Vision21

As we progress through the FCSD Digital Learning Initiative, Vision21 will be used to provide a venue for communicating our goals, plans and vision for instructional technology here at the Fulton City School District. Some of the primary objectives of FCSD’s Digital Learning Objective is to provide instructional technology that is cost-effective, sustainable and above all, instructionally sound. The initiative began with a focus on providing all students with equitable access to technology through the introduction and implementation of Chromebooks in grades 3-12. This first phase is scheduled to be completed by the Fall of 2018. In addition, a preliminary plan was developed to incorporate Chrome OS touch-screen classroom stations with access to shared class sets of Chromebooks in all Pre K-2 rooms.

With the Chromebook project well underway, we have begun to investigate and pilot other standardized classroom instructional tools that fit within the district’s vision of finding efficiency and providing digital equity. Some of the exciting new technologies include:

Large format digital displays with incorporated Chrome OS devices which allow instructional staff to cast from anywhere in the room rather than being tethered to the board. Digital displays are significantly less-expensive, brighter and easier to maintain. Though they lack interactive touch-screen capability, they more than make up for this through casting and teacher mobility.

Touch-screen Chromebooks or small format Windows-based, touch-screen laptops for instructional staff. These will replace large format Windows laptops that are currently reliant upon docking station and wired technology. These devices will be introduced as current instructional staff laptops reach end-of-life. New touch-screen devices allow instructional staff the ability to roam classrooms, use touch-screen apps that mimic interactive whiteboard software, and take full advantage of the Google classroom environment.

Printing - Always a difficult yet responsible change. Moving toward a printing environment that is 100% digital is a reality but will be planned as a purposeful transition as we acclimate to a digital environment. A detailed plan will be provided over the next several weeks.

Other technologies - We are excited to share that we’re currently piloting several new and innovative technologies that will be shared with staff during our 2018 Summer professional development program. These include: Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Digital probes and Microscopes, Classroom digital collaboration centers, mini-document cameras and Robots….yes….Robots.

One of the most challenging aspects of instructional technology is finding the balance between innovation and cost-consciousness. As we move toward the above-mentioned technologies, all are provided through the maximization and full utilization of State-Aid, BOCES categorical Aid, BOCES Leases, Smart Schools Bond Act funds and the Federal E-Rate program. By using these programs and choosing technologies that are sustainable, efficient and effective, we expect to lower costs significantly over the next several years.

Stay tuned for more information over the next several weeks and feel free to reach out to share your thoughts, ideas and successes.