Google Apps Deployment update
- Doris was not in attendance to update on the status of adding the new resources to calendar (mini bus #4 and the library meeting space).
- Michael discussed the plan to create an optional Student Dashboard, similar to the Teacher Dashboard. Format would be quite similar; suggested content included: morning announcements, school calendar, sports calendar, monthly lunch menu, links to standard Google tools (including Classroom), link to iPass, create a widget to link to teacher sites/blogs/wikis/etc. Michael will have a prototype by Friday for comment.
- Discussion of having links to teacher sites on the school website. Michael noted that a number of teachers are not using sites but other tools, such as Classroom. He proposed creating a page for each teacher (editable by that teacher) where s/he can put whatever is appropriate for their class(es). Michael can have this set up by Monday; Sean and Linda will communicate to faculty.
Re-Deployment of PCs for Teachers
- Doris was not available to update on the status of the 15 to 17 machines in storage; Tammy was not available to update on the status of her request to Suzanne.
- It was noted that an additional PC was needed for the Library lab (4212) as there are 23 PCs + teacher and there is frequently a need for 24 student machines. Teachers now supplement with a laptop.
Tech Plan Review
- Michael quickly reviewed the current tech plan document (posted on the blog or here). Because the current plan is written at a fairly abstract level in terms of longer term goals, not much needs to change - we are still driving to those goals. However, our progress against these is somewhat uneven. One of our goals focuses on Professional Development and we need to create a more encompassing and comprehensive planned approach for delivery of Technology PD. Another area that needs attention is incorporating Digital Citizenship across the curriculum. We also focus attention on going 1-to-1 but have yet to begin to tackle that issue.
- The only area of the plan that does need editing is Benchmark 5 - Virtual Learning and Communications. In the original plan there is mention of EdLine (now defunct) and the intention of moving to Google Apps for Education. However, the underlying goals are still the same. Michael will re-draft benchmark 5 and circulate for comment.
- We discussed ideas for advancing opportunities for faculty/staff PD. The present model of using after-school time on Tues & Thurs is compromised by so many competing demands on teachers. Several possibilities were discussed:
- optional after-school time Monday and Wednesday, 2:30 - 3:30; Sean will explore and poll faculty for interest
- change X-Block schedule to double-up the number of students in each group and give 1/2 of the faculty open time to focus on PD. We could do this by term, so 1/2 of the faculty would be open 1st and 3rd terms, the other 1/2 2nd and 4th terms.
- use faculty meeting time for tech PD and do more of the general faculty business on-line, through teacher announcements.
- Michael led a discussion of developing a near-term (1 to 2 year) action plan. He proposed a three prong effort (to which there was general agreement):
- Driving Google Apps Adoption across the organization
This needs to happen as a precursor to going 1-to-1; Many have logged in, but are not taking advantage of the utility, efficiency of Google, nor of the opportunities to expand and grow their curriculum. For next meeting everyone will have ideas and suggestions of activities, initiatives to drive Google adoption by everyone. - Planning for 1-to-1
We should look at other successful schools, many right in our neighborhood, to learn how they approached the problem, their project planning method, key issues, etc. Some discussion of the trade-offs of school ownership vs. student ownership of devices. Michael will source case studies and research on going 1-to-1 and share to the committee. - Integrating Digital Citizenship curriculum across the entire school curriculum
As a key element of going 1-to-1 and advancing digital curriculum, we need to promote the safety and security of students and the best way to do that is through a robust and comprehensive Digital CItizenship program. Michael will share to committee the results of Committee work from 2013 to develop and integrated curriculum Please review for next meeting discussion.
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