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October 21, 2007
Dave’s Top Ten!
Posted by Shawn Wheeler, Blog Team, at 12:22 PM |
2007 Conference
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This top ten list came from Dave Mirra’s of Stafford County Public Schools round table discussion (with 60 people in attendance) at the 2007 T + L conference in Nashville Tennessee.
I would have loved to have captured the audio as the discussion was great. In the end, most of this seems like common sense. Even if common sense isn’t that common. Whatever you call it, the list is worth reading and incorporating into your environment.
Top Ten List Legend
Bold Italic = Dave’s list.
Standard text = my commentary from notes and memory of the discussion.
1. Why
- Is it part of an overall plan or strategy? Don’t buy it just because it is cool or new!
2. How MUCH?
- What is the total cost of ownership? Hardware and software is just the tip of the cost. Consider professional development and ongoing support!
3. Who are the cheerleaders?- Who is the primary advocate?
4. Who is the owner?
- Who will provide support? Example: Who owns the Human Resources Systems? The tongue in cheek answer is… If it is working, HR. If it is broke, IT. Just because it runs on the network doesn’t mean IT is the owner but this needs to be worked out before hand.
5. Who is the teacher?- What is the training plan? Often professional development is the first thing to be removed from the budget. This is a mistake. More money should be spent on training than equipment and software.
6. Plastic my boy plastics
- Public Relations for the schools and community. Put on a Technology Expo for your community. Do it on a Saturday and demonstrate what technology is available and how it is being used and have students demonstrating whenever possible.
7. Traffic light management- Simple data management for school leaders. Technology equipment needs to be refreshed (replaced based on a recycle or replacement plan). Having an easy to read database, or list will help school leaders, Governing Boards and the community understand what equipment is available, the age and when it should be replaced. Red, Green and Yellow was recommend to help make the process more visual.
8. Field of dreams- Infrastructure considerations are vital! Before you buy and implement the technology, consider the network requirements and its ramifications on the network.
9. Give assigned seats- Organizational structure must support the operations
10. I’m Sorry Dave, I’m afraid I can’t do that.
- Infrastructure limitation (Human and Technical) IT shops don’t like to say no but they have to be careful of overloading their resources. Can it be done with what is available or can staff in the schools be trained to help support themselves?
The best statement was from a school board member sitting in the room who said we all needed to pay attention to what Dave was saying and make sure this information is made available to our communities because we can’t do it without funding and we can’t get funding without their support. I believe she hit the nail on the head!
October 18, 2007
Risk takers doing great things!
Posted by Shawn Wheeler, Blog Team, at 9:13 AM |
2007 Conference
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The day is quickly coming to a close as I put its events on my digital paper. Looking at my notes, I can’t help but smile as I recall the Superintendent of the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District talk about the great things going on in CFB ISD. Last year I had the opportunity to attend the NSBA site visit at CFB ISD and I was inspired. In fact I went back to my school district with my new found knowledge and implemented what I learned from them.
Today, I was so excited to see them being honored for their work with technology in education and they were even presenting at 10:30. Yahoo… Then it dawned on me, I am presenting at 10:30. Bummer, (insert sad face here) but that is okay, great things will be there tomorrow and people who do great things in education love to share. One of the reasons, we stay in our noble profession.
October 11, 2007
So much to do, so little time
Posted by Christina Gordon, NSBA Staff, at 12:19 PM |
2007 Conference
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Feeling a little overwhelmed by the wealth of information at the conference? Wondering how to manage your time and maximize your conference experience?
The best way to do this is to take advantage of the online conference planner. This handy, online tool allows you to search an up-to-date database of speakers, educational sessions, networking events, and vendors by name, area of interest, or date/time, and select those most interesting to you; create a username and password to save your schedule so you can make updates any time you wish, or just browse if you don't want to create an account; and when your schedule is finalized, print it out to take along to Nashville so you won't miss anything important.
You can't beat that! Get the most out of the T+L Conference by using the interactive online conference planner.
October 10, 2007
Grab your boots and hat!
Posted by Christina Gordon, NSBA Staff, at 10:13 AM |
2007 Conference
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What's a trip to Nashville without a visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame? Thursday offers the opportunity for conference attendees to experience this unique venue.
With music, dancing, desserts and fun, the conference is going country! Experience the histiry, culture, and entertainment while networking with old and new friends. This event is free for TLN members, and $35 for others. Tickets are not available at the door, but can be purchased at the NSBA Registration Desk. Yee-ha!
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