Arp ISD Technology Department The Arp Technology Department plans all initiatives and implementations of technology infrastructure and tools in alignment with the Texas Education Agency's Technology Plan for 2010-2020, ERATE Guidelines and Policies, Title II Part D Federal Entitlement, local needs assessments, and CIPA.

Update: February 21, 2008 -- Click twice on buttons

         

 

Current Offerings

Initiated 07-08

  1. Xerox Scanning and Digital Record Storage on all campuses.
  2. Installed new District Print Shop: Xerox color copier for booklets, posters, and flyers.
  3. Updated Uninterrupted Power Supply to 45 minutes on Main Distribution Facility (MDF – or where all the servers reside)
  4. Initiated Podcasting server – teachers and students creating content
  5. Upgraded BCM server & added 10 more phones to the Voice over IP system in the High School
  6. Planned, budgeted, and implemented for install of 22 more projectors and Interactive Technologies in requesting classrooms
  7. Initiated News Server – Counselors, Cafeteria, Jr H. Teachers using it  
  8. Completed installation of new switches & fiber for faster access and more ports on all campuses
  9. Implemented new Cafeteria System for POS and Reporting to TEA
  10. Implemented new Time Clock System for tracking employee’s time
  11. Upgraded Barracuda Server to handle expanding SPAM issues
  12. Purchased and implemented 5 Virtual Servers (Web, Joomla, and file servers) to save money and space
  13. Purchased Document Cameras for requesting teachers
  14. Purchased 35 new computer systems, 5 laptops
  15. Purchased wireless mobile computing lab (24 computers) for H.S.
  16. Purchased 20 NComputing Units which deliver 4 stations per computer using XTend Technologies (saving money and electricity)
  17. Purchased 60 LCD screens to replace 60 CRTs saving electricity. Computed the savings to replace CRTs with LCDs at over $1500 a month.
  18. Purchased 2 Asus ePCs for one-to-one pilot and demonstration
  19. Completed Survey of all faculty for needs assessment – informed principals of results.
  20. Supported –so far this year over 1200 documented  maintenance requests and help desk requests…does NOT count undocumented requests!
  21. Replaced lights in H.S. Auditorium with long life and more efficient bulbs.
  22. Purchased and Implemented EYEQ Software for readers with difficulty.
  23. Researched & Purchased WebCCAT software for benchmark testing on all campuses.
  24. Replaced Administrative Office computers (Superintendent, Jr H Office, Maintenance Dept, & Business Offices)
  25. Purchase Onfinity presentation hardware – portable & creates and interactive wall.
  26. Purchased new hardware & software for Special Education Department on all campuses.
  27. Supported the 100% Completion 2007-08 STAR Charts
  28. Completed 2007 inventory, needs assessment for Network & technology and then completed Technology Plan with TEA approval
  29. Completed ERATE for 2006-07 with $31,000 in refunds (received)
  30. Completed ERATE for 2007-08 with $30,000 in refunds (committed)
  31. Completed ERATE for 2008-09 with $30, 000 in refunds still to be committed.
  32. Arranged for and shipped 88 out-dated computers off-site using e-Recycle under HEPA rules and regulations.
  33. Deleted 80 accounts from network (last year) and added 94 new accounts.
  34. Updated older machines with new memory (RAM) for extended life.

 

  • Purchased 3 TUFF CAMs for Elementary students  at a reduced TCEA conference price of $140 each versus $180.

 

  • Purchased Easiteach Dance Mat for Interactivity for the kinesthetic learner. Demonstration lab for check out.  @ $ 349.

 

  • Assisted CATE courses in planning for next year with tools and supplies.

 

ONGOING SERVICES:

 

  • GradeSpeed
  • TPRI
  • RSCCC
  • Eduphoria
  • AR
  • STAR
  • PASeries
  • Parent Access

 
  • Surveillance  Monitors
  • Spam Filter
  • URL Filters
  • Backups
  • NOVATime
  • ClassServer
  • Network Accounts
  • Email & Mail Groups

 
  • Dialing Tree (updating)
  • NovaNet
  • TMDS/TSDS
  • Virtual High School
  • TestNAV – TAKS online

 

 

GOALS for 2008-09

 

GOAL 1:   Reduce the Cost of Ownership for Technology Tools (more energy efficient technologies)

  • Replace all CRTs with LCD screens AND/OR All-in-One Systems reduces power (kW) usage by more than 2/3rds
  • Purchase Projectors with less expensive bulbs. ($299 versus $600). Accepting projectors on your campus –necessitates campuses budgeting for bulb replacements. Figure about ¼ each year…

 

  • E PC from Asus – the size of your hand   @ $345.00 each (Linux based) –ALL SOFTWARE on this MACHINE IS FREE.

 

  • ClassMate from Intel – the size of your hand  also the size of your hand @ $450 each (Windows based)

 

  • Reduce the # of computers by 1/5 using the 4 to 1 Thin Client Solution. 4 Computer Stations for every 1 computer --Thin Client Technology @ $1716 for 4 stations. Reduces power (kW)  usage by 2/3rds.
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  • Reduce the cost of software by utilizing Linux-based and freeware where possible:

 

 

GOAL 2: Set up a Demonstration Lab for Technology Tools for previewing and check out by Teachers.

 

 

 

  • Mini Box for carts  and portability.

 

  • Ease of Use: Laptop Tablet  Takes the place of PDA, paper, camera, and laptop @ $1710

 

  • EasiTeach Software – for creating 4 core subject area Interactive Lessons for Interactive Boards & Podcasting. Teachers can build Math, Science, SS, and LA lessons with two to three mouse clicks…for best practices with Smart Boards. I have purchased the Elementary Package and the MS/HS package & site licenses.

 

  • Purchased one PC tablet with Science Probes to demonstrate and loan to each campus. This is a fully functioning PC Tablet, water proof, and wireless for field work. Over 250 sensors & probes available.  PC with 5 probes ~ $990.

 

 

GOAL 3: Equalize classroom Access to Interactive Tools for improved Student Environment

  • Purchased Easiteach Dance Mat for Interactivity for the kinesthetic learner. Demonstration lab for check out.  @ $ 349.
  • EasiTeach Software Total Package for interactive classrooms
  • Age Appropriate Hands-on Technology Tools
    • eBlocks  for PreK-3rd Phonetics, Math, and ESL applications promotes learning through Technology and Kinesthetic (Hands-on) learning (complete set $990)
  • Projectors mounted in all requesting classrooms
  • Interactive Teaching Tools in classrooms (Mimio, Smart Board, AVRover)
  • District & Campus Level Software Solutions by request
  • Pilot a Wireless Lab in the H.S. for additional considerations.
  • Expand the use of wireless technology where appropriate. It is slower and more insecure than hard wires…but serves a purpose in one-to-one technology.
  • Pilot a one-to-one technology initiative in the district starting with 6-8th grades.

 

 

GOAL 4:  Support Faculty & Staff on appropriate use of Technology Tools and Integration Techniques for improved STAR Chart scores.

  • Create QuickStarts on the Web
  • Provide in classroom support for initiation of new technologies (interactivity, Smartboards, AVRover, Mimio, E-Instruction, etc.)
  • Offer Monday Evening  & Summer Classes on Moodle, Joomla, ClassServer, Web Pages, and Desktop Publishing for CPE credit
  • Build your Own Web Site: Studio 4:00PM Every Monday Evening until you feel like an expert!! Interested? Email: joy@arpisd.org

 

GOAL 5: Security Issues for Network Resources

  • Xerox Scanning and Copier Email capability secures student documents on the network. Capability is tremendous.
  • Expand the use of Digital Resources (Scanning and Storage) for convenient search and retrieval through outside company- Dimension Imaging.
  • Expand access from home by providing VPNetwork – login from home and access all district resources.
  • Implemented off-site backup to UT Health Center for ALL data in case of fire, flood, or wind.
  • Implemented iVault backup to New Jersey for all critical data (payroll and PEIMS)
  • UPS for uninterrupted service.

 

What do you NEED for your classroom learning environment?

 

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