1:1 Initiative Overview and Task Force Membership Request

Teachers, Administrators, Board Members and Stakeholders, Even as the school year winds down and schedules are hectic, Liberty County School district must undertake major planning as we approach the implementation of a 1:1 program. I know that this initiative was originally in response to  FLDOE’s push for digital textbooks; yet in order for it to be SUCCESSFUL we must approach implementation differently. Liberty County School District's 1:1 initiative must be a curriculum initiative, not a technology initiative.  That is not to say that technology is not at the heart of it, but the technology must be efficient and transparent. Aside from the devices themselves, we are making those steps now. We have implemented a new content filter that will allow off site monitoring (compliance requirement with E-rate) of future student equipment which also includes a Learning Management Solution, or LMS, called My Big Campus (more on that later). This filter also allows us to open up education resources (YouTube, Kahn Academy, etc.) to all users in a safe and educational manner. We also have summer work scheduled to improve our bandwidth to levels that can handle the number of devices expected once we begin the roll out. Additionally, we have a budget and schedule for increasing the wireless infrastructures at each site enabling consistent connections to embrace the digital texts and curriculum. These technologies are best categorized as infrastructure needs. While the infrastructure needs are now being addressed, the most important decisions have not really even been addressed. That is where we need your help. We will be creating a task force to look at the myriad of issues we will be facing during the implementation process. This task force will be charged with influencing: the use of My Big Campus For a tour of the product click here To read more on the product blog, click here educational goals digital textbook adoption  student education of acceptable digital learning behavior creating/contributing to a communication channel to all stakeholders (parents, students, teachers, community members) creating and modeling effective lesson plans utilizing the digital medium available student collaboration tools to be used  professional development integration of existing educational programs into the curriculum (Classworks, OdysseyWare, United Streaming, Performance Matters, FCAT Explorer, My Big Campus, etc.)  and last- device selection once we have educational goals in place (again do not get hung up what the device will be) While this list is not definitive, it serves to remind you that this task force will be shaping curriculum and how it will be dispensed in the future. Before you commit to serving on this task force, please be aware that this task force will: meet frequently will need to remain mostly intact for a minimum of two years will meet after school hours to allow collaboration with all stakeholders Benefits to LCSD employees will include early access to tools and professional development which will allow better integration in your school/classroom. Additionally, participants have early access to the devices themselves and other technologies for their participation Other stakeholders will have the ability to influence a major curricular initiative in their community and schools The proposed structure of the task force is as follows; Administrative Chair- Sue Summers Administrative Leaders (School and District)- TBD Technology Chair- Jason Fowler School Technology Leaders- Jeani Griffin, Lynn Guthrie, Christy Bentley Curriculum Chair- Gay Lewis Teacher Leaders- TBD Student Leaders- TBD Community Leaders (Parents, Business and Community Members)- TBD Board Member(s)- TBD If you would like to become a member or nominate a member please let me know as soon as possible so that I can reach out to them. Please remember to nominate student and community members as well. At the bottom of this email is the proposed timeline for Liberty’s 1:1 implementation. Even you do not intend to become a member it would benefit you to look over it. Our first meeting is scheduled for- July 3, 2012 @ 5:00 PM in the District Board Room In closing, all teachers and stakeholders should begin looking at how a 1:1 initiative can impact student learning. I would recommend starting with this blog as it is frequently updated and has a team of writers who have implemented 1:1 programs. It is a great resource and will be one we will refer to frequently if you become a member of the task force. Please email Jason Fowler at jason.fowler@lcsbonline.org to nominate members or for any questions you may have. Note: The timeline below has been modified and presented during the first 1:1 Task Force meeting on July 3rd, 2012. See a later news post for more information.