Tech Committee Meeting Notes Nov. 6/10, 2008

Action Items that need to be done this month:

Update Smartboard software and get serial number and “key” to Katie

Fill out refresh computer list by Nov. 24

Internal Communications:

Supt. Cheryl Crawley would like feedback on how best to get information to staff—Newsbits? Powerschool? Other way? It was discussed that for emergencies sending an alert email followed by an announcement telling teachers to check their email works best. She also took concerns regarding the projector projects and other tech issues.

Questions on pay—Should have received 4 hours in September, 6 hours in October and now 6 hours in November. Call the Business office (Ethel) if you have not been paid. Gradebook trainers received an additional 4 hours pay.

Smartboard software: The new software—version 10—requires a “key” to install. Please go to www.smarttech.com and install the newest version of the software, using a serial number from one of your boards. Harvest the key and send to Katie. Also, tell your teachers the key so they can download the software as needed. If you need the new version installed in a student lab, put in a work ticket and put the “key” in the ticket.

Mimio/eBeam

This is a different whiteboard solution that works with a regular whiteboard. A team will decide which one is best for the district and we will order this one brand from now on.

District ordering update

Your school may order whiteboards, clickers, doc cams, etc. from the monthly order list sent to you, your principals, and secretaries. No need for a quote on these.

Projector Project questions

Why are some brackets mounted and nothing is complete: A. Electrical is done but not data. The techs are not able to keep up with the electricians and no one wants the work. We have tried to hire out, can’t find anyone. If you know of anyone, let us know.

Some schools are done: Sac, Morningside, Mountainview. Report from MV—all teachers are using every day. No more overheads are in the building.

Is it true that libraries and other conference type rooms are not going to be wired? True at the is point. Kindergarten, libraries are slated for round two.

Refer to the excel spreadsheet for order of upcoming schools.

Kaspersky antivirus update:

All school computers will get the antivirus installed. We have a target schedule—see spreadsheet and you will be sent an email ahead of time instructing to leave on all computers that night. All laptops should be plugged in and connected to the internet. Teachers should log off but keep their computers on. If they do not, the next day they will be bogged down while trying to work because the install will go through on their computers when they start up. Teachers will not need the USB installer anymore. Also, there will be a home version so all staff can have Kaspersky at home as well.

Refresh of Computers

By Nov. 24, please get the list of computers to be updated at your school. List the ones most in need of refreshing first. Goal is to move all mac and Windows 98 out and get all machines less than 8 years o ld. Call Katie if you need help with this project. This will be something to discuss with your principal and rest of building-level tech team. In general, the GX 200 series desktops and the Latitude 505 laptops are the oldest models. Of course, macs are even older. See below of where to find model numbers.

The new computers will come with Office 07 installed but other software, if needed, will have to be transferred from the old computer or the building or other funds would be needed for upgrades; e.g. upgrading Inspiration or Adobe products.

Refresh of other equipment such as printers will be handled later as well as conversations about pilot classrooms.

Question on teaching tech classes at your school

Feel free to offer after-school one- or two-hour training to your teachers for pay—just let me know about it and please have 5-6 teachers minimum. We can offer to other schools as well to increase the numbers. If you want to offer a PIR study group instead, please fill out the PIR application from the Staff drop down menu. This would be for six hours of PIR only, not pay, except you could be paid for 6 hours at the training rate.

Tech opening: We have a core tech opening. Encourage folks to apply.

http://www.gfps.k12.mt.us/Employment/JobListings/Tech_Core_Supp_10_27_08.htm

Where to Find the Model Number