Technology Overview

The Technology Department is committed to assist in the implementation of the District Mission and Vision. Technology will be utilized to support student learning in an engaged, educationally focused environment. Technology can transform learning when it impacts the manner in which school communities collaborate and create experiences for learners focused on their future. National Educational Technology Standards (NETS) for Students (PDF, 91 KB), NETS for Teachers and NETS for Administrators will be implemented in this effort supporting the District in preparing learners for the 21st Century , their future. The Department has developed Six Long Range Goals in response to these factors and the District Strategic Plan .

Current Scope of Services

The Technology Department in District 203 currently provides services for 21 schools, the District Central Office and two other auxiliary locations. Internet access is provided to all schools through a secure, safe, central pathway. The Technology Department supports approximately 5,000 computers and over120 servers for students and staff. The Technology Department also maintains all software throughout the District, including curriculum-based applications, student information, financial systems, e-mail, Web 2.0 applications, Web hosting, and security software. Implementation of the technology efforts in the District are coordinated by two departments: Technology Infrastructure and Instructional Technology. Six Long Range Goals form the basis for future technology initiatives within the District. They reflect the most important needs of the District’s Technology Department and are aligned with the District Strategic Plan. The Technology Department is aligning its personnel and expenditures to accomplish these goals over the next two to five years.

• Technology Infrastructure – A stable, robust system is our goal in District 203. To accomplish this, the Technology Department has developed a redundant, solid backbone to provide a base for the educational utilization of technology in support of District Policy. Various levels of hardware and support personnel are in place to address the integrity of the system, maintain filtering and other network concerns, and support continuing implementation of diverse district technology projects. Technical support is provided through network engineers, help desk services, technicians who assist teachers and staff, lab assistants and other staff members with technology needs that include connectivity to the network, repair, upgrades and new installations.
• Instructional Technology – Technology transforms learning environments and the Technology Department also includes certified teachers who are experts in the use of technology to enhance student learning. These Technology Integration Specialists help their fellow teachers bring technology into the classroom. The Technology Integration Specialists provide one-on-one assistance to individual teachers, grade level teams and content area teams in implementing the curriculum. They also conduct professional development classes in technology. Technology is integral to our curriculum and each area of learning has at least one Technology Integration Specialist member on the team that supports and enhances our District Curriculum. The Instructional Technology Department also conducts Focus Walks once a year in all buildings. These Focus Walks are research based and coordinated by the building principal and Technology Integration Specialist. Their charge is to assess student engagement and technology utilization.