Integrated Service Delivery - Technology Deployment

Technology Services News Updates

September 25, 2008

Technology Services Employee Recognition Program
As part of our department's Employee Recognition Program, Technology Services is pleased to announce fourth quarter 2007-08 individual and team award recipients! Read all about these outstanding staff members at www.nisd.net/technology/recognition.htm . Honorees receive certificates and are recognized via the Technology Services website, the "Wall of Fame" at NLC Building D, and notification to all Technology Services staff, Cabinet, Directors, and Principals. Congratulations to all!

September 15, 2008

Fall Q.U.A.D. (Quality, Usable, Accurate Data)
In a continuing effort to ensure the quality and accuracy of data in student and administrative information systems that guide decision-making, Technology Services is once again coordinating Q.U.A.D. workshops. The Fall Q.U.A.D. Conference, held the week of September 8, attracted 407 session participants. We provided 27 sessions focusing on attendance issues, receiving and transferring student records, Leaver procedures, Special Education Management System data, discipline data, the TREx (Texas Records Exchange) system, and Cognos reports. The audience for Q.U.A.D. training includes attendance secretaries, registrars, data processors/grade reporting secretaries, counseling secretaries, and others. Administrators are welcome as well. The next QUAD Conference is scheduled for January 13, 14, and 15, 2009.

September 10, 2008
Texas Education Agency's 2008 Survey of Districts’ Readiness for Online Testing
The District and each of 102 campuses recently completed an online survey intended to determine the feasibility and cost of converting the state assessment program to a computer-based format (i.e., online TAKS, online EOC, etc.). Participation in the survey was mandatory for all Texas school districts and charter schools as a legislative requirement of Senate Bill 1031. A report to the legislature concerning the results of this survey will be provided by TEA to the Texas Legislature by December 1, 2008.
Rapid reporting was the original vision (and largest perceived advantage) of online state testing, but this has not come to fruition thus far. We anticipate astronomical costs for equipment purchases and staff needs to support online testing. For example, assuming a 2-week online testing window, we estimate it would cost the District $31.6 million in equipment, software, support personnel, and training to support 100% online state testing by the 2011-2012 school year. Overall, we do NOT perceive that the advantages of online state testing will outweigh the challenges for the District.

We also shared the following points with regard to moving to an all-online state testing program:
a. We need significantly increased state funding to provide computer access for students (1-to-1 or 2-to-1) to support online testing.
b. Online testing causes a loss of instructional technology/computer resources for students (i.e., the labs are unavailable for anything but testing for many days/weeks).
c. We would like to see a more aligned collaborative effort at the state level between testing staff and technology staff to facilitate implementation, training, communication, product testing, etc.
d. High-end computers must be utilized to accommodate the latest test client software, players/plugins, etc.; continual need to upgrade the testing software due to new releases from the vendor is very time and effort intensive.

August 15, 2008
Parent Connection Update
Campuses are again promoting the popular NISD Parent Connection web site, including the following updates:

Parent Connection opened for account self-registration on Monday, August 11. Grades and attendance,
however, will not be available for parents until Tuesday, September 2. This will allow time for secondary schedules to
stabilize and for teachers to enter some grades.

NEW: Current-year discipline data will be available for parents at all schools. This data will NOT be visible to
teachers, but can be seen by administrators.

NEW: Online cafeteria payments will be available for parents at 30 schools in August, with more to follow as the
new cafeteria point-of-sale system is expanded to more schools. Additional information on this topic can be found on the
Parent Connection website.

A parent help guide, in both English and Spanish, is available on the Parent Connection login page.

News and information especially for parents is added to Parent Connection throughout the year, so parents are
encouraged to review the site often.

In addition to this update, two helpful documents were provided for principals to use: “Parent Connection FAQ for
Administrators“ and “What Teachers and Staff Need to Know.” Also, there is a report in the gradebook for administrators
to view how many Parent Connection accounts there are for their particular school and how many users have logged in to
Parent Connection over the previous 10 days.

July 18, 2008

New Reporting Requirements Regarding Technology Literacy Skills
Attached is a memo from TEA outlining new reporting requirements for NCLB Title II Part D related to the assessment of technology literacy skills for students and staff. We plan to complete a stakeholder review and update of the NISD Employee Technology Competencies, then explore assessment options to satisfy NCLB requirements in the coming months.

June 17, 2008

16% Attendance Increase as NISD Staff Gathers 'Round the eCamp 2008 Digital Campfire!
Northside's fifth annual summer technology conference, eCamp 2008, was held last week at Stevens High School. Northside teachers, librarians, counselors, and administrators were able to select from a rich menu of 130 workshops, provided by CITs, Technology Services staff, and NISD teachers. Over the three-day period, approximately 2,546 session participants learned more about how to use technology to differentiate instruction and engage students in learning.

Campus Participation Up by 32% at Digital Media Fair 2008!
More than 800 Northside students, representing 66 campuses, were recently cheered on by family, friends, and teachers as they accepted their awards at the sixth annual "Digi Awards!" Over 1,089 exemplary entries were received this year. Students from across the District and across all grade levels were eligible to submit work in nearly 100 different categories, recognizing and celebrating their work in the creation of digital media products (video animation, digital graphics, web publishing, desktop publishing, etc.) connected to school studies and learning. Student projects were judged on their content, originality, purpose, age-appropriate complexity, graphic design, technical quality, copyright compliance, and grammar and spelling (if applicable). Dr. John Folks, Dr. Linda Mora, Kelly Smith, and Joyce Stevens were on hand to present medals and trophies and to congratulate the happy winners.

May 29, 2008

Technology Services Employee Recognition Program
As part of our department's Employee Recognition Program, Technology Services is pleased to announce third quarter 2007-08 individual and team award recipients! Read all about these outstanding staff members at http://www.nisd.net/technology/recognition.htm . Honorees receive certificates and are recognized via the Technology Services website, the "Wall of Fame" at NLC Building D, and an e-mail to all Technology Services staff, Cabinet, Directors, and Principals. Congratulations to all!

April 18, 2008

eCamp 2008 Program
All Northside ISD employees are invited to gather 'round the "cyber campfire" at eCamp 2008, to be held
June 9-11 at Stevens High School! This District-wide summer technology conference will include professional
development sessions for all knowledge-level computer users. Over 145 sessions will be offered during this three day
event. 38 sessions have already filled up after the first week of registration! For more information and to register, please follow the eCamp link on the NISD intranet

April 9, 2008

District Technology Plan Approved by TEA
We have received notice that our 2008-2011 Technology Plan has been approved by the Texas Education Agency. This is excellent news, since approval is required in order to receive technology-related federal funds (E-Rate, Title II Part D, etc.) under the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act.

Our plan is consistent with the goals of the NISD Strategic Plan, the Technology Bond Program, the Texas Long-Range Plan for Technology, NCLB, and the Schools and Libraries Universal Service Support (i.e. E-Rate) Program. The plan underwent a regional peer review and approval by ESC Region 20 prior to being reviewed and approved by TEA.

Software Inventories / Audits (in conjunction with Technology Bond Deployments and Active Directory Migration)
Periodic software inventories / audits are essential when it comes to following the letter of the law and software licensing agreements. Technology Services is conducting software inventories / audits in conjunction with Campus Technology Bond Deployments and the Active Directory (AD) Migration. As predicted (and understandable), this change can cause consternation for users if they feel that they are "losing software" and do not understand the legal rationale and ramifications. Information on this topic has been shared with Cabinet, Principals, and campus staff. Detailed information is also published on our web site at http://www.nisd.net/technology/projects.htm .

April 4, 2008

Technology Literacy Assessment Pilot
Eighth grade students at Jordan Middle School have been selected to participate in the Texas Education Agency’s new online Technology Literacy Assessment Pilot. The online assessment takes approximately 50 minutes to complete and will measure students’ technology proficiencies in accordance with the Technology Applications Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and the No Child Left Behind Goals for Enhancing Education Through Technology.

Although Jordan is the only Northside campus included in the state’s pilot, we hope to be able to administer the same online assessment to students at other interested middle school campuses through a local initiative. Utilizing a common assessment will help campuses and districts improve how the Technology Applications curriculum is taught in middle school, guide professional development efforts, strengthen efforts to purposefully infuse technology into the curriculum, and better individualize instruction for all students.

March 25, 2008

Digital Media Fair Coming Soon!
Mark your calendars: This year's annual "Digi Awards" will be held at Warren High School on May 21 (elementary) and May 22 (secondary). The program begins at 6:00 PM, with refreshments following the ceremony. Trophies and medals will be awarded in nearly 100 different categories to Northside students, recognizing and celebrating their work in the creation of digital media products connected to school studies and learning. Student projects may be submitted January 22, 2008 through April 1, 2008. Visit http://www.nisd.net/cmptecww/mediafair for more information.

March 7, 2008

Technology Services Employee Recognition Program
As part of our department's Employee Recognition Program, Technology Services is pleased to announce second quarter 2007-08 individual and team award recipients! Read all about these outstanding staff members at www.nisd.net/technology/recognition.htm . Honorees receive certificates and are recognized via the Technology Services website, the "Wall of Fame" at NLC Building D, and an e-mail to all Technology Services staff, Cabinet, Directors, and Principals. Congratulations to all!

February 19, 2008

Web-based Textbook Management System Will Help Campuses
Administrators at Marshall, Rawlinson, and Hatchett are currently testing a new online textbook management system that is expected to launch district-wide in the fall. The system, TIPWeb from Hayes Software, includes a number of features and reports that streamline textbook management for both campuses and the District Textbook Office. For example, campuses can see their textbook inventories online and order textbooks as needed, based on student enrollment and other factors. The system streamlines shipping and receiving operations so that textbooks can get into the hands of students faster. Secondary campuses have the capability to check textbooks in and out more efficiently, using a handheld scanner and barcodes that are placed on each textbook. Knowing what textbooks are still outstanding in a timelier manner at the end of the year will enable campuses to improve collections for lost textbooks.

Training for campus administrators and their administrative support personnel on the use of the new system is planned for May and August, as well as throughout the year as needed. The new system, including servers and software, was funded by an Improvement Package approved by the Board last spring.

January 11, 2008

Technology Committee Meeting
The Technology Committee met on Thursday morning this week and the attached information packet was discussed. There is lots of excitement and some positive media attention already regarding #1 and #2!

1. Technology Changes for Brandeis High School, Vale Middle School, and Forester Elementary School
2. Personal Laptops on the District’s Wireless Network
3. NISD 2008-2011 Technology Plan (Draft)

Anytime, Anywhere Information
Northside students, teachers, and families district-wide logged 4,049,731hits to Britannica Online School Edition in 2007. This represents an average of 337,477 pages accessed per month. This great resource, just one of many online database collections provided in Northside, includes full text articles, web links, videos, images, learning materials and teacher resources. Visit http://library.nisd.net/Library/Resources/Online%20Databases.htm for more information about other district-wide online databases for research and information acquisition purposes.

December 14, 2007
Technology Committee Agenda
Attached is the agenda for the Technology Committee meeting on Thursday, January 10, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. in the Superintendent’s Office.

CMS Usage High
Teachers’ use of the Curriculum Management System (CMS) to access student data and instructional resources remains strong! Even with time off for the Thanksgiving break, teachers visited the site 30,738 times in November and collectively spent 5,297 hours using this powerful resource. The following table provides usage data by campus level:

CMS November Usage Data

# of Visits

# of Hours

High School Total
11,338

2,092

Middle School Total
9,984

1,728

Elementary School Total
8,997

1,378

Special School Total
417

100

TOTALS
30,736

5,297

December 7, 2007

Employee Recognition Program
As part of our department's Employee Recognition Program, Technology Services is pleased to announce first quarter 2007-08 individual and team award recipients! Read all about these outstanding staff members at http://www.nisd.net/technology/recognition.htm . Honorees receive certificates and are recognized via the Technology Services website, the "Wall of Fame" at NLC Building D, and an e-mail to all Technology Services staff, Cabinet, Directors, and Principals. Congratulations to all!

Parents to See More Information Online
We are excited to be able to pilot two new components in NISD’s popular Parent Connection: student discipline data and online cafeteria payments. The student discipline component will be piloted with parents of students at Clark, Rawlinson and Locke Hill beginning January 22. Online cafeteria payments will soon follow, beginning with NISD employees who are parents of students at Jefferson, Galm, Holmes, Jones, and Meadow Village. Parents will be receiving letters in the mail soon with additional details.

November 2, 2007
Interested in Taking Technology Classes?
Technology Training & Development provides nearly 50 free classes each semester for general employee audiences. Trustees are also welcome to join in the learning and fun! Friendly instructors offer everything from beginning word processing to advanced graphics and animation, with everything in between. Review the schedule at http://www.nisd.net/technology/training/courses/index.htm#training to find classes that suit your needs and interests. You may call Elizabeth Langer (397-8119) or Sandy Roe (397-8666) to reserve your spot in any of these classes.

Projects-at-a-Glance
A new addition to the Technology Services web site is a Projects-at-a-Glance document. This document provides a high-level view of current projects and will be updated whenever adjustments are made to projected timelines or new projects are added. Check it out at http://www.nisd.net/technology/project_glance.pdf .

September 7, 2007

Parent Connection Provides New Features
Over the summer, several enhancements were made to Northside’s Parent Connection (www.nisd.net/parentconnection) to make the web site even more convenient for users. For example:

Parents now have the ability to access the records of multiple children through one single login.

Parents can set up email and text message “triggers” so that they will be notified if a grade falls below a particular level, or their child has excessive absences or tardies.

Direct teacher email links are now provided.

More than one account can be set up for a single student so that, for example, a mother, father, and student can have their own unique views and triggers.

Parents can now directly access Northside’s Curriculum Management System (CMS) without having to log in separately. The Curriculum Management System contains students’ current and historical academic records, longitudinal enrollment information, and test data.

Parent Connection is a great way for parents to stay on top of their child’s daily progress. Many times, the parent can intervene before little problems become big problems since they can access grade and attendance information so quickly. We encourage all parents to use Parent Connection, day or night, at their convenience, to stay informed.

August 24, 2007
Topic at CAHS Retreat
Kelly Smith and Joyce Stevens were the featured speakers last Friday at the Communications Arts High School faculty retreat. Their topic was Growing Up in the Light: Meeting the Challenges of Gifted Students with Technology. You may be interested in viewing their presentation (intranet only, at http://intranet.northside.isd.tenet.edu/InstructionalTech/CAHS2/CAHS1.ppt ), as it contains nearly 20 examples of NISD high school student work (blogs, videos, podcasts, interactive animations, etc.). The ideas and concepts presented and discussed apply not only to gifted students, but really to all 21st century learners.

A few of the student products are in a format that may require you to download the Shockwave browser plugin at http://www.adobe.com/shockwave/download/download.cgi? .

June 8, 2007
eCamp 2007 : NISD Staff Gathers 'Round the Digital Campfire!
Northside's fourth annual summer technology conference, eCamp 2007, was held this week at Stevens High School. Northside teachers, librarians, counselors, and administrators were able to select from a rich menu of 119 workshops, provided by 98 different presenters (primarily CITs and Technology Services staff). Over the three-day period, approximately 2,200 session participants learned more about how to use technology to engage students and differentiate instruction. The eCamp 2007 program is attached.

June 1, 2007
Kudos to Staff!
As part of the department's Employee Recognition Program, Technology Services is pleased to announce third quarter 2006-07 individual and team award recipients! Read all about these outstanding staff members at www.nisd.net/technology/recognition.htm . Honorees receive certificates and are recognized via the Technology Services website, the "Wall of Fame" at NLC Building D, and an e-mail to all Technology Services staff, Cabinet and Directors. Congratulations to all!

Techno Savvy Students Shine at the Fifth Annual Digi Awards!
More than 850 Northside students, representing 50 campuses, were recently cheered on by family, friends, and teachers as they accepted their awards at the fifth annual "Digi Awards!" This Digital Media Fair event recognizes and celebrates student work created through the use of technology. Dr. Linda Mora, Kelly Smith, and Joyce Stevens were on hand to present medals, trophies, and certificates and to congratulate the happy winners. More than 75 first place projects were showcased during the event, held in the Warren High School auditorium on the evenings of May 23 and 24.

Over 1,135 entries were received for this year’s Digital Media Fair. Students from across the District and across all grade levels were eligible to submit work in 14 categories and 3 large team categories ranging from desktop publishing to video animation and web publishing. Student projects were judged on their content, originality, purpose, age-appropriate complexity, graphic design, technical quality, copyright compliance, and grammar and spelling (if applicable).

May 18, 2007

Book Mobile Fosters Summer Reading!
The San Antonio Public Library has selected the Murnin Elementary parking lot as a summer Book Mobile stop. This is a fabulous opportunity for our students and families, as there is not a public library close by in that area. The Book Mobile will come every three weeks from 1:00-4:00 and bring about 2,500 books. If families go online, they can also make requests for specific books and audio/visual materials to be brought for the next visit. The Murnin Book Mobile dates are June 20, July 11, August 1, and August 22.

May 11, 2007

Hewlett-Packard "Purchase Edge" Program
Twenty-nine new laser printers will be distributed to four campuses this summer - at no cost to the district! This is possible due to our participation in the H-P Purchase Edge Program and will result in a savings of $35,148.

The H-P Purchase Edge Program allows Northside to accumulate points by purchasing printing supplies through approved and awarded vendors. These points can then be used to acquire H-P products at no cost. Since joining the program in May 2005, Northside has accumulated 270,623 Purchase Edge points.

The campuses receiving the printers this summer are Oak Hills Terrace, Jefferson, Driggers, and Aue. The printers come with a 3-year extended warranty.

April 25, 2007

Northside to Become First District in Bexar County to go Wireless
Northside ISD will become the first district in Bexar County to go completely wireless, giving students, teachers, and staff access to the Internet anywhere and any time at all campuses. (more...)

April 13, 2007

Cafeterias Getting More High Tech!
The Child Nutrition and Technology Services departments have begun piloting a Point of Sale (POS) system this week in school cafeterias to replace the current food line terminal /mainframe system. This new system has the potential to offer several enhanced services and efficiencies to NISD students, staff, and parents.

The POS system uses a "touch screen" similar to the ones used at McDonald's, Wendy's, etc. When a student goes through the breakfast or lunch line with his/her unique student ID number, the cashier will be able to process the student in only three to four seconds - three times faster than the current system. The cashier will also be able to get food allergy alerts on particular students via a pop up window, view spending limitations set by parents, and eventually see a photo of each student. The new system will enable Cafeteria Managers to monitor cashier stations at any given time and interfaces with the "back of the house" food warehouse inventory system. The new system will eventually interface with Parent Connection, to provide parents with information on what their child purchased each day, as well as enable them to make online payments to the cafeteria.

The schools piloting this new system include Holmes HS, Anson Jones MS, Mary Hull ES, Passmore ES and Meadow Village ES. The Holmes and Jones environment will be wireless, giving them the option to set up a POS station outside of the serving line (e.g., courtyard) at will.

Assuming that the pilot is successful, other schools will be added during the next year.

April 5, 2007
Digital Media Fair
Please join us on May 23 and 24 at Warren High School at 6:00 p.m., where trophies and medals will be awarded to over 240 Northside students recognizing and celebrating their work in the creation of digital media products connected to school studies and learning. Student projects at all grade levels and all campuses may be submitted January 16 through April 9 for consideration. Visit http://www.nisd.net/cmptecww/mediafair for more information.

eCamp (intranet only)
All Northside ISD employees are invited to come gather 'round the "cyber campfire" at eCamp 2007, to be held June 5-7 at Stevens High School! This District-wide summer technology conference will include professional development sessions for all knowledge-level computer users. Over 120 sessions will be offered during this three day event. Follow the link on the NISD intranet for more information and to register.

March 9, 2007

Technology Services Employee Recognition Program
As part of the department's Employee Recognition Program, Technology Services is pleased to announce second quarter 2006-07 individual and team award recipients! Read all about these outstanding staff members at http://www.nisd.net/technology/recognition.htm . Honorees receive certificates and are recognized via the Technology Services website, the "Wall of Fame" at NLC Building D, and an e-mail to all Technology Services staff, Cabinet and Directors. Congratulations to all!

February 7, 2007

Conference Presentation Highlights Technology Immersion at BCHS
Educators from across the state had an opportunity this week to hear about some of the great new things happening at Business Careers High School! Kelly Smith, Gerri Berger, and Joyce Stevens presented "Taking the Lead with Laptops: Wireless 1:1 Initiative" at the Texas Computer Education Association's state conference in Austin. The 90-minute session was very popular and well received by the audience. You may view the presentation online at http://www.nisd.net/technology/tcea07/bchs.ppt .

Technology Committee
The notes (pending approval) from the February 5 committee meeting are attached. Also included from the meeting are:
1. The slideshow presentation
2. Our self-assessment related to the recommendations contained in the Texas Long-Range Plan for Technology 2006-2020 (The district is in very good shape!)
3. Status report on the NISD/Elert Technology Master Plan 2002-2012 (Almost everything is complete!)
4. Internet safety and filtering information
5. Information on safe image searches on the Internet
6. Technology Services organization chart

January 12, 2007

Technology Committee Agenda
Attached is the agenda for the Technology Committee meeting on Monday, February 5, 2007 at 3:00 p.m. in the Board Room.

Electronic Gradebook Update
As you may know, the district-wide implementation of the Gradespeed elementary gradebook this school year has been very successful. Plans are now underway to expand this solution to all middle schools and high schools, beginning in August 2007. The new product will be a major improvement for teachers, in terms of performance, ease of use, accessibility, and functionality. Training will be provided to all educators, beginning in July. The Secondary Gradebook Committee, comprised of staff from campuses, Administration, Instruction, and Technology, continues to meet frequently to provide leadership, direction and support for this exciting initiative.

Online Testing Update
The Texas assessment program continues to expand its use of computer-administered testing. Online testing has advantages such as easier data capture and data management, a more motivating test environment for students, and reduced material handling requirements for test administrative staff. However, it does create some challenges for districts in terms of logistics (e.g., lack of computer access, scheduling, etc.) and technology infrastructure preparation (e.g., configuring servers and workstations, installing secure testing software, etc.). According to TEA, within three years it is possible that some of the state assessments will be administered exclusively online.

To date, NISD has been very successful in its small-scale online testing efforts. We continue to gradually expand our online testing program, with current plans for online testing this spring as follows:

February 20: Grade 10 ELA TAKS, Business Careers only, all 10th graders.

March 5-30: RPTE II Field Testing, Grades 2-12, 69 campuses. Campuses will be given a one week window to schedule the test, to be completed in 1-2 days.

April 9-13: Grade 8 Social Studies TAKS, Rawlinson (457 students) and Pease (391 students) only; Grade 10 Social Studies TAKS, Business Careers only, all 10th graders.

April 23-May 18: End-of-Course Field Testing, Biology and Geometry; 6 campuses, 300 students each location.

The Online Testing Committee, comprised of staff from Instruction and Technology, continues to meet frequently to provide leadership, direction and support for this ongoing initiative.

December 4, 2006

United Streaming - Top Videos & Top Views

The report is in for the most popular streaming videos, delivered straight to the computer desktop, from August through mid-November. Over the three month period from August to October, there were nearly 50,000 views of United Streaming video clips and content. The top four high schools in usage statistics were Taft, Stevens, Marshall, and O'Connor, the top four middle schools were Rawlinson, Luna, Stevenson, and Connally, the top four elementary schools were Murnin, Valley Hi, Northwest Crossing, and Beard, and from the Special Schools, the highest usage statistics were at Holmgreen Center.

Among the campuses with the highest total views for August were: Stevenson MS - 246, Jordan MS - 217, Lewis ES - 212, Stevens HS - 205, Rawlinson MS - 175; for September were: Rawlinson - 1269, Stevens HS - 777, Northwest Crossing - 634, Valley Hi - 546, Taft HS - 503; for October were: Taft HS - 1525, Murnin - 1518, Luna ES - 1111, Stevens HS - 1079, Connally - 810.

Here are a couple of samples at the secondary level: Events Leading Up to War [The Revolutionary War Series] and Making the Thirteen Colonies [New England Colonies]. At the elementary level, these were a few of the most frequently accessed videos: Closer Look at the Moon [A Space Science Series], Africa: People and Places, and U.S. Celebrations.

It's wonderful to see our campuses making such great use of technology-infused instsructional materials which directly support the TEKS!

Recognition
As part of our department's Employee Recognition Program, Technology Services is pleased to announce first quarter 2006-07 individual and team award recipients! Read all about these outstanding staff members at http://www.nisd.net/technology/recognition.htm . Honorees receive certificates and are recognized via the Technology Services website, the "Wall of Fame" at NLC Building D, and an e-mail to all Technology Services staff, Cabinet and Directors. Congratulations to all!

October 26, 2006

Quick Technology Updates
As always, there's a lot going on in Northside with regard to technology! Here are a few updates that may interest you:

This week we worked with department directors and Cabinet to kick off the district Data Warehouse Initiative. The data warehouse will support decision making and information management throughout our district and departments and campuses. In other words, the data warehouse will provide the building blocks that enable staff to get the right information at the right time in order to do the right thing!

Also this month, we have begun the process of selecting a new Business/HR Information Management System, in collaboration with Mr. Torres and Mr. Miller. A robust business/HR system will provide school and district administrators and support staff with the ability to easily access and manage both summary and detailed fiscal and employee information.

In recent weeks we have also begun the process of selecting an Enterprise Document Management System. This system - the first of its kind in Northside - will provide school and district administrators and support staff with the ability to securely track, store, retrieve, and manage electronic documents and images.

Administrators are invited to join Academic Technology Services on November 1 for the Technology Puzzle, an update on educational technology in Northside. Breakfast or lunch will be provided. See the attached flyer for more information! You need not register - just come on by!

We have been fortunate to have the opportunity to share lots of technology-related information in three different segments of InsideNorthsideRadio. Visit the radio show link on the Northside homepage to hear about new technology being used throughout the district, Internet safety, and the BCHS Laptop Initiative.

September 20, 2006

Recognition
As part of our department's Employee Recognition Program, Technology Services is pleased to announce fourth quarter 2005-06 individual and team award recipients! Read all about these outstanding staff members at http://www.nisd.net/technology/recognition.htm . Honorees receive certificates and are recognized via the Technology Services website, the "Wall of Fame" at NLC Building D, and an e-mail to all Technology Services staff, Cabinet and Directors. Congratulations to all!

Shared Vision
Technology Services is made up of a diverse group of 134 staff members from six different service areas. Over the past several months, we have worked together to develop and articulate a compelling shared vision for our organization. This shared vision represents who we are and what we do. It is our guiding image for success. It helps create a culture in Technology Services that brings us together for the common good and values the full and effective participation of all staff. Visit http://www.nisd.net/technology/shared_vision.jpg to see our new shared vision graphic!

September 1, 2006

Quick Technology Updates

As always, there's a lot going on in Northside with regard to technology! Here are a few updates that may interest you:

The new district-wide Elementary Gradebook was officially launched on August 21! Training was provided to 2,834 teachers, 165 administrators, and 57 Attendance Secretaries prior to the first day of school. The gradebook is Web-based, so it may also be used from home if Internet access is available. Besides recording grades and attendance, educators may also view important information such as parent contacts, special programs, and TAKS mastery that is automatically included in the gradebook. Teachers may also record information such as textbook numbers, field trip permission, and tutoring groups in the gradebook. Overall, this new tool is overwhelmingly popular and its implementation has been very smooth.

NISD's popular Parent Connection (http://www.nisd.net/parentconnection ) will soon have a new look and offer additional information for parents! Beginning September 12, parents of students in grades one through twelve will have real-time online access to:

their child's daily grades and attendance records for the 2006-07 school year, directly from teachers' gradebooks

their child's longitudinal enrollment and academic data, directly from the District Curriculum Management System (school enrollment, total days absent, course enrollment and teachers, course credits and cycle grades, TAKS and other standardized assessment results)

important news and announcements especially for parents

In the three weeks prior to school, 5,481 teachers and 330 administrators participated in a refresher course in using the Curriculum Management System (CMS). The CMS was updated in July and now is even more user-friendly so that educators can analyze student performance data and access curriculum in order to increase student success. Instructional units lesson plans, and other teaching resources will be added to the system this fall to help teachers be even more successful in the classroom.

As you may know from news reports, there is a recall on some models of Dell laptop batteries due to fire hazard concerns. There are approximately 147 batteries in NISD that may be affected. Technology Services has registered all possibly affected batteries with Dell and replacements have been ordered. We are working to quickly identify the specific users/locations of the affected batteries. Once identified, each user will be contacted and arrangements made for a technician to swap out the affected battery. In addition, users may go online to determine whether or not their battery is affected (instructions are posted on the intranet at http://intranet.northside.isd.tenet.edu/pdf/dellrecall.pdf ). If their battery is affected, users may submit a Technology Work Order to get the battery replaced. Batteries should not be used while awaiting a replacement. However, the laptop may be used with the AC adapter power cord originally provided with the laptop. Trustees' batteries from district-provided laptops are NOT included in the recall.

July 28, 2006

Business Careers High School Update

The wireless one-to-one laptop initiative at Business Careers High School continues to move forward as planned! Since our last update in March, we are pleased to report the following activities:

Several writing teams, made up of BCHS teachers, high school CITs, and C.O. staff, worked all through the month of June developing technology-infused activities, projects, lesson plans, and instructional materials for ninth and tenth grade social studies, ninth and tenth grade English, and all business and technology courses.

All BCHS teachers and administrators participated in a week-long “Wireless Retreat” the last week of June (see attached photos). The goal of the retreat was to help BCHS educators understand, teach, and motivate digital learners. Staff members received their laptops and accessories, as well as training, tools, tips, tutorials, and strategies for success! Monthly follow-up staff development sessions are planned for the 2006-07 school year.

Preparations are well underway for students to receive their laptops and learn the basics of care and use of the laptops during two-hour Student Orientation sessions on August 10, 11, 15. Parents are also invited to attend these sessions with their children!
Wireless connectivity has been installed and is operational throughout all BCHS classrooms and teacher workrooms, as well as the Holmes/BCHS library, cafeteria, auditorium and selected outdoor areas.

740 laptops (Gateway M465-E) were ordered, received and imaged with the BCHS software set. A specialized electronic inventory control process has been developed to track the laptops. Carrying cases for students and staff have also been selected and received.

BCHS classrooms and work areas have been readied for the start of school (digital projectors, printers, laptop carts, battery charging stations, technology support service room modifications, computer lab workstations repurposed to Holmes classrooms, etc.).

Two of three evening Parent Orientation sessions have been held where parents and students learned more about the laptop program and how it will work. The last parent session will be August 3rd.

All in all, this initiative has created a lot of excitement, positive energy, and activity among everyone involved, particularly the 580+ students that plan to attend BCHS in the fall!

July 21, 2006

Use of Textbook Funds

In response to a request by State Board of Education Chairwoman Geraldine “Tincy” Miller, Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott issued an opinion that prohibits the use of textbook funds to purchase computer hardware and other equipment. “Funds set aside for textbooks, including electronic textbooks, must be used exclusively for the purpose of conveying information, including curriculum content, to students, and such funds may not be used for the purchase of hardware or other equipment defined as “technological equipment,” said Abbott. Some of the legislators were pushing the use of textbook funds for technology purposes and the State Board was opposed to this action.

It's important to note that this decision does not limit us to the purchase of "just books." The AG states that "textbook" is defined as "a book, a system of instructional materials, or a combination of a book and supplementary instructional materials that conveys information to the student or otherwise contributes to the learning process, or an electronic textbook." In Northside, we believe that online instructional materials can definitely enrich the learning experience (e.g. more interactive, engaging, relevant, up-to-date, etc.) and use these types of materials when possible and appropriate.

We also believe in increasing access to technology for students (e.g. mobile wireless laptop carts, computers in classrooms and libraries, etc.). Fortunately, our Superintendent, Board, and voters support the use of bond funds and other local funds to purchase hardware for student use. If that wasn't the case, the AG's ruling might have been difficult for us!

July 10, 2006

Technology Services Employee Recognition Program

As part of our department's Employee Recognition Program, Technology Services is pleased to announce third quarter 2005-06 individual and team award recipients! Read all about these outstanding staff members at www.nisd.net/technology/recognition.htm. Honorees receive certificates and are recognized via the Technology Services website, the "Wall of Fame" at NLC Building D, and an e-mail to all Technology Services staff. Congratulations to all!

Executive Summary Progress Report, District Strategic Improvement Plan 2005-06 Major Activities
Presented to the Board, June 27, 2006

June 15, 2006

eCamp 2006 : Engaged Digital Learning for NISD Staff!

Northside's third annual summer technology conference, eCamp 2006, was held during the first week of June at Stevens High School. Northside teachers, librarians, counselors, administrators and paraprofessional staff were able to select from a rich menu of 160 workshops. Over the three-day period, nearly 1,800 session participants were engaged in digital learning!

Below is a brief selection of class titles with participant feedback:

Science Safari
"I learned different ways to address science TEKS using technology; ideas for using technology to enhance science instruction!"
Lights, Camera, Science!
"I learned how to add pictures and sound to a PowerPoint presentation and how to use this with an astronomy lesson."
American History Websites
"I learned so many helpful online teaching aids that will increase student interest in history!"
No Fear Computer Basics
"Most helpful was the CD burner. I never knew how easy it was to burn a CD. I have never burned a CD before, and now I know!"
Around the Earth in 90 Minutes (Google Earth)
"I learned how to travel everywhere without using any gas; how to fly to a destination; how to request directions; how to set up a site seeing tour, etc."
Digital Books
"I learned about all kinds of ways we can incorporate the video camera in the classroom, making e-books, book walks, use as a center tool, etc."
Make Your Photos tell a PhotoStory
"I learned to make videos for curricular impact - how to build/write/publish a story from pictures; that I still have so much to learn - but this is so much fun and do-able!"
Mail Merge Masterpieces
"I learned how to use CMS data or any Excel documents to create mail merge certificates, labels, how to use logos, and how to format data."
Claymation: It's Not just for Kids!
"I learned how to create an animated PowerPoint using Claymation; how to incorporate different facets of the curriculum using Claymation."
Creating Virtual Field Trips
"I learned how to reach outside the classroom and expose students to the world by using MovieMaker to create virtual field trips."
I Love Tests: Online Assessment with United Streaming
"I learned how to create quizzes on United Streaming and how to add video to the quizzes; this is going to be very useful!"

June 9, 2006

Curriculum Management System Usage

The attached report reflects 30 weeks of usage statistics for the Curriculum Management System (CMS), from the end of October through the end of May. The data indicates that an average of 3,299 educators visited the site weekly throughout the year, spending an average of 18 minutes per visit and viewing an average of 157 pages of information per visit. The CMS was highly available, with absolutely no unscheduled down time during this time period.

The CMS contains students’ current and historical academic records (cycle grades and attendance, course credits, etc.), longitudinal enrollment information, standardized assessment data, and benchmark assessment data. This data is used by educators to make instructional decisions in order to help every student achieve academic success. Next year, the CMS will also contain a vast amount of NISD curricular and instructional timelines, units, materials, and resources.

June 2, 2006

Students Shine at the Fourth Annual Digi Awards!

More than 315 Northside students, representing 50 campuses, were recently cheered on by family, friends, and teachers as they accepted their awards at the fourth annual "Digi Awards!" This Digital Media Fair event recognizes and celebrates student work created through the use of technology. Dr. Folks, Karen Freeman, and Kelly Smith were on hand to present trophies and medals and to congratulate the happy winners. More than 70 first place projects were showcased during the event held in the Warren High School auditorium.

Over 1,060 entries were received for this year’s Digital Media Fair. Students from across the District and across all grade levels were eligible to submit work in 11 categories ranging from desktop publishing to animated digital video and web publishing. Student projects were judged on their originality, purpose, content, age-appropriate complexity, graphic design, technical quality, copyright compliance, and grammar and spelling (if applicable).

May 12, 2006

Web Warning

MySpace continues to be in the news almost daily. Parents, educators, and law enforcement officials are concerned - often with good reason - about the use of MySpace and similar social networking websites by children and teens. Social networkingwebsites offer an interactive network of photos, blogs (online journals), user profiles, groups, and e-mail to users. The increasing use of social networking sites, particularly by our middle school and high school students, has the potential to put them in danger. Unwanted contacts from strangers pose a new digital-age threat, as students post pictures and information to network with existing friends and meet new friends. Students may share information directly, not thinking about the implications of predators - or they may inadvertently share information via a photo in front of their school or a photo with a school jersey or spirit attire.

To help protect children from the dangers of social networking, Northside ISD is taking the following steps:
Offering a web resource, Social Networking Web Warning, at www.nisd.net/webwarning, to help educate parents about the risks associated with social networking sites. This site shares online news articles and video clips on this hot topic, as well as an online collection of parental advice, tips, and guidelines.
Continuing to block social networking sites such as MySpace from our District computers
Adding a social networking component to our annual student Acceptable Use training
Continuing to take the opportunity to discuss these issues at parent and community meetings and inform parents through Lessons, the NISD Website, Parent Connection, etc.

NISD’s eCamp 2006

All NISD employees and Trustees are invited to come gather 'round the "Cyber-Campfire" at Stevens High School on June 6, 7 and 8 for NISD's eCamp 2006! This annual summer technology conference will include over 160 technology professional development sessions for all knowledge-level users. To find out more and register online, you may visit http://pave2.pavenet.org:591/ecamp/index.htm# . Please see the attached flyer for more information.

April 27, 2006

The minutes of the April 20 Technology Committee meeting, as well as the presentation made at the meeting, are attached.

April 7, 2006

Digital Media Fair

Approximately 2,000 entries were received this week for the 4th Annual NISD Digital Media Fair! The purpose of the Digital Media Fair is to recognize and celebrate students’ work throughout the year in the creation of digital media products connected to school learning. Through the creation of digital media, students learn to think imaginatively, communicate and express themselves creatively, become excited about learning, and acquire and practice important visual literacy skills. Mark your calendars for May 24 and 25, 6:00 p.m., for this year's “Digi Awards” at Warren High School. Trophies and medals will be awarded to approximately 240 Northside students. Please visit http://www.nisd.net/cmptecww/mediafair for more information.

March 31, 2006

United Streaming Update

The District implemented United Streaming, a digital video-on-demand product from Discovery Education, last October. This resource has proved to be a very popular tool for teachers and students! 3,368 different videos have been viewed - most of them multiple times - in six months, resulting in 110,844 "total views." Usage statistics are reported by district, by campus, and by video.

United Streaming is a research-based instructional resource that is used to engage students in enriched learning experiences for student success. It includes over 4,000 full length educational videos, 40,000 video content clips, 18,000 images, and a variety of teacher materials. All media and materials are aligned to TEKS, updated daily, and delivered to the computer desktop (video may be downloaded or "streamed" live). Not only can this content be used by all NISD educators, but it can also be used by students in the creation of their own digital media connected to their learning. Professional development is offered for all teachers, campus technologists, librarians, and administrators on the use of this tool for teaching and learning.

Technology Services Employee Recognition Program

As part of our department's Employee Recognition Program, Technology Services is pleased to announce second quarter 2005-06 individual and team award recipients! Read all about these outstanding staff members at www.nisd.net/technology/recognition.htm. Honorees receive certificates and are recognized via the Technology Services website, the "Wall of Fame" at NLC Building D, and an e-mail to all Technology Services staff. Congratulations to all!

March 3, 2006

Quick Technology Updates

As always, there’s a lot going on in Northside with regard to technology! Here are a few updates that may interest you:

Thanks to bond funds, 100% of NISD campuses will have Windows XP as their computer operating system by the end of April! A project to upgrade the last several “non-XP” schools, consisting of some elementary and special campuses, is currently underway. This is a big milestone for the District, as we have had a mixture of Windows ‘95, Windows ’98, and Windows XP for several years. A uniform operating system offers many advantages for instruction, teacher training, and technology support.

The wireless one-to-one laptop initiative at Business Careers High School for 2006-07 is well underway! Recent activities include forming curriculum writing teams, developing a professional development plan for teachers, releasing RFPs for the laptops and infrastructure equipment, planning student and teacher focus groups to assist in the selection of the laptops and backpacks, recruiting students, and planning student and parent orientations. In addition, a group from BCHS, Curriculum & Instruction, and Technology Services recently visited Pleasanton ISD and Irving ISD to learn more about their student laptop implementations.

Teachers from 65 campuses recently received training in using the Curriculum Management System to access and utilize benchmark assessment data. The training took place on the February 17 Early Release day and the February 20 Staff Development day and received rave reviews from participants, who are using the benchmark data to individualize instruction and increase student achievement. Similar customized training has also been provided for campus administrators and counselors. All other campuses will receive this training on the April 7 Early Release day.

After many months of research, gathering campus input, and refining requirements, Elementary Instruction and Technology Services recently released an RFP for an Elementary Electronic Gradebook. The gradebook will be implemented at all elementary schools in August, 2006 for teachers in grades one through five. A Parent Connection component will be included.

February 10, 2006

Q.U.A.D. (Quality, Usable, Accurate Data) Workshops

Three hundred participants recently completed Q.U.A.D. staff development workshops, in a continuing effort to ensure the quality and accuracy of data in student and administrative information systems that guide decision-making! Sixteen sessions, led by 13 instructors from five departments, were provided February 1 – 3 at Taft High School. Some of the most heavily attended sessions were Resource Planning Updates, Purchasing and Accounts Payable Procedures, Special Ed Maintenance System Updates and Reviews, and TEA Auditing and Scheduling 2006-2007. Q.U.A.D. is designed primarily for staff members who are responsible for data entry into Region 20 (attendance secretaries, registrars, data processors/grade reporting secretaries, counseling secretary, etc.). Q.U.A.D. workshops are held every year in August, October, February, and April. For more information, please visit the Q.U.A.D. intranet site at http://intranet.northside.isd.tenet.edu/class/quad_workshops.php .

PAVE (Pathways to Advance Virtual Education) Update

Seventy-three NISD elementary teachers recently completed their coursework from Walden University to earn a Masters of Education Degree with a focus on Integrating Technology in the Classroom. A reception was held the evening of February 7 at the Northside Activity Center to recognize the graduates and celebrate their achievements. The keynote speaker was Dr. David Thornburg, a renowned researcher and provider of staff development in the areas of educational futures, multimedia, communications, and whole mind education. PAVE is a grant-funded program which also includes 38 middle school teachers and 20 high school teachers who will complete their coursework within the next 18 months.

Technology Town Hall

Technology Services hosted a very successful Town Hall meeting on February 8, especially for campus administrators, to discuss technology-related topics! Other Town Halls are planned for district administrators,