Too often, technology initiatives focus on the use of hardware, the latest websites, applications or software. In our digital age, the evolution of resources and sourcing of new ideas is an important aspect of 21st Century teaching and learning and will always be a part of professional development. However, true understanding and application in the classroom of foundational instructional technology tools will provide the structure to truly transform teaching and learning at all levels of Neenah Joint School District.

What are "foundational instructional technology" tools? There are four major components included in foundational applications including;

• Student Information System (SIS),
• Learning Management System (LMS)
• Productivity Software
• Data Warehouse

Together these four applications provide the digital foundation to transform the way teaching is delivered and learning happens through higher student engagement.

Student Information System (Infinite Campus)

NJSD uses Infinite Campus as our SIS. All public schools are required to implement a SIS as a tool for State reporting to Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI).

Learning Management System (Schoology)

NJSD uses Schoology as an LMS. A Learning Management System is a critical 21st Century service that provides many opportunities for staff to better engage students and build digital web-based resources. An LMS provides the digital structure for a virtual extension of the classroom now and into the future. Effective use of an LMS provides a resource to structure blended learning experiences, on-line threaded learning experiences and a connection to instruction and curriculum resources 24 hours a day.

Productivity Software (G Suite)

NJSD uses G Suite (formerly Google Apps for Education) as productivity software for students and staff. G-Suite includes, but is not limited to, applications such as a word processing tool (Google Docs), spreadsheets (Google Sheets), presentations (Google Slides), and a website building tool (Google Sites). These applications provide students and staff powerful, collaborative tools to accomplish many classroom tasks. G-Suite also integrates together with Schoology to provide a seamless educational environment.

Data Warehouse (eduCLIMBER)

eduCLIMBER is the Neenah Joint School District data warehouse. eduCLIMBER allows us to house formative and summative academic data in one environment to promote data-based decision making and secure sharing of student information among interested stakeholders. eduCLIMBER also provides a secure environment for confidential student forms, academic and behavioral intervention logging and data, meeting notes, and powerful data walls.

As NJSD continues to responsibly budget and plan to expand access for students through infrastructure, we know that decisions have to be made about the equipment and applications that provide access to information for all of our students and staff. However, we know that without appropriate curriculum and pedagogy, we will not maximize the potential of instructional technology. Leading with the “why” of great teaching and learning informs many of our next steps related to professional development and the future of instructional technology. Our future is about student learning and not the technology itself. Understanding this makes instructional technology a beginning that can ignite great teaching and learning. When implemented properly instructional technology integration creates a learning environment where students are more likely to experience motivating and engaging activities.