More Work Than Time

The technology department continues to posess "job security" as evidenced by the workload :). In addition to ongoing support needs, we are busy this week on the following:

Finishing the setup and configuration of all computer at MES - our newest elementary school

We just established network connectivity at Maricopa Wells - our newest middle school. Once all buildings have electricity and are secure, we will complete the setup of network equipment and begin installing phones, computers and printers.

Yesterday marked the first construction meeting for our next elementary site - Santa Cruz at Tortosa. Over the next couple weeks, we will review plans and make any adjustments as construction is underway. This site is expected to be completed by July 31, 2007.

We are eagering awaiting a donation of 10 workstations, which will be setup and configured in the HS Nova Net lab. These workstations are expected this week.

Recently purchased software for the elementary labs has all been received. We are now installing and testing in preparation for deployment. Much of the software has already been installed at Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa. Once finalized, we will install at Pima Butte and MES.

High School Blogging

Maricopa High School is now using blogging to post daily annoucements. See their site at http://www.maricopahigh.blogspot.com/ It is our hope that other schools and classrooms will also use blogging in the future to keep students, parents and community members informed.

1st Quarter Update

The Technology Department has been extremely busy this 1st quarter of the school year. Like many others, the growth in Maricopa is creating many new "opportunties". Following is a brief update on the progress of our 06/07 goals:

Goal 1 - Provide training and visibilty to assist new staff members and/or beginning users
In addition to the main orientation session at the beginning of the school year, we have held four additional orientations training classes. We have also held two classes on our electronic gradebook software as well as a class on how to create a classroom website.

Goal 2 - Provide integration opportunities for staff ready to move beyond the basics
We have 12 teachers who have joined our IN Group (Integrate Now). We have had an initial brainstorming meeting, and have a training on lesson plans, blogging and podcasting scheduled for November 15th. For more information on the IN Group - see the Group's website

Video conferences between classrooms start the week of November 6th under the Read Across Arizona project. For more information - see our ITv blog

Goal 3 - Streamline specifications and purchasing of technology equipment
We have a Dell premier page in place, which allows online ordering of equipment at preferred pricing. As we work through the construction process on Santa Cruz Elementary, we will compile a complete list of specifications for future campuses.

Goal 4 - Continue to strive for excellent customer service in the area of support
Support calls have been very high this year, which I believe is a reflection on the number of new staff, opening a new campus, and aging equipment on the main campus. The monsoon season hit us hard, and we had a number of network switches damaged from power outages. Fortunately, all equipment was under warranty - so we were able to replace quickly. We are just finishing placement of all systems in phase 2 of MES and will begin placing equipment in Maricopa Wells Middle School later in November. In total, we will add over 200 workstations before the end of December, bringing our workstation total to about 700.

Goal 5 - Provide increased support for "unmanned" elementary laps.
We are holding ongoing "how to" classes in the elementary labs for the certified staff. Many of these teachers need help learning how to teach students in a computer lab environment. We also are currently adding a variety of software to the elementary labs to give teachers more choices in working with their students. We have completed the Santa Rosa lab and are 1/2 done with Santa Cruz.