Technology Referendum
Tuesday, November 5th
How far we've come - instructional highlights
Computers - ratio goal of 14:1 down to 5.7:1
- current ratio of __ to 1 (1566)
Technology instructional tools - goal to update/expand technology applications
- SMART Boards - interactive white boards in __% of classrooms (189)
- Student Response Clickers - allows all students to interact with content, __ sets
- Mobile Learning Devices - __ laptops, 90 tablets, __ eReaders
- Document Cameras - project actual images and content, __
- Digital Cameras and Camcorders
- Discovery Education - streaming educational content
- Google Apps - cloud computing and storage
- Moodle - platform for online learning
- rSchoolToday Website - consistent communication throughout the district
- Internal staff development sessions and outside training resources have been used to ensure that technology is used effectively within the classroom to enhance student learning
How far we've come - infrastructure highlights
Maintenance - goal of 5 year replacement cycle for computers
- replacement cycle has been met over the past decade
- servers, switches, wiring and electricity have been purchased to maintain uninterrupted access to network and Internet content
- wireless access points have been added to high use areas to provide inside wireless access for mobile learning devices as well as guest wireless access
- Technology support staff have attended sessions to keep them up to date on needed information
Future direction
- 1 to 1 mobile device access for students to provide personal, any time, any where learning
- 100% students access to and instruction on cloud computing and storage
- Define and update classrooms, where appropriate, to "learning spaces of the future" both instructionally (ex. Flipped Classrooms) and structurally (ex. wireless equipment to maximize space and minimize cables)
- Implement a learning management system to streamline content management and communication while providing an engaging learning environment for students
- Implement wireless infrastructure in order to provide 100% wireless access across the district in support of mobile learning
Possibly Technology Referendum Outcomes
Please note:
* The operating levy that passed in November of 2012 will be used to support the district's general operating fund. It does NOT include funding for technology.
* Renewal of the current technology referendum is based on technology needs determined 10 years ago (2003).
If the technology referendum is renewed and expanded...
- Students will experience innovative, personalized, any time, any where learning
- Students learning will take place in up to date spaces
- Students will learn and collaborate in the cloud
- Instruction will continue to be student centered for all learners
- Staff will be trained for efficient and effective use of technology
- Infrastructure will be adequately funded for the future
If the technology referendum is renewed only...
* Infrastructure is currently under supported, therefore cuts to the general fund may still be necessary resulting in larger class sizes
- Richfield schools will fall behind other districts who are voting to increase investments in technology (ex. Edina, Bloomington, Minnetonka)
- The district will be less attractive to families considering moving to the area
- Richfield students will have less access to new technologies and therefore be less prepared for higher learning and future jobs
- Implementation of wireless access will be slowed limiting the progress of any time, any where learning for students
- Computer replacement cycle would potentially increase from 5 to 8 years negatively impacting learning, productivity and communication
If the technology referendum is not renewed this fall...
- All current and future technology costs will come out of the general operating fund resulting in $1+ million in cuts each year going forward
- Due to maintenance costs of current technology, there will be little to no funding available for new technology