January 13, 2016 at 10:00 AM - Technology Committee Meeting

Discussion:  Call to order at 10:00 AM

Discussion:  Staff: David Ludwig, Beth Kabes, Scott Isaacson, Deb Hericks, Rhonda Eis Guests: Ron Cone, Jamen Hall, BJ PEters, Craig Hicks, Gary Needham

Discussion:  Executive Director reviewed process with the Tech Plan items.

Discussion:  The multi state grant (through Gates Foundation) is designed to build a sustainable model for future collaboration. Working to set up a collaboration model. People are pursuing the same things, and how can we collaborate on research and design on how we can create best practices, software, technology standards, etc. States represented are Illinois, Nebraska, Clark County, NV and multiple Regional Information Centers in New York. NE representatives are Dean Folkers, David Ludwig and Scott Isaacson.

Discussion:  Continue to work getting people nine ESUs and sixteen schools are currently online. Weekly meetings to go over progress and updates. Their is a list of steps to become the next school/ESU to be brought on-board. They are currently a little ahead of the ADVISOR work that is being done. About half of early adopters are on-board. Executive Director was invited to present to NATA (NE Association of Technology Administrators) - large districts of technology administrators. Need to keep communications strong with this group related to statewide initiatives. Timelines: Early adopters district will start to stage data the early part of February. Pilot districts are all connected and looking to go into limit production this Spring. Next wave of early adopters will begin this summer/early Fall. Portal system is where there is the most work to be done. Continue to work as fast as they can to get applications, etc loaded. This part will be ongoing.

Discussion:  The attached diagrams and revisions are meant to build a common language, to be used as needs assessment tool and a structure for enhanced services in the future. This will help to come up with a deployment model. Technology Director reviewed the models that were attached.

Discussion:  About two years ago NDE and ESUCC was completed statewide on the availability of technology, time spent, money spent, etc. Attached is the findings of the study and info graphic on study. Executive Director reviewed the info graphic with the committee. Committee to review study to help in understanding and communicating the process.

Discussion:  The attached diagrams and revisions are meant to build a common language, to be used as needs assessment tool and a structure for enhanced services in the future. This will help to come up with a deployment model. Technology Director reviewed the models that were attached. Next steps are to keep communicating, finding our what needs, are and how they are being met, etc.

Discussion:  Technolgy Director gave an update on the progress of the Tech Plan. He included a draft overview page, more simplified view of projects/tasks included within the plan.

Discussion:  Technology Director gave an update on process of the statewide back-up system. There is a need for the ESUCC but we want to include options for others entities to meet their needs. NOC will review at their February 17 meeting for review and will bring forth a motion in March. Technology Director would like to do a level analysis of what is available.

Discussion:  Gary Needham (ESU 9) reviewed the action plan for NITC Ed Council. They have been working to re-craft/re-frame their current plan. Their needs to include additional reporting, accountability information, optimization and security. Equitable costs of infrastructure across the state was one of their main focus, not finished but not the main focus of management currently. They are looking to create a portal so that schools/entities can see their usage statistics. Action items to include: Network NE: Prepare for the future of Network Nebraska as a statewide, multipurpose, high capacity, scalable telecommunications network that shall meet the demand of state agencies, local governments, and educational entities as defined in section 79-1201.01. Serve as the communication hub for existing and potential new Network Nebraska members. Digital Education Initiative: Create Professional development opportunities for all Nebraska educators to maximize student success through the innovative uses of technology in teaching. Address technical challenges for students in the transition from secondary to post-secondary education. Expand awareness of the need to address poverty as it relates to digital education.

Discussion:  Technology Director reviewed his report. The hardware is all at NE Hall and installed.

Discussion:  BlendEd Director reviewed her attached report. BlendEd Committee meets weekly on Friday mornings. Discussion to include: BlendEd Retreat, BlendEd Pilot Project, LOR (Learning Object Repository). DEAC (Advisory Council) continues to work on updates on NVIS, EdReady Math/NROC are continuing to be promoted and increasing almost daily. NROC English Course needs to work through a LMS but starting to work with teachers. Continue to discuss Virtual Fields Trips. LOR Sub-Committee (includes thirteen members) to review possible solutions for the state.

Discussion:  IMAT reviewed her report. She reviewed the changes to Learn360 and the possibility that it could also be used for LOR. Learn360 has offered accounts for members of ESU 2 and ESU 6. If they have someone interested, please contact Rhonda to set up accounts.