Goals - 2014-2015

2014-2015

Goal 1: Empower Exceptional Teaching, Learning and Leading with Technology

Empower--through modeling and guidance, support, and resource-sharing--how technology can redefine communication, creativity, collaboration, and critical-thinking & problem-solving skills (e.g. P21.org) beyond the bounds of the classroom and curriculum offices in collaboration with campus technology coordinators, and district curriculum directors and specialists.

Mid-Year Update: The District has adopted new powerful programs--Read/Write Workshop and Math Model--to transform teaching and learning. All campuses have committed--writing technology into their Campus Improvement Plans--to replacing past instructional approaches with technology-enhanced Reading/Writing Workshop and Math Model approaches. Furthermore, all obsolete computer labs have been replaced and now support state-mandated interventions and assessments. You can review Campus Commitments online at http://tinyurl.com/ecisdblueprint . Furthermore, two cohorts of Tech4Hornets Program were deployed pending equipment availability.

Goal 2: Enhance Network Infrastructure and Mobile Learning

Expand the District’s network connectivity and infrastructure to support wireless access across the District--along with timely technical support--to ensure connected learning experiences for students and staff, and expand support for mobile learning initiatives such as Bring Your Own Technology (BYOT), EC3 iPad Cohorts, eLearning (e.g. Edmodo), and video conferencing tools (e.g. desktop video and Texas Education Telecommunication Network (TETN)).

Mid-Year Update: The District is approaching the end of 2.5 year journey to replace 100% of obsolete networking infrastructure that have plagued network and Internet connections. From 64megabits per second to 1gigabit per second, 100% classroom WiFi access for mobile devices at grades 4-12 campuses (all of which support Bring Your Own Technology (BYOT)), with elementary campuses to be complete by Fall, 2015. This final push is accomplished with approximately $1.5 million in funding through the federal eRate program, saving the District hundreds of thousands of dollars in funding. eRate funding will be available in April, 2015 and upgrades of ALL network and internet equipment will take place Summer, 2015. Furthermore, over 95% of data on obsolete servers has been transitioned to new virtualized servers that are backed up according to the ECISD's disaster recovery plan.

Goal 3: Device Imaging and Integration

Design, image, and integrate all network and application software on end-user devices including desktops, laptops, tablets, eReaders, and all other devices that run on and connect to the network.

Mid-Year Update: To expand on the Mobile Device Management system--which allows remote management of iOS devices and Macintosh computers--the District is building capacity to better manage Windows devices (e.g. computers and tablets) that employ newer operating systems. To that end, it has invested in Dell KACE remote imaging device and is adding technologies at key locations in the District to facilitate image delivery over the network. This allows for prompter service from a small team of technicians. This work today sets the foundation for acquisition of an enterprise level remote imaging and update solution for Windows 7-10.x devices.

Goal 4: Technical Support Services

Provide onsite campus and department services for all technology devices including software, hardware, printers, peripherals, and customer support.

Addition of Two Technicians (Executive Summary) - STATUS: Pending Needs Analysis
Network Technician (Executive Summary) - STATUS: APPROVED

Mid-Year Update: The Technical Support Team continue to provide services to campuses, providing services to several thousand devices. For the 2014-2015 school year, that includes 1,707 new devices added district-wide, in addition to the 2,180 devices added during the 2013-2014 school year, as well as devices added prior to 2013. Campus walkthroughs are being conducted to evaluate existing computer labs that will become obsolete during the 2015-2016 school year in line with the District's equipment replacement plan.

Goal 5: Enterprise Systems Integration

Manage, support, and maintain all enterprise application software including GoogleApps for Education, Active Directory, and other critical district services (e.g. Student Accounting, Business Services, Payroll, Insurance, Finance, Benefits, and Human Resources).

Identity Automation (Executive Summary) - STATUS: APPROVED
Data Warehouse and Web DataPortal (Executive Summary) - STATUS: PENDING REVIEW and FUNDING

Mid-Year Update: The District is actively working with all departments to streamline systems integration and account management, rolling out a new program that will address past “wicked problems” that have endured, addressing a lag in updating 10,000 student and staff accounts across 20+ systems. This is a monumental achievement.

Goal 6: Acquisition, Assets, and Sustainability Facilitate appropriate purchases of technology hardware and software, track and manage technology assets, and provide technology service and repair for all technology devices including software, hardware, and peripherals.

Mid-Year Update: The Technology Operations team has undertaken tracking technology-related purchases by campuses and making them available online at http://tinyurl.com/ecisdblueprint. Sustainability is maintained with an annual investment based on a multi-year equipment replacement plan. This has resulted in the deployment of 4,450 devices purchased at a cost of $2.4 million as of 01/26/2015.

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