January+2012+Meeting+Notes

=January 2012 Meeting Notes=

The following items were discussed:

> GaDOE personnel led by Kathy Platt demonstrated the components in the Center for Classroom Innovation. There were many comments about the space encouraging student collaboration and student focused learning. Technologies included Interactive displays with the possibility of two-way distance learning, as well as furniture that was easily moved and arranged for student collaboration. Additionally, sheer walls allowed personnel to see students and therefore monitor, more appropriately, student behavior. There were some issues discussed including the size of the room (larger than a typical classroom--a typical classroom may not suffice for this type of environment), some visibility issues (as whiteboards did block the view of some of the students), and equipment costs in tight budget times. Overall, however, attendees thought it was a good example of collaborative spaces students should be encouraged to use in the future. Lynn Jackson from the Facilities Division was in attendance and offered that any input the group could offer would be welcome. > A "hard launch" was anticipated to showcase the Center to other stakeholders, but instead, it was decided that multiple smaller visits by district technology personnel accompanied by key stakeholders would work better. This will be scheduled after some students have utilized the space and have been recorded so visitors can see the space "in action". More information on the availability of scheduling visits will be forthcoming. Add to the discussion here. > Warren Goetzel presented a PowerPoint,, detailing Instructional Technology Staffing Guidelines. The group agreed that there is a definitive need for Instructional Technology personnel in each school. Funding, of course, is a major obstacle. It was determined that there would be no additional funding available. Without a plan to make these positions "pay for themselves" by increasing efficiencies in other areas (e.g. reduced staffing as proficiency in technology may allow for larger class sizes or reduction in administrative processes to free personnel to teach more classes), it would be difficult to make this a reality. Add to the discussion here. > Tabled until February Meeting > A discussion regarding how districts are integrating NETS-S prompted a discussion of the resources posted on GeorgiaStandards.org (GSO). Many districts indicated that they are using many of the resources posted on GSO and that some are better than others. Kathy Platt indicated that if interest in using these resources remains high, additional items may be added to address the 9-12 student population as most available now target K-12. > Tabled until February Meeting > The LDS systems is being utilized effectively by many districts. Others are becoming aware of its potential. It was discussed that GaDOE personnel were available to visit districts to do "face-to-face" training as requested. This has made the use of the tool much more successful in districts that have provided this opportunity to personnel. Additionally, more and more resources will be made available through the LDS portal, including OAS in the future. > Jill Hobson introduced Allison Cush and Jeff Lariscy who will transition into facilitation of the subcommittee as Jill has taken over responsibilities of program chair for the GaETC, requiring much of her time and attention. > Michael Huneke and Joe Blessing provided an update on OAS. There were requests from attendees that additional items be added to the question banks to further enhance the usefulness of the system. Due to a lack of funding, additional items will not be added quickly. Additionally, it was noted that Michael Huneke will be transitioning into the role as manager for the OAS system. > Jill Hobson provided the link to the new Wiki used to facilitate subcommittee communication. It is > http://gadoe-it-advisory.wikispaces.com/GADOE+IT+Advisory+Committee. > Discussions are under way with the University System to potentially connect K12 districts to the University Systems network(s) for Internet Access. There is no time frame available on this and the Statewide Network provided by AT&T will continue to serve districts throughout its contract.
 * Center for Classroom Innovation
 * School Instructional Technology Specialist Staffing Guidelines
 * Internet Safety and Internet Citizenship
 * NETS-S: District Updates
 * 21st Century Skills Assessment: District Updates
 * LDS: District Updates
 * GaDOE Instructional Technology Subcommittee Facilitation
 * Update on Georgia OAS
 * GaDOE Instructional Technology Subcommittee Wiki Site
 * Statewide K12 Network update