February+1,+2012

**Baird Middle School~ Donna Hogan Library Media Center 7PM** This was the first LPS Technology Meeting held in the evening and the turn out was very good. There was a total of 21 people who attended, including district administrators, principals, teachers, BMS students, representatives from the LPS school committee, a representative from the Ludlow Finance Committee. A big thank you to all who attended and shared their concerns, thoughts and vision for the future. Below please read a summary of topics discussed.

Agenda:
 * Welcome
 * Infrastructure Overview / Needs
 * Instructional Goals What tools do we need to get there?
 * Bring Your Own Device Parental Permission / District Policy
 * Professional Development Administrative / Instructiona l

The discussion also focused on the expense for a replacement cycle and possible funding sources for additional technologies in district. Dedicated revenue source- solid line item. Lorraine explained how much of the "new" technology in district over the last couple of years was a result of the AARA Grant which concentrated on the elementary level. Lorraine explained how Vets Park is now wireless and will have one 4th grade and one 5th grade classroom having a 1:1 learning environment with the addition of netbooks to these classrooms. In addition another 5th grade classroom has 7 netbooks available all day. One Special Education teacher voiced a concern that when there are replacements of technologies in district it seems that the Special Education department is "forgotten" and the emphasis is on the regular education classes. Other teachers indicated that the specials teachers (art, music, gym, etc) also feel "left out" and are always the last to receive any updates of equipment. Another teacher also stated that it can be frustrating to attend PD and then not have access to the tool (SMARTBoard) to implement and use the skills learned in the classroom.
 * Infrastructure Overview**- Lorraine (Director of Technology) began the meeting by sharing some information and photos of the district technology infrastructure- data closets- and how important this infrastructure is to maintain access to 21st Century Skills. Click here to view some of the photos.


 * Instructional Goals**- The open discussion included the following observations and comments:
 * It's not about the "stuff" (latest and greatest device) but about 21st Century Literacy
 * How do we (students and teachers) access, use and evaluate the information to support life long learning.
 * Common Core Strands: Literacy Standards embedded in the curriculum- shouldn't be an "extra". Align goals with technology. Inquiry is in all strands. Students need to know how to evaluate reliable resources- how do you know it is a valuable source>appropriate and reliable use of technology.
 * Parent voiced concern that there is not any consistency using technology in the classroom from grade to grade. Gave the example of her chile having exposure to "lots" of technology in the second grade and this year in the third grade there is "nothing". She would be willing to provide/buy a device for her children to support learning in the classroom. She stated that "my kids are moving with the wave at the elementary level" but was concerned that students at BMS and LHS may be left out.
 * LHS Principal voiced her concern that the NEASC recertification could be in question due to the lack of technology.
 * Student shared how last year her math teacher (Mrs.Chapdelaine) had a class wiki where interactive, collaborative assignments were posted. She stated that students enjoyed the online assignments that reinforced skills learned in class and supported each other to "learn more".
 * Using technology for students to "prove they understand a concept allows for a deeper understanding".
 * Rubric is the same for whatever medium/tool used to demonstrate they have mastered a skill. Critical thinking skills being used as opposed to rote memorization.


 * Bring Your Own Devices (BYOD)-** The open discussion included the following observations and comments:
 * Lorraine explained how the district will need to install wireless in all schools to ensure CIPA compliance (use our network) so that when they bring their own devices they are using our firewall and proxy settings.
 * Classroom devices could include: netbooks, laptops, mics, headphones, iPads, iPods, cell phones, Kindle, Nook, etc.
 * Lorraine emphasized that the tech department would not be responsible for maintenance or "fixing" any issues with personal devices brought to school by students or staff. It would be the responsibility of each student to know how to connect to the LPS network, use and share information with their device. She also emphasized that the LPS would not be responsible for damage or theft of said devices.
 * Students discussed how, if there was a BYOD Policy, they felt the majority of the student body would follow the policy because they would not want to jeopardize or risk losing the privilege. They also said they thought students would "self police" each other.
 * All in attendance felt that the goal of having a BYOD policy is needed ASAP. Lorraine again reminded everyone that currently there is NO policy and as such no teacher should be sanctioning the use of devices
 * Parental permission would be required and kept on file-- a parent permission slip needs to be created. There was some discussion on what the classroom teacher would need to to if there were students in class that did not have permission.
 * The need for a level playing field for all students was discussed- specifically what responsibility will LPS have to provide a device to those families who can not provide a device for their student(s).
 * Lorraine reminded all in attendance that the district does not currently have a BYOD policy and encouraged those teachers who may want to
 * LHS Principal stated that the LHS Student Council had conducted a teacher survey regarding a BYOD Policy and would be presenting the results at the next school committee meeting on Tuesday, February 7th. She also informed the committee that at the request of students LHS had instituted a pilot directed at allowing students to use their own device in the cafeteria during lunches and that it went well with very few infractions.
 * Vets Park Principal offered to take the lead with a pilot BYOD program at her school since it is now wireless.
 * Attendees stated there is a need for additional computers to be used for research, communication and collaboration.


 * Professional Development-** The open discussion included the following observation and comments:
 * What do we want teachers to know? The district needs to prioritize the technology goals for ALL teachers. Need for more consistency within each building to raise the teacher comfort zone when using technology. Tap the expertise within each building to provide training. Teachers need to take responsibility and be self motivated to learn. Discussion regarding WHEN the PD should be given- before/after school, extended day, faculty meeting, etc.
 * LHS Principal suggested that the district set specific teacher goals (timeline) and it would become part of the evaluation process. For example: By (this time) we would have trained our staff on ___. With the PD comes the expectation that teachers would be proficient in using the tools.
 * LHS Librarian stated that the goals should be directed to a purposeful activity and reasonable for the technology available. She offered a specific example of how this occurred at LHS: When preparing for the NEASC re-certification process it was decided that all information would be shared with staff via Google Docs. Staff given a brief overview of Google Docs features at the start of the year and she stated it has been going well.
 * Lorraine briefly spoke about a teacher directed PD be planned for this summer.


 * Agenda Ideas for the next meeting scheduled for March 7th at 7PM**
 * Survey parents, staff and students about BYOD and report results.
 * Break into clusters to brainstorm ideas for the following areas:
 * 1) District needs/equipment
 * 2) Goals and Policy
 * 3) PD for teachers
 * 4) Possible fund raising ideas