November 19, 2019 at 11:30 AM - Information Services Committee Meeting

Discussion:  Call to order at 11:30 AM.

Staff:  Kraig Lofquist, Deb Hericks, Priscilla Quintana, Beth Kabes, Rhonda Eis, Scott Isaacson.  

Guests:  Tom Rolfes

Discussion:  Scott Isaacson discussed the move of servers over the summer.  Main focus has been the SRS system.  Twelve servers left to be moved.  Continue to expand the applications and functions on the ssingle sign on network.  SRS/AAP - Advisor reporting was in October and had several things to fix during that time.  There was a short timeline to complete the reporting process this year.  Most data has been finalized.  Development team coniues to work on practice to make thing work more smoothly.  Since we last met 78 tickets have been issued and continue to work on those that are most impactable.  They have 26 they have identified as next fixes, leaving 109 left to address.  Helpdesk request in October were high which is historically the case during state reporting.  Taking effort to estimating the time it will take to address the backlog of issues.  Wade Fruhling is no longer with the SRS team, working to thoroughly communicate with users during this time.  Jib posting has been adjusted to included some software issues, and communication.  New person will be able to help with back log of tickets.  Grant to sunset December 31, 2019.  

Discussion:  Technology Director gave an updated.  Grant is just now beginning and he is looking for people to serve on the advisory to the grant.  Looking for some technical/software, special education, staff development, etc are the qualities he is looking for to be on the committee.  This network is one of five with this grant.  This will look at how we work with software across the state.  Looking at sustainability, missing the mark on some, where are the needs in software that have statewide impact.  How do we fill a need but hold its sustainability.  From there they will look at candidates at some software to licenses/develop.  What are the criteria to do this process?  There is a different network looking at ADVISOR.  Hoping to build the process to determine the needs, and working together to solve the needs.  Legislative hearing on Friday that discussedthe lottery funds that includes the distance education incentives.  

Discussion:  Rhonda Eis discussed the Learn360 process for the MSA.  We had several that said last year they would not renew.  Discussing the cost of the 50/50 cost factor,  is it time to change to per cost fee?  The numbers statewide usage shows ESU 18 usng Learn360 extensively.  Those cost will go from $.45 to $.46 per student.  Each ESU should be able to go in and run report on their schools.   The schools that promote are the ones that use.   Rhonda will poll the ESUs to see what their interests are prior to holiday break.  How do we know that resources are high quality if not aligned to standards and going against copyright using resources (like Google, Utube, TeacherTube, etc.)  

Discussion:  Tom Rolfes was present to discuss NITC homework gap.  We lack critical interventions to help schools.  Rural Broadband issue, taskforce have been meeting the last 15 months.  Two member represent K-12.  Ron Cone from ESU 10 represents K-12.  Twelve % students do not have internet in their home.  OPS and Northeast NE the number closer to 40%, not available and/or can't afford.  This populations is also the higher poverty in the state.  A survey was sent out to NDE list of emails available with a 32% response rate.  Bust kids, lack of support of parents, lack of device is some of the reasons there is a huge issue.  Any internet based homework there is a problem across the state.  This problem will exist well over a decade, take a long time to find a solution to minimalize issue.  Rural Nebraska school internet service has not change over past serval years.  Do not know the provider based access down to the home wireless or other.  Taskforce listen to testimonies, within their scope what they can do to help.  They have 6 recommendations - 1) parents are taking kids back to town and work in parking lot/libraries to gain access.  Move the libraries towards erate funding to better broadbands.  2) Emulate ESU support model, four regional technicans to put supoports in place to help support.  3) add incentives to hep pay for fiber - through matching funds 4)  retest equipment that can go to student home - home are inelligible for erate.  Drive buses around to sit with wifi but doesn't have data to support academic use, does support student referrals.  5)  encourage education leaders to retell the story, show up at hearings to support on December 4.  6)  map ever fiber circuit in Nebraska - geograpically and cost basis.  Use knowledge to use with providers to help lower costs.  

Discussion:  Committee chair shared the NOC minutes from November.  Use of SIMPL was discussed, technology with helpdesk tickets is easier to plug into SIMPL than some other areas.  They requested another Q&A with KSB will be held sometime in February.  

Discussion:  Committee Chair reviewed the recommendation for NOC Wyebot training.  The deivce and training will allow to go into buildings to determine the issues with access points.  

Discussion:  Report given throughout agenda.  

Discussion:  Discussed the VFT provider workshop. Their challenge was to get 5 new providers and they met their goal.  TLT Special Project 50 classroom teacher/10 coaches - 10 coaches/50 teachers applied.  They filled all the available seat.  They had their first webinar meeting last week.  There are two new coaches and eight from the last project.  First assignment due December 20 comparing standards.  Final project will be due April 30.  Contracts have begun to be turned into.  Part of the contract, the school administrator needs to sign off so that we can put materials in the OER Commons.  Working on a rubric to evaluate this work.  Beth Kabes will be retiring the end of December.  Executive Director will be having discussions with Beth Kabes along with waiting to hear how legislation plays out.  

Discussion:  Rhonda Eis shared her report.  TLT will be having virtual training the next couple days to include Bobbi Truhe,  TLT work groups, Library Commission and OER.  TLT training for summer with Catlin Tucker will be on July 23 and 24, 2019.  Legal is reviewing the contract at this time.  The books to be purchased will be available in OverDrive.  OverDrive contract has been signed.  All cost for OverDrive is product.  This year, $14,000 will be purchased.   If purchased buy the end of the year we will get a 5% given back to us.  They are in the process of crediting our cart.  Once cart is created, affiliates will be asked to help organize cart.  Expected to have this rolled out in January.  Request to have at least a break out at January PDO.  OER updates - statistic are added to her report. OER Agreement comes due in January.  Discussions to renew at Tier 2, NDE will pick up the additional costs.  Dorann Avey will be working with the Social Studies teachers beginning in January to curate materials for the OER.  Work to happen during summer 2020.  

Discussion:  Meeting adjourned at 1:13 PM.