system, will provide the information
necessary to measure progress at the student, school and district
level. The automated IEP system will enable SAISD to meet
the reporting requirements at the state, federal and local
levels. The new system will impact nearly all jobs related
to Special Education programming and service; changing the
ways that the schools and district serve eligible students
and increasing accountability.
The automated IEP System has well-developed professional development
plan, that includes face-to-face training and on-line tutorials
that provide users with self paced learning in school settings
or at home through the internet and an easy to use internet-based
help system.
The SEAS program will be piloted on 25 district campuses
during the fall 2004 and will be fully implemented throughout
the district in spring 2005.
The goal is for all district administrators, special and general
education teachers, counselors and related service providers
to use the automated system during the 2004-2005 school year.
|
|
| |
 |
|
| |
| Copyright 2004 San Antonio
ISD. May be reproduced for non-profit, educational use so long
as credit is given. Last modified:
09/14/2004
|
| Please
Sign Our Guestbook |
|
|
|
|
"Grabbing a horse by its tail," wrote Mark Twain, "will
give you 60 times as much info as reading about it." So it is
the same with integrating technology at Level 4 of the LOTI (http://itls.saisd.net/loti).
Solving real life problems involves getting your hands dirty, grime
under your nails, and hard work. As classroom teachers, we can take
advantage of processes that facilitate higher level problem-solving.
One such process is the Big6. The Big6 presents students with a framework
they can use to solve authentic, relevant problems.
For example, did you know that Texas will soon be conducting teacher
assessments of their use of technology using a teacher version of
the Texas STaR Chart? How will you advance from your current LOTI
level to the target level of 4--Identifying and solving real life
problems using technology? More importantly, how will your shift in
thinking and teaching transform learning in your classroom?
I hope that you'll take a moment to grab the horse by the tail this
2004-2005 school year. You can start by using the Big6, graphic organizers
(like Inspiration / Kidspiration) and Internet-based resources.
Find
out more online |
| |
 |
Every year now, the Texas
Education Agency has required the Texas Campus STaR Chart to be completed
by campuses. These charts, required for any grant applications, are
completed annually. They provide campuses like your's the opportunity
to come together and discuss what is happening in regards to technology.
Rather than another task for an assistant principal or CIC to complete,
I invite you to see the Campus STaR Chart as a tool to send a message
to the TEA.
What's the message? That more funding, more staff development is needed
to achieve the vision of technology integration at the campuses. Find
out more online at http://itls.saisd.net/ctr
Another tool that helps us assess need is the Campus Access
Survey. This assessment, conducted by the Campus Leadership
Team, provides the District with valuable information on the state
of equipment at your campus. If you have obsolete computers, this
is the place to share it. If you have the latest equipment, this is
the place to report it.
The Campus Access Survey (http://itls.saisd.net/cat)
allows the District to move forward responsibly using campus-based
information not available through current asset management and inventory
techniques. I hope you and your campus will invest the time to paint
an accurate portrait of where your campus is at in terms of hardware. |
| |
|
Here's a quick update on use of the digital
video distribution system (DVDS) for the 2004-2005 school year.
NEW DIGITAL VIDEO SERVER
To bridge the gaps in speed and video availability, SAISD increased
bandwidth to the Internet and between campuses. Furthermore, Instructional
Technology invested in a digital video server that will be accessible
on the Intranet. This will result in a significant increase in speed
since bandwidth between campuses is higher than between a campus
and videos coming from the Internet.
The digital video server--currently being reloaded with over 150
additional videos--will be back online by September 17th. To take
advantage of the fast video serving available, Macintosh and Windows
users should be aware that they will need Windows Media Player loaded
on their computer (Note: Mac OS 8.6 - 9 users can access Quicktime
videos via the Internet).
MORE EFFECTIVE USER MANAGEMENT
SAISD is moving to a more effective user management system, allowing
quicker loading of staff at the district level, relieving campuses
of user management duties. However, some adjustments will have to
be made by a small percentage of users who have assignments in the
system.
Please be aware that teachers who have assignments
in the digital video distribution system are urged to make backup
copies of their lessons BEFORE October 1. Due to the increased mobility
of SAISD teachers, as well as losses due to attrition, the entire
user database for the digital video distribution system will be
updated. This may potentially eliminate assignments created by teachers
during training sessions, or for use in classrooms. While every
effort is being made to safeguard the assignments currently in the
digital video distribution system, teachers are urged to make backup
copies over the next two weeks. You are also encouraged to NOT create
any new assignments before October 1st. All users will be notified
via email through the digital video distribution system email system.
Campus Tech Reps, librarians and CICs will also receive this same
information via email.
At 8:00 AM on October 1, all existing user accounts
will be purged and new accounts created. This will remove old accounts,
create new ones, and reset the password for all users back to a
simple password.
ADDITIONAL
PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Please be aware that there are currently two classes available for
learning how to use the Digital Video Distribution System. These
3-hour classes take place on October 26, 2004 and May 12, 2005.
However, short two hour classes are available for your campus on
an as-needed basis. Only 5 people need to come together to "make"
a class and it can take place at your campus. Please do not hesitate
to contact me if you would like to have such a class take place
at your campus. You can find a complete list of professional development
sessions online at
http://itls.saisd.net/pd
|
| |
|
| |
 |
| |
|
