Technology Plan Update

Tiana Tibbs
Stephanie McCoy
Qiana Worlds
FRIT 8132

Part 1: Narrative

Introduction

The Bibb County school district serves approximately 25,276 students. That breaks down to
about 73% black, 22% white, and 5% of a combination of other ethnicities. In addition, about
73% of the enrolled students participate in the free/reduced meal program. Students with
disabilities population is 2,570. (These numbers are based on the 2007-2008 Bibb County score
card which is the latest year with available data.)

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths of the Bibb County Technology plan are as follow:

 Executive Summary – The executive summary explains the major themes that the
county is aiming to address easily for the readers.

 Goals – The goals answered the questions of who, what, when, how much and
according to which instrument. The goals were comprehensive and realistic.

 Objectives – The objectives were very thorough and several strategies were listed for
each objective.

 Acceptable Use Policy - The Acceptable Use Policy is detailed including appropriate
definitions. It covers all areas that it should cover.

 Technical Support - The role of technical support is articulated both in terms of school
based and system based responsibility levels.

 Clarity of Writing – The writing was clear and concise. Formatting and the organization
of the plan made it easily readable.

Weaknesses of the Bibb County Technology plan are as follow:

 Vision Statement - The vision statement was rather lengthy with no emphasis on how
technology will impact student learning.
  Conclusions and Recommendations – There was not a complete list in the document.
They should be listed along with appropriate detail.

 Technology and Learning Statement – There was no technology and learning statement
present in the technology plan.

Proposed Changes

Proposed changes to the Bibb County Technology plan are as follow:

 In general, the plan is too vague for anyone to grasp the district’s purpose for using
technology. It should be more specific and stress how it will impact student learning. It
appears that it is geared toward the benefit of teachers instead of students. Student
learning should be the main goal in the vision and mission.

 Some sections of the plan should have some specifics of clear and measurable
objectives that are realistic to the current state of the district.

Section Changes

 Vision Statement – This section should be short but specific with some emphasis on how
the technology will impact the student learning.

 Conclusions and Recommendations - This section should have a list of needs and
challenges that will improve Bibb County overall with recommended projects along with
some specific, clear, and measurable goals.

 Technology Learning Statement - A technology learning statement needs to be present

and stated with clear specifics.

Resulting Improvements

With the changes that we are proposing, Bibb County school system will be able to show
how much progress they made with the use of technology and show how it benefits student
learning. Not only will it show benefits to student learning, but it will also show the overall
benefits in the different areas of the county that helps lead to achievement for every
student. The technology should be used in all aspects of the education system realistically
to show measurable and consistent success in all levels.
 Part 2: Create/Update the Technology Plan

Broad Based Support

School Administration - Serves as a communication liaison between the teachers and the
Technology department and are responsible for monitoring local technology issues at the
school level.

Technology Department - Responsible for all technology issues at the district level. Duties
include installation and maintenance, purchasing, hardware/software approval, and monitoring
assets. They also have to keep up with the trends in the industry that dictates educational
change.

School Board - Responsible for allocating funds and provides support for the technology
department.

Needs Assessment

After reviewing school inventories, and compiling data, the district found that computers
were modern adequately distributed in all schools. Although some computers are over five
years old, these units still fit the definition of modern and have enough RAM to adequately
run the application currently in use. The district has replaced all operating systems with
Windows 2000 or XP however Vista must be rolled out by the end of 2009 to support the new
version of Office. Funding the upgrade from Office 2003 to 2007 will be a huge expense but
it mandatory as students and employers continue to use the new version. Training will also
need to be addressed in 2008 since the changes are so drastic. In the meantime, the district
has installed the compatibility module on all computers.

Media centers are quickly becoming the hub for technology integration in the schools. Media
specialists have been working tirelessly to provide research skills at all grade levels. The district
needs to make all book collections available to all schools for intra-library loans. There is also a
need for audio enhancement in each classroom. New technologies such as pod casting and
tablets will be placed in media centers for checkout until the technology becomes main stream
at the school.

Employee access to technology at the school-level is sufficient. Custodian and campus police
officers use computers regularly to check email and enter time sheets. The technology available
to the Central Office support staff is outdated and needs to be replaced in many departments.
Employees also need access to the student information system and human resources/finance
application 24/7/365. Establishing this employee portal is scheduled to be complete in August
of 2009.
Administrative technology for school use (computers and printers) is woefully inadequate.
Funding has been used for instruction but has been reduced for administrators. Many
computers in the district are no longer modern and need to be upgraded. The administrators
who are using modern technology tools such as handhelds and wireless need more training and
support. Daily reports from the student information system on grades and attendance need to
be automatically sent so that administrators do not have to run queries to access data.

The staff of 23 technology specialists and one Instructional Technologist is not sufficient to
provide the integration training and support that teacher’s need. The district needs to continue
to pursue funding for a technology specialist for each school (instead of 1 per 1100 students).
Teachers continually request support for new technology during the school day while the
students are in the classrooms. Typically, this type of one-on-one support would mean that a
teacher would only receive technology support twice a month, for an hour each time.

Mission

The district’s mission is to use technology as a tool that will enhance learning, improve
teaching, increase productivity, foster better communication, improve community relations and
economic development, and provide support for lifelong learning to every student, teacher and
administrator at school, home, and in the community.

Vision

Technology will be promoted, not in isolation, but as an integrated instructional tool that
will enhance teaching and learning process through effective use, assist in the development
of problem solving skills, encourage cooperative learning, improve creative writing skills,
and improve research and communication skills. We will foster the vision of a connected
community with access to technology in any place at any time. Technology will bridge the
gaps that exist in the educational setting including age, gender, race, and socioeconomic
income to produce high-achieving students.

Goals and Objectives

The vision, mission and objectives for technology use must mesh with the vision, mission and
objectives of the district which are:

Our Vision
Achievement and performance for every child, in every classroom, in every school

Our Mission
To provide a high quality education for all Bibb County students in a safe and comfortable
environment, and to make use of all human and technological resources in preparing graduates
for post high school objectives
Objectives:

1. Bibb County will ensure that all students attain high levels of achievement in all content
areas by focusing on teaching and learning the GA Performance Standards or QCC
Curriculum.

2. Bibb County will recruit, employ, develop, and retain a quality workforce that achieves
the mission and goals of the organization.

3. Bibb County will ensure a safe learning and working environment for all.

4. Bibb County will meet the needs for information through technological services that
support performance and desired results.

The district will use technology to:

 Retain the best teachers in the nation

 Serve as a catalyst to improve student and teacher morale

 Foster cooperative planning among colleagues

 Meet the new accountability standards

 Provide real-time access to student information for every teacher and administrator

 Encourage collaboration between parents, administrators and teachers

 Address the different learning styles of students, teachers and administrators

 Empower teachers to move from being lecturers to facilitators of learning

 Enable students and teachers to access applications and data from anywhere in the
world –24/7/365

 Communicate with parents daily on student attendance, progress, assignments, and

schedules both over the Internet and via telephone

 Prepare students to enter the 21st Century workplace with the tools and mind needed
to succeed and excel.
Action Plan

This technology plan covers a 3 year implementation of technology and technology based
issues. At that point, it will be re-evaluated and re-written to reflect changes in both
technology and culture.

Program Integration

The Bibb County School District makes a conscientious effort to disseminate information about
the status of technology and its effect on student achievement. Through email media releases,
all local television stations and newspapers are notified of news events. This information is also
posted on the District website. Our Board of Education meetings are televised on the public
access channel. One of our high schools has a regular news program on this channel. Board
Docs, an electronic meeting tool is also used by the district.

The District’s website, www.bibb.k12.ga.us, is a major tool to demonstrate the effectiveness of

technology and to communicate the integration of technology into our classrooms. Parents and
other members of the community can access student assessment information, employment
opportunities (including online applications), district calendars, a schedule of professional
learning classes (including online registration within the WAN), information about departments
and schools, School Board meetings, agendas, and minutes, the District’s Comprehensive
Annual Financial Report (CAFR), SPLOST information, and our Technology Plan and related
documents.

(Muscogee County School District Technology Plan)

Technology Services plays an integral role in the strategic planning for the district. The creation
of the Balanced Scorecard includes components that require the integration of technology
services. In Bibb County, Media Services falls under Technology Services, which means daily
interaction with the media specialists. As a result, technology is integrated into monthly media
meetings and quarterly Media/Technology committee meetings.

Technology meets weekly as a member of the Superintendent’s Cabinet, which includes the
assistant superintendents and directors for Instruction, Title I, Special Education, Professional
Development, ESL, Assessment & Accountability and Social Services. This provides the
opportunity for issues to be address and integral planning to occur.

Curriculum Integration

The schools in the district currently use over 14,300 Wintel computers. According to the
Technology Inventory Survey from March (see Appendix), the Bibb County School District
presently has approximately 12,250 modern desktop computers, 2,100 tablets/laptops, and 60
school-based servers serving the students of Bibb County. All of these computers (in 1,531
classrooms) are also attached to the Internet. All classrooms have been retrofitted with
additional electrical outlets and data cabling to accommodate at least six modern computers
connected to the Internet. The WAN speed is 5Mbps and uses dedicated Ethernet connections.
Approximately 11,500 of these computers were identified as computers for instructional use.
This is a student to computer ratio of 2.17. All of the instructional computers are Windows-
based.

Each school has at least one computer lab for student instruction. Every high school and middle
school, plus three elementary schools’ teachers have a tablet notebook, document camera,
laser printer, electronic slate, wireless keyboard/mouse and mounted projector in his/her
classroom (further referred to as 21st Century classroom) and well as a wireless telephone with
a direct number. Installation and training for this initiative began in July of 2006.
The average student:computer ratio for elementary is 2:15 while the middle and high schools is
1.63 (ratio is offset by the increased number of computer labs at the middle & high schools).
Every elementary school has at least one Alphasmart portable lab used for keyboarding skill
development and writing skills. The middle schools have two portable laptop labs and high
schools have 3-4 (based on enrollment). These portable labs are used for writing assignments,
research and student projects.

Standards

After reviewing school inventories, and compiling data, the district found that computers were
modern adequately distributed in all schools. Although some computers are over five years old,
these units still fit the definition of modern and have enough RAM to adequately run the
application currently in use. The district has replaced all operating systems with Windows 2000
or XP however Vista must be rolled out by the end of 2009 to support the new version of Office.
Funding the upgrade from Office 2003 to 2007 will be a huge expense but it mandatory as
students and employers continue to use the new version. Training will also need to be
addressed in 2008 since the changes are so drastic. In the meantime, the district has installed
the compatibility module on all computers.

Evaluation

Providing access to a standard collection of software ensures access across the district to
resources and maximizes training opportunities for students and staff. The Bibb County School
District maintains a list of standard curriculum software for all levels of instruction however
there exists a need for a subject-wide application for grades 4-12 (math, science, social studies,
writing). The application must be prescriptive, appropriate, high quality, fit specific instructional
objectives/QCC standards, function with existing hardware and track student use. Teachers
have also requested a K12 benchmark assessment application.

Teachers have requested that more technology be provided for kinetic learners and devices
that provide immediate feedback such as CPS (Classroom Performance Systems) which meet
the following:
  Cause higher rates of learning and accessibility to knowledge

 Allow for teaching in the moment

 Enable mini-assessments that provide a record of who has grasped the concept

 Encourage active learning

 Provide anonymity among students

 Meet RTI (Response to Intervention) standards

Funding Alternatives

Funding issues are an ongoing part of technology planning. Technology itself is a moving target
that requires a great deal of planning and evaluation in order to offer a program that results in
the greatest benefit to the students. The technology infrastructure should be designed such
that the regularly anticipated revenue stream from local and state funds adequately covers all
needs ranging from routine maintenance to replacement of aging assets. In addition, special
projects should be a part of the regular budget to ensure that these areas are covered.
Additional funding from SPLOST (Special Local Option Sales Taxes) should be reserved for
projects with significant budgetary requirements that are not critical to the overall operation of
the district. In addition, funding through grants (both governmental and private industry)
should be explored as a method of providing additional, non-traditional educational programs.

(Cherokee County School District Technology Plan)

School Pilot Projects/Educational Research

Green Technology

During the 2008 – 2009, the district began the deployment of Thin Client/green technology in
all schools. This technology will increase the computer-to-student ratio. This technology will
substantially reduce the electrical consumption over standard workstations. This is the standard
for new school core classrooms.

The new school will target 40% water savings; 94% recycling on job waste to date; and 20-25%
power consumption savings. The school will host the district’s Medical Magnet Program (grades
10-12) and the Environmental Energy and Engineering Magnet Programs (grades 9-12) which
are designed to support students aspiring to become physicians, nurses, therapists,
pharmacists, dentists, engineers, soil conservationist, microbiologists and other environmental
and medical relation professions.
(Dekalb County School District Technology Plan)

Model Classroom Configurations

Wireless Technology

A new state-of-the-art wireless infrastructure solution is being implemented throughout the

district. It will allow for three controllers to be installed in the district’s three core sites. The
solution will also be the control source for the wireless access points included in the media
center project; the wireless components for the wireless mobile classrooms; and for future
wireless growth. This new solution is beneficial to the district because it allows remote
troubleshooting. If the wireless should go down at any site, it is not necessary for a technician
or vendor to visit the site to diagnose the problem. This will inevitably eliminate the down time
for students, teachers and administrative staff.

Wireless Laptops

The district realizes that the opportunity to use laptops as an integral part of educational
activities is endless. Therefore the district has placed from one to four wireless laptop carts in
all schools and centers.

Teachers and students are using the wireless laptops individually, in cooperative groups, and in
large group activities. The wireless laptops allow students to easily move beyond the walls of
their classroom to include other students and experts in the field in online educational
discourse. The students utilize the laptops for data processing, multimedia presentations,
research on the Internet, etc. Having the laptops in the classroom is like having a portable lab.
When using the technology in the classroom, students are motivated to learn and are excited
about the technology at their fingertips.

WebWasher technology has been implemented throughout the district in an effort to keep the
district CIPA compliant. WebWasher blocks access to any potential harmful Internet
information.

(Dekalb County School District Technology Plan)

Facilities

The training facilities are adequately equipped however attendance is decreasing as teachers
are required to attend other staff development events. Technology Services is working hard to
mandate certain training and to do a better job marketing the other technology training
opportunities. Additionally, administrators need an individual strand of technology training that
is required and evaluated. In order for teachers to use the technology in the classroom so that
students can graduate with the skills employers need, administrators need to model
appropriate use and require teachers to integrate technology daily into instruction.
Maintenance/Support

District support for all technology-based services, processes and training is made available
through Houston County School District’s Technology Department under the management of
the Assistant Superintendent of Accountability, Technology and Strategic Planning. Technology
staff assists, trains, troubleshoots, manages and implements district and school technology
initiatives. The Technology Department provides district-level support in the areas of
administration, networking, data communications, training, planning and media services.
Thirty-eight staff members provide daily on-site support within the schools. Schools are further
supported with Intranet-based online resources such as a problem reporting database, links to
helpful troubleshooting tips, training materials and an extensive integration resource site. Safe
and secure use of the district’s networked systems and Internet access is guided by the board
approved Internet Safety/Protection and Acceptable Use Policies.

(Cherokee County School District Technology Plan)

Software Agreements

1. The Director of Instructional Technology or Director of Information Technology must

contact software publishers to obtain written permission and procedures for making
multiple copies, other than a single archival back-up.
2. The Director of Instructional Technology or Director of Information Technology must
contact software publishers to obtain written permission and procedures for changing
the format from one platform to another.
3. The Director of Instructional Technology or Director of Information Technology must
obtain written permission from the software publisher to download or network
programs to other computers. No software will be loaded onto a network without a
legal network copy of the software.
4. The schools may not load a stand-alone single copy of a software product to multiple
computer systems without explicit permission from the publisher. As a general rule,
even though one can physically do so, placing software on multiple machines with one
legal copy of a software product is ILLEGAL.
5. School computers may not be used to duplicate copyrighted software, except for a
single archival copy not to be used simultaneously with the original.
6. Duplication of copyrighted software materials is prohibited, except for a single archival
copy not to be used simultaneously with the original. ONLY the legal copy may be used
for educational purposes. The archival disk MUST be stored, to be used again ONLY to
recopy the program if the legal copy becomes defective, except when permission is
given to do otherwise by the publisher.
7. The principal of each school is responsible for establishing practices which will enforce
this policy on the local school level.
8. A copyright policy should be posted in any room where a computer is located.
 9. Users are not allowed to purchase, download or load software without written
permission from the STC or System Director.

(Houston County School District Technology Plan)

Copyright/Acceptable Use Policy

This document is included in the Bibb County Technology Plan. It is not included here due to
length. See the Sources at the conclusion of this document for more information.

Gifts and Disposal

Bibb County School System relies on generously donated computers from local businesses. All
donated computers are required to have the following minimum standards:

 IBM compatible windows based

 Intel Pentium 4 Processor
 512 Megabytes RAM
 20.0 Gigabytes of Disk Storage
 Diskette Drive or Writable CD Drive

(Houston County School District Technology Plan)

Staff Development

The district works very closely with the Macon ETTC o provide 21st century technology
training to teachers. The center has also hosted many session this year provided by publishers
such as Promethean and SchoolWires. The ETTC has also provided instructors at
schools and in training labs in the district to train teachers and technology specialists on
application and integration strategies.

Bibb County also partnered with the ETTC and developed a 40 hour/4 PLU class designed to
model the effective integration of Bibb County 21st Century Classroom technology tools.
Preference is given to second year TAPP teachers and others needing to complete this
county requirement. For individuals who are comfortable using technology in the
classroom and their students regularly use technology in the classroom, the Technology
Integration Implementation Plan is still an option for demonstrating technology integration
proficiency for ILP purposes.

Training has been provided at 21st century schools this year for PLU credit. Over 200
teachers received credit for Professional Development classes offered directly at the
schools. All course registration is available electronically through an automated registration
application. Training is available for district applications at the three training labs as
follows:

Course category Training provider

21st Century Classroom Technology Services, ETTC

Curriculum applications Technology Services, ETTC

Electronic mail Technology Services

Human Resources/Finance Human Resources/Finance

Integration strategies Technology Services, ETTC

Maintenance/trouble ticket issuance Media Specialists

Productivity Technology Services

School Nutrition SN Director

SIS, attendance, grading Technology Services

Special Education Technology Services, Spec Ed Dir

VOIP phones Technology Services

Web page creation Technology Services, SchoolWires

It has been recommended by the Technology Plan committee that an Administrator

Technology Strand be developed that includes topics such as:

• Using the Internet effectively

• Tablet handwriting and note-taking skills
• Assessment of teacher technology integration
• Advanced application training (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Infusing technology into the curriculum
 Sources

Georgia Department of Education, (2008). 2007-2008 Report Card, Bibb County. Retrieved
November 22, 2009 from
http://doe.k12.ga.us/ReportingFW.aspx?PageReq=111&PID=62&PTID=213&CountyId=6
11&T=0&FY=2008
Bibb County Board of Education, (July, 2008). Three Year Technology Plan. Retrieved October
13, 2010, from
http://schools.bibb.k12.ga.us/15511012213225260/lib/15511012213225260/BibbCount
yThreeYearTechPlan.pdf.

Houston County Board of Education, (July, 2008). Three Year Technology Plan. Retrieved
November 24, 2010, from
http://www.hcbe.net/media/CMSImport/00EBF1FF6B274324B190A0F459CE2376.pdf.

Cherokee County Board of Education, (July, 2008). Three Year Technology Plan. Retrieved
November 24, 2010, from
http://portal.cherokee.k12.ga.us/departments/technology/Documents/StateTechPlan-
2008-2011.pdf.

Dekalb County Board of Education, (July, 2009). Three Year Technology Plan. Retrieved
November 24, 2010, from http://www.dekalb.k12.ga.us/mis/files/DCSS2009-
2012TechPlan.pdf.

Muscogee County Board of Education, (July, 2009). Three Year Technology Plan. Retrieved
November 24, 2010, from
http://www.mcsdschools.com/inside/technology/techplan/techplan_2009-2012.pdf.