Infrastructure, Hardware, Technical Support, and Software
Challenge:
The ability for schools to utilize technology in
collaboration with educational programs beyond their own walls and
geographical boundaries and to access global information resources requires
that the nation’s Information Superhighway reaches their doorstep. This is
an important concept in Wexford-Missaukee ISD’s effort to ensure equitable
educational opportunity for all students. However, the ability of the
Intermediate School District to provide and receive a high-quality voice,
video and data connection to every other school in Michigan does not yet
exist. It must be prepared to share and receive technology resources in a
state, national, and world arena. The WMISD must continue to work with its
bordering ISD’S Community Colleges, Universities, Health Care Providers, and
Business\Industry Leaders to continue its expansion and fulfill its role in
creating a connected world.
While a substantial investment has been made in hardware and software, it
will need to upgrade and, when necessary, replaced to keep pace with
technological advancements. We need to assure that we are preparing
students equipped to perform in and every changing world of technology and
work. A process for researching, previewing, and purchasing educational
software will need to be further developed. In particular software
applications will need to be "the best of the best" and aligned with the
curriculum prior to purchase.
Recommendation:
The Wexford-Missaukee ISD will continue to work with
bordering ISD’s, Community College and Universities, Libraries, Health Care
Providers, Department of Education, and Business\Industry to assure that it
is meeting its responsibility and role in establishing a connected region,
state, nation, and world. It must upgrade and replace its hardware and
software to keep pace with new and emerging technologies in a cost-effective
manner. Processes for previewing, evaluating and aligning software with
curriculum will need to be further developed. Coordinated efforts to
participate in consortium and statewide purchasing programs need to be
aggressively pursued.
Rationale and Implementation:
The vision for Wexford-Missaukee ISD to
be connected via a voice, video and data network accessible to the region,
state, nation and world has progressed significantly in the past five years.
However it is far short of the dream becoming reality. Previous plans,
activities and accomplishments place us in a position to serve as a hub and
catalyst for further developments to both share and receive substantial and
meaningful educational resources for students and educators. We must
continue to display leadership in this endeavor through future partnerships
and collaborative efforts.
Success:
All districts within the WMISD will
have ready access to the world trough a voice, data, and video network.
Students will be able to research, communicate, and visit with students
anywhere in the world.
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