Arp ISD Technology Department

The Arp Technology Department plans all initiatives and implementations of technology infrastructure and tools in alignment with the Texas Education Agency's Technology Plan for 2010-2020, ERATE Guidelines and Policies, Title II Part D Federal Entitlement, local needs assessments, and DOPA & CIPA.

 

Dr Joy Rousseau,  2010

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Current Offerings

 

 

Initiated 10-11

  • Connections Grant ($840,000): http://podcast.arpisd.org/users/tigertube/weblog/d6154/Welcome_to_TigerTube__the_Connections_Grant.html

  • Project Share - Epsilen - Courseware, blog, chat, and assessment tool

  • E-Rate Application Process resulted in $63,000 in discounts and refunds

  • Grant: Solar Academy from TXU for K-12 Curriculum

  • Grants- $15,000 Technology Grant from ESC7

  • DATE Grant = $65,000 for Teacher Excellence Awards

  • VoIP phones for Jr H & H.S.

  • Gizmos for Science and Math

  • Atomic Learning for all Arp Community Members

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Initiated 09-10

 

Funding

  • E-Rate Application Process resulted in $96,000 in discounts for district access to Internet and Services
  • State Funds and District Budget = $84,000
  • Grants = $28,000 through ESC7
  • DATE Grant = $65,000 for Teacher Excellence Awards

Completed by August, 2010

  • Completed the Mandated documentation for TEA & Federal Government:
    • STAR Charts
    • Technology Plan (ePlan)
    • NCLB & Title II Part D documentation
    • E-Rate Discount Application & documentation
    • Updated TEASE profile for district
  • Completed 2010-2011 Budget & Inventory for Business Department
  • Replaced Email Server
  • Replaced Remote Access Server
  • Added 80 Netbooks for student use
  • Added 20 Netbooks for teacher use
  • Added 200 Bloggers to the Podcast Server
  • Updated Podcast Server software and memory
  • Added 10 desktops to classrooms
  • Added Netbook carts for checkout in libraries
  • Added Virtual Computers to each Computer lab ( 8 labs)
  • Added Wireless capacity to all campuses
  • Updated 20 Jr H phones to VoIP
  • Added 6 additional security cameras to campuses
  • Doubled the licenses of EYEQ for students with reading difficulties
  • Added users to Study Island, WebCCAT, CSCOPE, TMSDS, Eduphoria, GradeSpeed, AR/STAR, PASeries, United Streaming, Atomic Learning, Gizmos, Education City, InfoSource, Email, Active Directory, Rosetta Stone, Bess Filter, mClass, EyeQ & TechKnowledge
  • Added 20 student mentors and 10 teacher mentors for individualized training
  • Added all 2nd graders to network accounts with network portfolios and email
  • Added Shuffles and audio books and lessons for students with reading difficulties
  • Added iTouch videos for extended learning time
  • Added Final Cut Pro to certifications for Video Tech students
  • Finished all classrooms with digital projectors, document cameras, and interactive technology tools.
  • Completed Erate Documents for $60,000 in discounted services
  • Updated Special Education Consortium with new laptops and desktop computers.
  • As of August 1, 2010 the Tech Department has serviced over 3600 Maintenance Requests.
  • Offered surveys to teachers, parents, and students for technology skills,  needs, and grant initiatives
  • Successful Acquisition of Connection Grant ($847,000): 1:1 Laptop Initiative for 6th-12th grades students and teachers
  • Updated all software licenses for district-wide service packages
  • Added 260 students to AUP process and network IDs
  • Delivered over 30 Workshops on:
    • Instructional Digital Online Content -Audio/Video, textual and simulation content (Blog 101 and 201)
    • and initiation of TEA's Project Share - Epsilen - Courseware, blog, chat, and assessment tool
  • Initiated E-Rate Application Process resulting in $63,000 in discounts and refunds
  • Grant: $15,000 Technology Grant from ESC7
  • DATE Grant: $65,000 for Teacher Excellence Awards
  • Completion of VoIP phones for Jr H & H.S
  • Additional Wireless Access points deployed to handle additional laptop access

 

 

 

Supported the following software by subject area:

Math

Science

Social Studies

English/Reading

All or Other

Podcast/Blog Server

Podcast/Blog Server

Podcast/Blog Server

Podcast/Blog Server

Email

Gizmo

Gizmo

 

AR/STAR

iSAFE

eBook/text

eBook/text

eBook/text

eBook/text

eBook/text

Atomic Learning

Atomic Learning

Atomic Learning

Atomic Learning

Atomic Learning

InfoSource

InfoSource

InfoSource

InfoSource

InfoSource

Hotmath.com

Britannica Online

Britannica Online

Britannica Online

Britannica Online

United Streaming

United Streaming

United Streaming

United Streaming

United Streaming

EBSCO database

EBSCO database

EBSCO database

EBSCO database

EBSCO database

WolFram Alpha

WolFram Alpha

WolFram Alpha

 

Rosetta Stone

MS Office 2007

MS Office 2007

MS Office 2007

MS Office 2007

MS Office 2007 Suite

TI-Navigator

Logger Pro

Google Maps

PiratesPad

PiratesPad

MathType

 Science Probes

Google Earth

Diigo

 TechKnowledge

TI_SmartView

 Weather Bug Web Page

 Google Sketchup

 EYEQ & mClass

 Google Sketchup

FreeStudio

FreeStudio

FreeStudio

FreeStudio

FreeStudio

iSpring

iSpring

iSpring

iSpring

iSpring

Study Island

Study Island

Study Island

Study Island

Study Island

TMDS

TMDS

 

Education City

Education City

Audacity/Lame

Audacity/Lame

Audacity/Lame

Audacity/Lame

Audacity/Lame

VideoPad

VideoPad

VideoPad

VideoPad

VideoPad

PollEverywhere

PollEverywhere

PollEverywhere

PollEverywhere

PollEverywhere

http://sync.in

http://sync.in

http://sync.in

http://sync.in

http://sync.in

 

 

 

 

Implemented January, 2009

  1. Evaluated and updated all district security for critical data and each of the campuses (Raptorware, video surveillance, security software)
  2. Evaluated teacher competencies and offered professional development to teachers on district Web 2.0 Tools for the classroom
  3. Updated Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) to 54 minutes on Main Distribution Facility (MDF –where all the servers reside)
  4. Provided Professional Development on Podcasting server – teachers and students creating content and put lessons up for 24/7 access by parents and students
  5. Purchased and implemented Rosetta Stone for ESL student
  6. Updated CLASS program for Special Education Department
  7. Added cable and security cameras for athletic department
  8. Added computers to the athletic department for new staff members
  9. Provided Professional development on News Server – Counselors, Cafeteria, Teachers, Administrators  
  10. Completed installation of new video surveillance server and additional cameras for H.S. & Jr. High Campuses
  11. Upgraded Barracuda Server software to handle expanding SPAM issues
  12. Trained faculty on 5 Virtual Servers (Web, Joomla, Moodle, and file servers) to save money and space
  13. Purchased Document Cameras for requesting teachers
  14. Purchased 85 new computer systems for classrooms of requesting teachers to replace out-of-date computers
  15. Purchased wireless solution for all 3 Campuses (Aruba Network solution) which can be monitored and controlled through security software
  16. Completed Wireless Access to high school campus
  17. Implemented 28 projectors in classrooms and 20 document cameras
  18. Implemented interactive tools for classrooms (wireless tablets, Mimios, EasiTeach, Onfinity Wands, wireless mice) and conducted professional development on each tool.
  19. Purchased 40 NComputing Units which deliver 4 stations per computer using XTnd Technologies (saving money and electricity) with flat screens
  20. Replaced CRTS and purchased 120 LCD screens to replace CRTs saving electricity. Computed the savings to replace CRTs with LCDs at over $1500 a month.
  21. Purchased netbooks to pilot for one-to-one initiative
  22. Completed Survey of all faculty for needs assessment – informed principals of results and budgeted to for all requests in 2009-2010 budget.
  23. Supported – over 12,200 documented  maintenance requests and help desk requests…does NOT count undocumented requests!
  24. Replaced lights in H.S. Auditorium with long life and more efficient bulbs.
  25. Implemented EYEQ Software for readers with difficulty.
  26. Implemented WebCCAT software for benchmark testing on all campuses.
  27. Purchased and Implemented Study Island for all three campuses for benchmarking and student acceleration
  28. Replaced Administrative Office computers (Superintendent, Jr H Office, Maintenance Dept, & Business Offices)
  29. Purchase presentation hardware – portable & creates and interactive wall.
  30. Purchased new hardware & software for Special Education Department on all campuses.
  31. Supported the 100% Completion  STAR Charts
  32. Completed  inventory and needs assessment for network & technology and then completed Technology Plan with TEA approval
  33. Completed ERATE for 3 years with $91,000 in refunds (received) and $46,000 committed for 2009-2010
  34. Arranged for and shipped 120 out-dated units off-site using BASS Computers under HEPA rules and regulations.
  35. Deleted 90 accounts from network (last year) and added 94 new accounts.
  36. Implemented Windows SUCS server for deploying updates automatically
  37. Added additional drops on each campus for full access to each classroom and commons area
  38. Purchased updated switches for each campus to replace "end-of-life" switches
  39. Updated older machines with new memory (RAM) for extended life.
  40. Implemented 24" MACs for Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premier CS3 student certifications in desktop video production
  41. Added additional drive to the Podcast Server to accommodate podcasts and blogs of students and teachers.
  42. Upgraded Arp ISD Weather Station to report to the WeatherBug Network
  43. Upgraded all software packages for district security and productivity
  44. Implemented Office 2007 for secretaries and administrators
  45. Purchases DVD duplicator for TigerVision Productions for distribution to parents and community
  46. Ordered and installed computers for Band and Music Theory
  47. Quadrupled our capacity to provide onsite backup for all district data using Linux-based servers
  48. Purchased and extension on ARPISD domain name to 5 years
  49. Upgraded H.S. auditorium lights and replaces dimmer modules
  50. Re-designed Elementary auditorium technology for better utilization and for compliance with electrical code
  51. Conducted yearly maintenance on all district computers (dusting and blowing out the insides, cleaning outsides, removing old profiles and updating all software)
  52. Achieving at least a 2.4 student to 1 computer ratio on all campuses
  53. Providing QuickStarts and video media for professional development on all district technology tools http://www.arp.sprnet.org/database/Tech_Center.htm

 

Initiated 07-09

  1. Xerox Scanning and Digital Record Storage on all campuses.
  2. Installed new District Print Shop: Xerox color copier for booklets, posters, and flyers.
  3. Updated Uninterrupted Power Supply to 45 minutes on Main Distribution Facility (MDF – or where all the servers reside)
  4. Initiated Podcasting server – teachers and students creating content
  5. Upgraded BCM server & added 10 more phones to the Voice over IP system in the High School
  6. Planned, budgeted, and implemented for install of 22 more projectors and Interactive Technologies in requesting classrooms
  7. Initiated News Server – Counselors, Cafeteria, Jr H. Teachers using it  
  8. Completed installation of new switches & fiber for faster access and more ports on all campuses
  9. Implemented new Cafeteria System for POS and Reporting to TEA
  10. Implemented new Time Clock System for tracking employee’s time
  11. Upgraded Barracuda Server to handle expanding SPAM issues
  12. Purchased and implemented 5 Virtual Servers (Web, Joomla, and file servers) to save money and space
  13. Purchased Document Cameras for requesting teachers
  14. Purchased 35 new computer systems, 30 laptops
  15. Purchased wireless mobile computing lab (24 computers) for H.S.
  16. Completed Wireless Access to high school campus
  17. Purchased 40 NComputing Units which deliver 4 stations per computer using XTend Technologies (saving money and electricity)
  18. Purchased 120 LCD screens to replace CRTs saving electricity. Computed the savings to replace CRTs with LCDs at over $1500 a month.
  19. Purchased 4 different netbooks to pilot for one-to-one initative
  20. Completed Survey of all faculty for needs assessment – informed principals of results.
  21. Supported –so far this year over 4200 documented  maintenance requests and help desk requests…does NOT count undocumented requests!
  22. Replaced lights in H.S. Auditorium with long life and more efficient bulbs.
  23. Purchased and Implemented EYEQ Software for readers with difficulty.
  24. Researched & Purchased WebCCAT software for benchmark testing on all campuses.
  25. Purchased Study Island for all three campuses for benchmarking and student acceleration
  26. Replaced Administrative Office computers (Superintendent, Jr H Office, Maintenance Dept, & Business Offices)
  27. Purchase Onfinity presentation hardware – portable & creates and interactive wall.
  28. Purchased new hardware & software for Special Education Department on all campuses.
  29. Supported the 100% Completion  STAR Charts
  30. Completed  inventory and needs assessment for network & technology and then completed Technology Plan with TEA approval
  31. Completed ERATE for 3 years with $91,000 in refunds (received) and $30,000 committed
  32. Arranged for and shipped 120 out-dated units off-site using BASS Computers under HEPA rules and regulations.
  33. Deleted 90 accounts from network (last year) and added 94 new accounts.
  34. Updated older machines with new memory (RAM) for extended life.

 

  • Purchased 5 TUFF CAMs for Elementary students  at a reduced TCEA conference price of $140 each versus $180.

 

  • Purchased Easiteach Dance Mat for Interactivity for the kinesthetic learner. Demonstration lab for check out.  @ $ 349.

 

  • Assisted CTE courses in planning for next year with tools and supplies.

 

ONGOING SERVICES:

 

  • GradeSpeed

·         Parent Access to GradeSpeed

  • TPRI (with Palms)
  • RSCCC support, updates, and server management
  • PASeries
  • Curriculum on Wheels (COWs) for Jr High
  • Eduphoria - PDAS & TRS
  • AR/STAR/Fluent Reader
  • Study Island
  • SUPERNet Virtual High School
  • Parent Access to grades
  • E-Instruction student response systems for the classroom (CPS)
  • Web Calendar for District Event
  • Facilities Request Online submission fors

 

  • Surveillance  Monitors
  • Spam Filter
  • URL Filters
  • Backups
  • NOVATime
  • ClassServer Courseware Server
  • Moodle Courseware Server
  • Joomla News Server
  • Network Accounts
  • Email & Mail Groups
  • Interactive Classroom Tools (Smartboards, Mimios, Onfinity Wands, Wireless Tablets, Document Cameras)
  • WeatherBug Arp ISD weather station
  • VoIP phone system for Administration and H.S. Campuses
  • Acceptable Use Policy Initiation Process for all students, faculty, and staff

 

  • OdyessyWare Credit Recovery and Acceleration
  • TMDS/TSDS- Taks-like tests
  • Virtual High School
  • TestNAV – TAKS online
  • WebCCat - benchmarks
  • TigerTube - Blogs and Podcasting
  • Wireless access (HS) with Jr H and elementary coming onboard in 2009
  • DANA keyboards for students with dyslexia
  • UnitedStreaming (Discovery Education)
  • Rosetta Stone (ESL)

 

 

GOALS for 2009-10

 

GOAL 1:   Reduce the Cost of Ownership for Technology Tools (more energy efficient technologies)

  • Replace all CRTs with LCD screens AND/OR All-in-One Systems reduces power (kW) usage by more than 2/3rds
  • Purchase Projectors with less expensive bulbs. ($299 versus $600). Accepting projectors on your campus –necessitates campuses budgeting for bulb replacements. Figure about ¼ each year…

 

  • E PC from Asus – the size of your hand   @ $345.00 each (Linux based) –ALL SOFTWARE on this MACHINE IS FREE.

 

  • ACER Netbook – the size of a book  @ $450 each (Windows based)

 

  • Reduce the # of computers by 1/5 using the 4 to 1 Thin Client Solution. 4 Computer Stations for every 1 computer --Thin Client Technology @ $1716 for 4 stations. Reduces power (kW)  usage by 2/3rds.
  •  

 

  • Reduce the cost of software by utilizing Linux-based and freeware where possible:

 

 

GOAL 2: Set up campus demonstrations for Technology Tools for previewing and selection by Teachers.

 

 

  • MIMIO - interactive whiteboard technology: allows teacher to keep use of whiteboard while making whiteboard an interactive tool.
  • AVRover Technology makes any wall an Interactive Board Play Video for More Info

 

  • Mini Box for carts  and portability.

 

  • Ease of Use: Laptop Tablet  Takes the place of PDA, paper, camera, and laptop @ $1710

 

  • EasiTeach Software – for creating 4 core subject area Interactive Lessons for Interactive Boards & Podcasting. Teachers can build Math, Science, SS, and LA lessons with two to three mouse clicks…for best practices with Smart Boards. I have purchased the Elementary Package and the MS/HS package & site licenses.

 

  • Purchased one PC tablet with Science Probes to demonstrate and loan to each campus. This is a fully functioning PC Tablet, water proof, and wireless for field work. Over 250 sensors & probes available.  PC with 5 probes ~ $990.

 

 

GOAL 3: Equalize classroom Access to Interactive Tools for improved Student Environment

  • Purchased Easiteach Dance Mat for Interactivity for the kinesthetic learner. Demonstration lab for check out.  @ $ 349.
  • Wireless Tablets (where appropriate) for use with projectors and EasiTeach Software
  • EasiTeach Software Total Package for interactive classrooms
  • Student Response Systems (E-Instruction CPS)
  • Age Appropriate Hands-on Technology Tools
    • eBlocks  for PreK-3rd Phonetics, Math, and ESL applications promotes learning through Technology and Kinesthetic (Hands-on) learning (complete set $990)
  • Projectors mounted in all requesting classrooms
  • Interactive Teaching Tools in classrooms (Mimio, Smart Board, AVRover)
  • District & Campus Level Software Solutions by request
  • Pilot a Wireless Lab in the H.S. for additional considerations.
  • Expand the use of wireless technology where appropriate. It is slower and more insecure than hard wires…but serves a purpose in one-to-one technology.
  • Pilot a one-to-one technology initiative in the district starting with 6-8th grades.

 

 

GOAL 4:  Support Faculty & Staff on appropriate use of Technology Tools and Integration Techniques for improved STAR Chart scores.

  • Create Quickstarts on the Web
  • Provide in classroom support for initiation of new technologies (interactivity, Smartboards, AVRover, Mimio, E-Instruction, etc.)
  • Offer Classes on Moodle, Joomla, ClassServer, Web Pages, and Desktop Publishing for CPE credit

 

GOAL 5: Security Issues for Network Resources

  • Xerox Scanning and Copier Email capability secures student documents on the network. Capability is tremendous.
  • Expand the use of Digital Resources (Scanning and Storage) for convenient search and retrieval through outside company- Dimension Imaging.
  • Expand access from home by providing VPNetwork – login from home and access all district resources.
  • Implemented off-site backup to UT Health Center for ALL data in case of fire, flood, or wind.
  • Implemented iVault backup to New Jersey for all critical data (payroll and PEIMS)
  • UPS for uninterrupted service.

 

What do you NEED for your classroom learning environment?

 

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