KCS TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS PLAN 2016-2020:
We recognize that the world of technology changes daily. While we can’t keep up with those kinds of changes, we believe that these are the best options we have for supporting instruction at this time. Our business plan will evolve as technology continues to change and this plan will be revised annually.
- Bulbs, batteries, power cords, chargers, power supplies, keyboards, and mice are considered instructional supplies and will be handled at the school level.
- Mac/Apple computers will be limited to CTE classrooms that require them and administrators, knowing that we do not have the capacity nor the hardware/software resources to manage a full implementation at this time. Dell has a light-weight model that we encourage administrators to use if they are looking for a lightweight laptop.
- System-wide software,such as Destiny, Discovery Ed, Showbie, Dreambox, Reading A-Z or Reading 3D, will be the responsibility of the district.
- Technology Management software such as JAMF, GoGuardian, and Microsoft will be purchased from the Technology Budget, as much as possible.
- Individual school software will be purchased at the school’s discretion after they have investigated free online options. Curriculum administratorsand/or instructional coaches will determine if the software is instructionally sound and supports curriculum objectives. The technology department will determine if the network infrastructure can support the software. Purchases will only be made after both parties have signed off.
Projectors and Mimios:
Projectors and Mimios need to be on a replacement cycle. However, there is no need for purchasing additional MimioTeach or Mimio Pad devices for elementary schools when an iPad and Apple TV are available in a classroom. A projector and an iPad paired with an AppleTV allows the teacher to freely move about the classroom during instructional time. There has been some debate about large screen televisions vs. projectors in a classroom. While a large screen television has a crisper picture than a classroom projector, the size of the screen (70” minimum) is critical for students to see a projected laptop image clearly. For many of our classrooms, a data projector is still the correct choice for display purposes. We recommend Epson based on technical support satisfaction, bulb price, and longevity.
Document Cameras:
iPad stands are available to use the iPad as a document camera. If a classroom teacher has an iPad, purchasing a stand such as the Belkin Portable Tablet Stage is a recommended choice. For teachers not using an iPad, a HoverCam Solo 8 and above is recommended. Hardware and software are easy to deploy.
Printers/Copiers:
During the 2013-14 school year, copy machines replaced printers at each school. A cycle of attrition to utilize previously purchased printer supplies (i.e. toner) was allowed. Exceptions to this policy are CTE department printers, especially in document intensive classrooms or specialty printers, such as CAD or 3D printers and office areas that require specialty printing. Confidentiality of documents can be handled through private printing and is not a reason to avoid using a copier/printer. A teacher may opt to keep a USB connected classroom printer but he/she is solely responsible for maintaining the printer and printer supplies.
Laptops:
To provide equity across the district wepropose that we begin a five-year replacement cycle for teacher laptop replacementbeginning with the 2013-14 school year. One fifth of teacher laptop replacement (88 per year) will occur with the understanding that schools will supplement this rotation to the greatest extent possible with schools funds, PTSO, or any other viable funding sources that are available. We are currently exploring Microsoft Surface Tablets with a detachable keyboard as a laptop replacement option.
iPads
To assist with instruction and assessment in grades 3-6iPads with at least a 10 inch screen are required. Mini-iPads can be placed in K-2 classrooms. iPaddistribution in K-6 classrooms is at a minimum of a 1:2 ratio with a few exceptions:
- ALBHS – Science (Russell), Fine Arts (Band, Art), CTE Culinary Arts (Harris) CTE Health (Rodgers/Dwyer), and Media Center (60). ESL has four, EC has ten.
- KMS – has two carts (60) purchased with CTE dollars.
- KIS –iPads will remain for K-5 GW Carver classrooms.
- McK – 2 in every classroom (limited screen time is a Head-Start requirement)
Desktops:
After testing virtual clients in several locations, it has been determined that they can work well in lab situations and for office personnel but they require a large amount of technical support. Since the price of a desktop computer has dropped considerably and the day-to-day maintenance is minimal, we will no longer recommend virtual clients over desktop computers and will phase out virtual desktops as funds become available.
Chromebooks:
Chromebooks will be our computing device of choice for grades 7-12. After testing the various models of Chromebooks, the IT department has determined that the Dell Chromebook will be the model of choice. Chromebooks are on a four year lease cycle. When the original lease expires, those Chromebooks will be purchased for $1 to be used ashome check-out devices, spares for parts, testing devices, or temporary replacements. A second lease cycle will begin at that time but instead of buying the devices for $1 at the end of that lease, the Chromebooks will be refreshed after two years when their market value is reasonably high. The used Chromebooks will be sold to a technology reseller and the recovered dollars used as a down payment toward a new lease. Chromebook purchases are ahead of our original timeline but the demand for all students having access in grades 7-12 is great.
2014-15 / Tested various Chromebook models, pilot classrooms
2015-16 / Purchased Chromebooks for grades 7-9 (ALB English & SS)
2016-17 / Add Chromebooks for grade 11 (stem wing)
2017-18 / Add Chromebooks for grade 12 (math, other)
2019-20 / Initial Chromebooks become spares, refresh 7th grade