Give a brief review of the information you found on these sites.
I found the videos to be very informative on the CASTLE website along with many other things. The AASA website had many useful things, but the thing I liked was the options to become certified to become a computer teacher. I did enjoy both websites and I thought they were both easy to navigate and beneficial to anyone in an administrative position, but I did not take a lot from either site at this time. I have bookmarked both sites and kept many of the useful information at a "click" away. It always amazes me what a person can find on the Internet, like from this site I found links to Amazon.com which sold technology plans...interesting.
What information will be most useful to you as a school leader?
Right now, since we have a tech coordinator becoming certified to teach computers the university options to become the computer teacher was the most usefule to myself at this time. It gave many different options but mainly talked about online options which is key coming from this area of the state. I think that is something I will definitely shair with our tech coordinator who will hopefully be shortly certified to be our computer teacher asd well.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Friday, November 26, 2010
Unit 9
Did you find the CoSN website useful?
Yes, I found the CoSN website very useful. I had bookmarked the website the day of class and I have been using it off and on since then. It made me think of certain things that as a non-technical person I suddenly thought of. It was easy to use and go to different links.
What information on the website was most useful to you?
I liked the small school leadership site, the information on purchasing technology along with the budget. We are going through some technical glitches right now and this is a nice website to have.
How will information from this website help your Technology Committee?
It makes a person thinnk of the "others" when purchasing teechnology. The website was very easy to use and understand. It also did not feel like they were trying to sell you something.
What implications does this information have for technology planning in your school?
I am not sure about this question??? I think I maybe answered it in the other questions, but I will try. I think it makes a person look at the "big picture." As with the class blog, we know there is more to purchasing a computer than just the cost of the computer. This is the same with all forms of technology. You need time to train the staff, train the students and train the technology coordinators in purchasing any technology.
Yes, I found the CoSN website very useful. I had bookmarked the website the day of class and I have been using it off and on since then. It made me think of certain things that as a non-technical person I suddenly thought of. It was easy to use and go to different links.
What information on the website was most useful to you?
I liked the small school leadership site, the information on purchasing technology along with the budget. We are going through some technical glitches right now and this is a nice website to have.
How will information from this website help your Technology Committee?
It makes a person thinnk of the "others" when purchasing teechnology. The website was very easy to use and understand. It also did not feel like they were trying to sell you something.
What implications does this information have for technology planning in your school?
I am not sure about this question??? I think I maybe answered it in the other questions, but I will try. I think it makes a person look at the "big picture." As with the class blog, we know there is more to purchasing a computer than just the cost of the computer. This is the same with all forms of technology. You need time to train the staff, train the students and train the technology coordinators in purchasing any technology.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Quiz # 2
1) What school board-approved Internet policies does your district currently have? Are these policies adequate for your district? What policies do you need to update or add?
Our district has an acceptable used policy in place and a distance learning policy in place. We do not have a publishing policy in place. Our acceptable use policy is updated every year and a pretty good policy. Of all of our policies in place technology or not, this is the one we spend the most time on since we are a One-to-One school. It is sixteen pages long and very well written. Our distance learning policy mirrors Northern State University’s policy which is where the majority of our students take distance learning classes from. It is well written and has been updated in the last couple of years. In addition, we also just created a local policy in place that allows students to take distance learning classes. The classes must be not taught at the local level, the student must get a C or better, and if the class is taught at the local level it cannot meet the student’s schedule without it being a retake. If the student does not meet all of these criteria, then the student has to pay for the course. Basically we want the students to be serious about the courses and get a C or better if that class is not taught locally.
We definitely need to add a publishing policy. We have the forms that allow us to put the student’s name, student’s picture and put them together on the webpage but we do not have something if we wanted to publish the students work. This can be easily done in conjunction with the acceptable use agreement for next year.
2) How should a school district handle the issue of copyright, especially in regard to technology?
I think the main thing in regards to copyright is to educate your staff. We have it briefly written into our acceptable use policy about “we follow all copyright laws.” What if you are a teacher that does not know the copyright laws? I think this is something simple that would take less than an hour to educate our staff on at the beginning of the year at an in-service. The staff can then educate the students on the issues of copyright.
3) Is the use of the Internet in schools worth the dangers involved? Why? If yes, what can schools do to minimize those dangers?
I definitely think it is worth the dangers!!! This is the society the students live in!!! They are surrounded by the Internet with the cell phone, IPod, or computer. They need to be educated on the proper way to use the Internet. To minimize the dangers, schools need the proper filters in place, need to monitor students Internet usage, need to educate students and staff on the proper usage of the Internet, and need the proper policies in place.
I feel we have the proper policies in place. Students are required to attend a yearly meeting about the policies. They are then given hands on demonstration of what to and not to do during the first week of school in computer classes. We need to do a better job of educating students and teachers of minimizing the dangers because it is an ever changing technological world. Three years ago “my space” may have been a popular web 2.0 tool, but now in our school none of our students are talking about “my space.” This is an example of the ever changing, but we can still continue to educate about the dangers on the Internet. Teachers and administrators need to monitor students. Teachers can use the old idea of just walking around the classroom. They can also use “synchroneyes” with every student’s computer. As an administrator, I can pull up every student’s computer in the building including teachers. I don’t do this much but students’ think I do. So, they are careful of the sites they are on. The last thing is the proper filter in place. I feel we have it set up in the middle pretty good with allowing most things but not all things. There are sites we need to close as the year goes on, but there are also sites we open to allow for educational purposes.
4) Why should school leaders utilize research when making technology purchases? What does the current research say about the effectiveness of educational technology?
I think the research can help justify a purchase. The research is not always going to be positive in regards to technology in the classroom. As with any research, you can find positive research and you can find negative research. The research will help determine what is best for your individual school. The research can prove this works and why it works like improved student motivation, less dropout, better creative thinkers, better attendance and so forth.
I think a big part of the effectiveness of technology is the “how’ it is incorporated into the classroom. You can find research for and against the effectiveness of educational technology. For the most part, it is going to improve student’s motivation and improve student’s creative thinking if the technology is used in the proper manner. It is going to lower dropout rates and improve attendance, but if the teacher does NOT use the technology effective all studies can be opposite. Writing tests have been proven to be better with educational technology.
5) Knowing that web 2.0 tools such as blogs, wikis, podcasts and social networking tolls engage and motivate students, why do many schools continue to block these powerful tools from students and teachers? How do school leaders balance safety with access to web 2.0 tools?
I think the “fear” of the web 2.0 tools is the biggest reason schools do not use these powerful tools. I feel we need to educate students and staff on the proper way to use these tools in the classroom. They can be a very effective tool if used in the proper form. Teachers and staff are fearful because they may not be as up to date on the tools as they should, and the students may know more about the tools than the teacher. Staff is often afraid of the legal issues associated with Web 2.0 tools in regards to students misusing them as well.
Students spend a good portion of their day using these tools, but yet we don’t use them in the school setting. This does not make sense. I know administrators including myself and teachers that are worried about children’s safety. Web 2.0 tools open students up to an entire different realm. We need to educate these students on how to use the web 2.0 tools properly.
The bandwidth in schools is also an issue. Web 2.0 tools use a greater bandwidth causing many problems in the schools. This is the easy way out many people use as to why web 2.0 tools are not used in their schools.
I think safety with access to web 2.0 tools in schools is balanced in four main ways. The first way is to filter the things coming in to the school. All schools have a firewall. The firewall should block your viruses and your pornographic websites. A quote in the class from Terry Gerber I liked was “at home do you lock your doors at night to keep your kids in or to keep the bad out?” This quote was in relations to the firewall. Now, how much other is blocked can be determined by the other three ways to balance safety. If they are solid, you do not need to filter as much, but if you don’t have good policies or the students are not monitored then you may need to filter more in your firewall. This brings me to the second way to balance safety and that is monitor students. Students have been monitored for years, but now if they have a computer in their hands and being quiet some teachers do not monitor them. This does not make sense!!! We need to monitor the sites the students are on and the things they are doing on the computer. The teachers and the administrators need to monitor students. This to me is one of the main factors of insuring proper use of the Internet. A third main factor to balance the safety is having the proper policies in place and enforcing them. If students know they are going to suffer consequences by being on a certain site, then they will avoid those sites or at least not be on them for a half hour. The fourth way is we need to educate students to use the Internet the proper way. Technology is like any other subject. They need guidance.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Effectiveness of Educational Technology
Michigan’s Freedom to Learn Initiative (FTL) had a study done by CREP out of the University of Memphis and found significant instances of FTL students outperforming non-FTL students in math and reading tests and FTL students had knowledge needed for 21st century workforce. The study also showed FTL had positive impact on student motivation, learning and achievement.
From Texas TIP, economically disadvantaged students became more technology proficient than their counterparts not in TIP. The report from TIP also had no prove of student satisfaction whether immersion school or not. They also have shown less discipline problems in schools with immersion.
From the Apple website, students in 1 to 1 environments show greater independence and self-directed learning. The students are more engaged and motivated with improvements in attendence and have fewer discipline problems.
Milken publication report showed computer based instruction students scored in the 64th percentile on achievement tests compared to those without who scored in the 50th percentile. The report also said students learm more in less time when they receive computer based instruction, which is a great indicator of technology effectiveness. The students also like their classes more and develop better attitudes in computer based instruction.
The thing that really rang a bell with me was an article by Karena O'Riordan on a link from the Metiri Group - Research Findings. The article said a big part of the effectiveness of technology is the "how" it is incorporated into the learning environment. If a person just puts technology in to put it in, then the teacher will not have success with it unless they understand technology and use technology to take learning to a different or the next level.
As with any study, a person can show good and bad of each. One report talked about how computers improved attendence while another said in the first three years of a four year study the attendence was actually worse. I feel students learn different today. I feel we need to find ways to motivate students and technology can do it. I do feel a big way is "how" to incorporate technology into the classroom. With technology there may be times the teacher learns from the students or a student which at times can be difficult for teachers. I think all the information I read did not surprise me. I don't think we will ever know if technology improves education or not because I feel if we were to go back we would be suppressing our students, kind of similar to what the governor of Maine said in some of their reports.
I think all sorts of reports like this are beneficial in justifying the use and expense of technology in our schools. A lot of the reports talked about professional development for teachers. With the 4-day school week, we have incoporated more professional development for our teachers in lines of technology, but we have made the majority of it optional. Since we made it optional, we have had the majority of teachers at the professional development sessions with a positive attitude. The extra time has allowed the teachers to use the technology, become comfortable with the technology, and use it more in their classroom. If a teacher is not comfortable with technology, then more times than not the lesson will not be effective. Every teacher can not incorporate all the same technology and all the same amounts of technology into the classroom. All teachers are not the same, but we can find more ways to incorporate technology into every classroom effectively. In our small school setting, it is nice to have research findings like the ones we read for class to justify the expense for technology, but in our school the parents know if technology is being used effectively in the classroom or not and that can justify the expense of technology more than anything.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
DHS Technology
Does your school district have an Internet Acceptable Use Policy?
Yes. Our school Internet acceptable use policy is part of our sixteen page technology handbook which is handed to every high school student and parent every year before the begining of the school year. We are in our fourth year of the one to one tablet intiative program. We updated our high school technology plan when we began the intiative program. We even have a student/parent pledge that they have to sign everyyear with a reminder of the guidelines and main points of the acceptable use policy.
We update these policies every year. Some of the policies at times feel like they are not needed for a small school like us, but then we will have an incident that proves we need the policy in place. This is the first year the junior high students have the same policy as the high school students. Prior to this year, the junior hgih students used the old policy, which did not cover a lot of things for a good Internet acceptable use policy. Our elementary students still sign the old policy but they are not on the Internet near as much as the older students, and they are supervised the entire time they are on a computer in the school.
Does your school district have an Internet Publishing Policy?
Yes. We have a publishing policy. This is the policy of the three which is very general. So, it covers a lot (we hope) but it is not too specific. In doing some research on this, the Internet publishing policy at our school could definitely be improved.
Does your school district have a Distance Education Policy?
Yes. We have a distance education policy. We have put our policy in line with NSU's since many of our distance education classes are through Northern. This policy manual has actually shrunk since I have been at Doland school. You can not say that for all policies!!! The current policy even though shorter, I do think is better. It is really straight forward and covers all areas. Our students can not say anything about it being to long and not understanding the policy. We have an additional policy in place in the event the distance education class costs money. If we can not offer the class and it is not a make up class, the student must sign an agreement. The student must get a "C" in the class or better. If they do not get a "C," they pay for the class.
What does your district need to do to get these policies up-to-date?
In speaking with our technology coordinator who attends many workshops on this subject matter, she felt that we were fine. She felt in looking at other school districts Internet acceptable use policies we were right in line and if anything one of the better ones. The distance education policy is very similar to NSU's and others. So we feel this is a good thing since they update theres on a yearly basis. Our publishing policy could use some work, but it is still pretty good.
Can a policy cover everything? In thinking of technology, this is what I keep thinking. Technology and the Internet is constantly changing, and our kids are well aware of the changes. I think policies need to be updated on a yearly basis as ours is, and good judgement is needed in new circumstances.
Yes. Our school Internet acceptable use policy is part of our sixteen page technology handbook which is handed to every high school student and parent every year before the begining of the school year. We are in our fourth year of the one to one tablet intiative program. We updated our high school technology plan when we began the intiative program. We even have a student/parent pledge that they have to sign everyyear with a reminder of the guidelines and main points of the acceptable use policy.
We update these policies every year. Some of the policies at times feel like they are not needed for a small school like us, but then we will have an incident that proves we need the policy in place. This is the first year the junior high students have the same policy as the high school students. Prior to this year, the junior hgih students used the old policy, which did not cover a lot of things for a good Internet acceptable use policy. Our elementary students still sign the old policy but they are not on the Internet near as much as the older students, and they are supervised the entire time they are on a computer in the school.
Does your school district have an Internet Publishing Policy?
Yes. We have a publishing policy. This is the policy of the three which is very general. So, it covers a lot (we hope) but it is not too specific. In doing some research on this, the Internet publishing policy at our school could definitely be improved.
Does your school district have a Distance Education Policy?
Yes. We have a distance education policy. We have put our policy in line with NSU's since many of our distance education classes are through Northern. This policy manual has actually shrunk since I have been at Doland school. You can not say that for all policies!!! The current policy even though shorter, I do think is better. It is really straight forward and covers all areas. Our students can not say anything about it being to long and not understanding the policy. We have an additional policy in place in the event the distance education class costs money. If we can not offer the class and it is not a make up class, the student must sign an agreement. The student must get a "C" in the class or better. If they do not get a "C," they pay for the class.
What does your district need to do to get these policies up-to-date?
In speaking with our technology coordinator who attends many workshops on this subject matter, she felt that we were fine. She felt in looking at other school districts Internet acceptable use policies we were right in line and if anything one of the better ones. The distance education policy is very similar to NSU's and others. So we feel this is a good thing since they update theres on a yearly basis. Our publishing policy could use some work, but it is still pretty good.
Can a policy cover everything? In thinking of technology, this is what I keep thinking. Technology and the Internet is constantly changing, and our kids are well aware of the changes. I think policies need to be updated on a yearly basis as ours is, and good judgement is needed in new circumstances.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
copyright
Does your school district have a Copyright Policy?
In my class blog, I was reading the student handbook and did not find anything about copyright; however the technology handbook has a little blurb about it. "Comply with trademark and copyright laws and all license agreements. If you are unsure ask a teacher, network administrator, or principal." I think this is pretty brief and general. We do say something (non-written) to our teachers at the in-service before school about copyright laws. We do not go into them to indepth, but we have never had any questions about them.
• Does that Copyright Policy need to be updated to reflect technology issues?
I don't know. I feel it covers a lot by being brief and vague. I do think we should cover more with students, but this is also something that is taught in some classes. I guess as administrator it is something all kids get educated on every year.
• Does your school district follow copyright laws?
Yes
• What are your feelings about copyright laws?
I guess I dont have any feelings one way or the other. I feel copyright laws are something we need to abide by and follow.
In my class blog, I was reading the student handbook and did not find anything about copyright; however the technology handbook has a little blurb about it. "Comply with trademark and copyright laws and all license agreements. If you are unsure ask a teacher, network administrator, or principal." I think this is pretty brief and general. We do say something (non-written) to our teachers at the in-service before school about copyright laws. We do not go into them to indepth, but we have never had any questions about them.
• Does that Copyright Policy need to be updated to reflect technology issues?
I don't know. I feel it covers a lot by being brief and vague. I do think we should cover more with students, but this is also something that is taught in some classes. I guess as administrator it is something all kids get educated on every year.
• Does your school district follow copyright laws?
Yes
• What are your feelings about copyright laws?
I guess I dont have any feelings one way or the other. I feel copyright laws are something we need to abide by and follow.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
NSBA site
The NSBA site has already been implemented into our school. I am a big fan of the saying "an ounce of prevention is worth more than a gallon of cure." I think that is how the saying goes, but it is close :). We are constantly looking for ideas to educate our students on cyberbullying and internet safety. This site offers new ideas for not only me but my computer teacher (k-12) and the technology coordinator. It even gives lesson plans and projecst that are not "corny.."
This is a great site that I have bookmarked and will continue to use throughout the school year.
This is a great site that I have bookmarked and will continue to use throughout the school year.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Quiz #1
1. Why should a school district have a website? What should be on that site?
A school district should have a website to market the school. The school can market its students by giving pictures of students, pictures of students in activities, student accomplishments and students test results (of course not individual results to harm a student). The website can also have teacher's webpages or wikis along with a teacher's lesson plans and goals for classes.
Student handbooks, teacher handbooks, athletic handbooks, technology handbooks, links to students gradebooks for parents, DSTEP results, menus, school information, calendars, schedules, etc. the list could go on about what can be on a school website. I think it is very important to keep the webpage up to date, easy to use and in a way fun to use. If people enjoy your website, they are more likely to view it on a regular basis.
In my first year as an administrator (about 5 years ago) we interviewed candidates for a couple teaching positions. We had one of them candidates view our website to find out about the school. This past year we had more positions open, but we had every candidate except one go out (on their own) and view our website. So, we have possible future teachers viewing our website. We have had future students and potential students view our website. I think it is very important to keep your website up to date and be very useful for people.
2. How do administrators and school boards keep a current vision of technology and the future?
I think a lot has to do with the administrators, teachers, and the school board being on the same page. If one of them has an open mind to look into something in the technology line, they will look into it if they know their ideas will be listened too. If a teacher says they would like to buy ipods for their class and you know they will be used, the school is more likely to purchase them. The school board is the pulse of the community (or should somewhat be). So, they have an idea the community would like to go. If the school board wants to integrate more technology, they can let the administration know and vice verse.
I also think the students play a major role in this as well. Students know as much as anybody about technology.
Workshops, in-services, and classes can all help see the vision of the future and incorporate the vision into the school district. If administrators are equipped in the technology (they do NOT have to be experts) then they are more likely to understand it and push for technology.
3. What information from the CEO Forum website is most useful? How can that information be used?
The star chart was very useful and the reports were as well. From both of these, I was able to see where are school was in regards to goals and outlines set up. I could see our school needs more professional development. I liked the idea of having teachers look at a report with the goals on the report (but not the year) and see how they are doing in regards to the goals, and then show them the year for the goals to get an idea of their progress.
4 What are Web 2.0 tools? How can these tools be used by schools to enhance classroom instruction?
The Web 2.0 tools are the tools that allow interactions. The email, facebook, blogging, podcasts, twitter, etc. are all examples of Web 2.0. These tools allow the student to connect to their world. It brings a calming effect and they enjoy the school work because that is what they deal with on a daily basis. It allows them to go deeper into a subject matter rather than just pen and paper. It allows them to interface with technology, other students, the class and the subject matter. I think it basically takes the class to the next level.
5. What is Cyber Bullying? What can schools do to help prevent CyberBullying?
Cyber bullying is bullying through the Internet in simple terms. It is one person demeaning or harming another person in some form through the Internet. The picking on the kid on the corner of the playground has turned into getting on facebook, email or whatever form of Internet and calling sally every name in the book or threatening sally or lieing about sally in a negative manner.
School can put policies in which prohibit cyber bullying and I am pretty sure this is mandated. A main thing they can do is educate their students on what to say and what not to say on the Internet. Another thing school can do is enforce the policy.
A school district should have a website to market the school. The school can market its students by giving pictures of students, pictures of students in activities, student accomplishments and students test results (of course not individual results to harm a student). The website can also have teacher's webpages or wikis along with a teacher's lesson plans and goals for classes.
Student handbooks, teacher handbooks, athletic handbooks, technology handbooks, links to students gradebooks for parents, DSTEP results, menus, school information, calendars, schedules, etc. the list could go on about what can be on a school website. I think it is very important to keep the webpage up to date, easy to use and in a way fun to use. If people enjoy your website, they are more likely to view it on a regular basis.
In my first year as an administrator (about 5 years ago) we interviewed candidates for a couple teaching positions. We had one of them candidates view our website to find out about the school. This past year we had more positions open, but we had every candidate except one go out (on their own) and view our website. So, we have possible future teachers viewing our website. We have had future students and potential students view our website. I think it is very important to keep your website up to date and be very useful for people.
2. How do administrators and school boards keep a current vision of technology and the future?
I think a lot has to do with the administrators, teachers, and the school board being on the same page. If one of them has an open mind to look into something in the technology line, they will look into it if they know their ideas will be listened too. If a teacher says they would like to buy ipods for their class and you know they will be used, the school is more likely to purchase them. The school board is the pulse of the community (or should somewhat be). So, they have an idea the community would like to go. If the school board wants to integrate more technology, they can let the administration know and vice verse.
I also think the students play a major role in this as well. Students know as much as anybody about technology.
Workshops, in-services, and classes can all help see the vision of the future and incorporate the vision into the school district. If administrators are equipped in the technology (they do NOT have to be experts) then they are more likely to understand it and push for technology.
3. What information from the CEO Forum website is most useful? How can that information be used?
The star chart was very useful and the reports were as well. From both of these, I was able to see where are school was in regards to goals and outlines set up. I could see our school needs more professional development. I liked the idea of having teachers look at a report with the goals on the report (but not the year) and see how they are doing in regards to the goals, and then show them the year for the goals to get an idea of their progress.
4 What are Web 2.0 tools? How can these tools be used by schools to enhance classroom instruction?
The Web 2.0 tools are the tools that allow interactions. The email, facebook, blogging, podcasts, twitter, etc. are all examples of Web 2.0. These tools allow the student to connect to their world. It brings a calming effect and they enjoy the school work because that is what they deal with on a daily basis. It allows them to go deeper into a subject matter rather than just pen and paper. It allows them to interface with technology, other students, the class and the subject matter. I think it basically takes the class to the next level.
5. What is Cyber Bullying? What can schools do to help prevent CyberBullying?
Cyber bullying is bullying through the Internet in simple terms. It is one person demeaning or harming another person in some form through the Internet. The picking on the kid on the corner of the playground has turned into getting on facebook, email or whatever form of Internet and calling sally every name in the book or threatening sally or lieing about sally in a negative manner.
School can put policies in which prohibit cyber bullying and I am pretty sure this is mandated. A main thing they can do is educate their students on what to say and what not to say on the Internet. Another thing school can do is enforce the policy.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
ceoforum
I was not the most impressed with the webpage. The forum members all appear to be computer businesses or a token education association. The education groups do not appear to be that strong. I tried to go to the STaR chart links from the top of the page and once clicking on the charts it was not connected, that is not a good sign for a technology report. Also the year 1 report link from the bottom of the page does not work!!!
I felt the reports were a lot of what I have heard for years. We need to incorporate more technology. Technology needs to be used in professional development. Schools have come a long ways, but yet there is more to go. The next thing says we are not making the improvements we need to make. It also talks about new staff and hiring staff to make sure they incorporate technology into the curriculum.
I felt the reports were a lot of what I have heard for years. We need to incorporate more technology. Technology needs to be used in professional development. Schools have come a long ways, but yet there is more to go. The next thing says we are not making the improvements we need to make. It also talks about new staff and hiring staff to make sure they incorporate technology into the curriculum.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
School Websites
What are your reactions to the websites you looked at?
I enjoyed looking at the websites. I generally look at websites from our area and those of similar size throughout the state. I usually do not look at bigger ones like these that we looked at for our assignment. It is interesting how some of them are updated regularly and some of them have certain areas that have not been updated in a while. I guess all schools are busy this time of the year.
Is a website like this useful to a school district?
I think every website was useful in one way or another. With almost all of the websites, i found the infinite campus or the gradebook easly accessable so parents could check their child's grades. i think that alone is useful.
I had looked at Custer's in early 2000's for a college assignment and i had actually exchanged emails with their superintendent. When Doland was looking into the 4-day school week, we went back to their site again as one of the many forms of information.
Is it worth the time and effort to establish and maintain such a website?
Yes, but the time and effort are the key things... If a person is going to do it they must maintain it. Under BV's supenotes, it had not been updated in a while. I am sure not too many people look at that on a daily basis becuase of this. it is nice for all school reunions, extra curricular activities and such to keep alumni up to date on current issues and reunions for the district.
What is the condition of your school’s website?
I think it needs to be updated more, and i have been on our tech coordinator about it. Last spring we finally started to update some of our links. We had links on their that had not been updated in years. Our students have not been a "key" part of our website. I have strongly encouraged more student pictures. Afterall a school is about the students, so we want to focus on the kids and show more pictures of them. Our school website is very informative and very easy to use.
What information should be included in a school website?
Where should we start and stop???? I think the infinite campus (access to gradebook), student pictures, lunch menus, breakfast menus, teacher's websites and email addresses, the school information, school history, school acitivities. I could go on and on with sports schedules, daily announcements, handbooks, school calendar, testing schedules, Dakota STEP results, etc.
What role should the superintendent have with the school website?
My situation is a little different than most superintendents. I am superintendent, K-12 principal, and athletic director. So i am more involved in the school website than say most superintendents.
Should each teacher be required to have a link on the school website that contains information about their classes (such as assignments, web resources, etc)?
I dont know if a teacher should be "required," but i think teachers should be encouraged to have more information on the website whether that be a linke to their website or whatever. If we expect students to use the internet, than we should expect our teachers to use it.
How can students be involved creating and maintaining a school website?
We have a student tech coordinator who helps with the webpage. We also have "unassigned" students who keep us updated with ideas for the website. I would like to find more ways to involve students in the process. Our advanced computers class has looked at ways of doing maintaining the school website.
I enjoyed looking at the websites. I generally look at websites from our area and those of similar size throughout the state. I usually do not look at bigger ones like these that we looked at for our assignment. It is interesting how some of them are updated regularly and some of them have certain areas that have not been updated in a while. I guess all schools are busy this time of the year.
Is a website like this useful to a school district?
I think every website was useful in one way or another. With almost all of the websites, i found the infinite campus or the gradebook easly accessable so parents could check their child's grades. i think that alone is useful.
I had looked at Custer's in early 2000's for a college assignment and i had actually exchanged emails with their superintendent. When Doland was looking into the 4-day school week, we went back to their site again as one of the many forms of information.
Is it worth the time and effort to establish and maintain such a website?
Yes, but the time and effort are the key things... If a person is going to do it they must maintain it. Under BV's supenotes, it had not been updated in a while. I am sure not too many people look at that on a daily basis becuase of this. it is nice for all school reunions, extra curricular activities and such to keep alumni up to date on current issues and reunions for the district.
What is the condition of your school’s website?
I think it needs to be updated more, and i have been on our tech coordinator about it. Last spring we finally started to update some of our links. We had links on their that had not been updated in years. Our students have not been a "key" part of our website. I have strongly encouraged more student pictures. Afterall a school is about the students, so we want to focus on the kids and show more pictures of them. Our school website is very informative and very easy to use.
What information should be included in a school website?
Where should we start and stop???? I think the infinite campus (access to gradebook), student pictures, lunch menus, breakfast menus, teacher's websites and email addresses, the school information, school history, school acitivities. I could go on and on with sports schedules, daily announcements, handbooks, school calendar, testing schedules, Dakota STEP results, etc.
What role should the superintendent have with the school website?
My situation is a little different than most superintendents. I am superintendent, K-12 principal, and athletic director. So i am more involved in the school website than say most superintendents.
Should each teacher be required to have a link on the school website that contains information about their classes (such as assignments, web resources, etc)?
I dont know if a teacher should be "required," but i think teachers should be encouraged to have more information on the website whether that be a linke to their website or whatever. If we expect students to use the internet, than we should expect our teachers to use it.
How can students be involved creating and maintaining a school website?
We have a student tech coordinator who helps with the webpage. We also have "unassigned" students who keep us updated with ideas for the website. I would like to find more ways to involve students in the process. Our advanced computers class has looked at ways of doing maintaining the school website.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
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