The KCSD Technology Requisition Application was originally implemented in 2014 as a means to clearly define a plan for integration for software and hardware, providing teachers with an opportunity to reflect upon the impact of technology on student achievement, based primarily upon Danielson’s Framework for Teaching. The focus moving forward will continue to be on instruction and student achievement, however the components of the Application have been consolidated, encouraging more collaboration, research and exploration throughout the process, focusing on enhancing student learning activities, building upon proven instructional strategies & resources. Feedback from some staff and administration indicated that the previous process had become somewhat cumbersome and time consuming, while the revised Application supports a more collaborative and investigative process through researching new programs and resources, exploring new devices and programs to “see what’s out there,” then evaluating the impact on student achievement. 

Teams with devices approaching end-of-life are reminded about the Technology Application throughout the year. Included as part of the reminder, is the recommendation to identify effective programs, software & websites currently being utilized; (with data to substantiate), then dedicating time to research additional programs, websites, devices, etc., worth considering both short and long term. Teams are also strongly encouraged to schedule opportunities to meet with Dan and members of the Technology Department to provide support and guidance throughout the process. 

All teachers within a course, subject area or grade level, (district-wide), will continue to collectively submit the Application, ensuring consistency, specifying how the proposed resources will impact instruction and student achievement. The criteria included within the completed Application then becomes the expectation for integration moving forward, focusing especially on monitoring student progress & enhancing the the learning experience, ultimately leading to increased student achievement. One of the main goals of the process is to not only ensure that the new devices accommodate what the students are currently accomplishing, but also what we envision the students will need to achieve in the future. 

Too good not to share! 

Google recently released updates to features within GSuite that are just too good not to share.  If you'd like to learn more about the features listed below, or any other tech topic, submit a work order and select "Training" and let us know when you're available. For a complete list of GSuite updates, check out GSuite Updates blog! 

Released in September 2016, our "Kennection" website is a glimpse into the world of technology in our District, providing timely information and resources as well as a look into the inner workings of the KCSD Technology Department. Our intention is to provide a streamlined update of important information, along with stories & photos, sprinkled with some humor, focusing on technology and the Kennett Community. "Kennection" will be updated frequently so remember to check-in often to stay up to date on the latest news & resources surrounding KCSD Technology.

The KMS and KHS Personalized Learning Teams, (PLT's), dedicated most of January through April 2017 to exploring both the Canvas and Schoology Learning Management Systems, and based upon the feedback from those who responded, Schoology emerged as the clear choice. Most of the top priorities identified by the group were related to Skyward, Google Apps and curriculum integration, as well as creating a "one-stop shop" for teachers, parents and students.

We've secured Schoology licenses and support for the 2017-18 school year for all KMS and KHS staff and students, and have since expanded to include several elementary teachers and students, which was not anticipated before the 2018-19 school year. Over the summer the District conducted monthly, collaborative sessions to help get teachers started with planning and organizing Schoology courses for the upcoming school year. The July session was facilitated by a Schoology trainer and was attended by over 20 teachers, all of which indicated the session was invaluable in getting familiar with the tools and features of the LMS, as well as ideas for implementation.

KHS Online Latin Course, Student Feedback

• Students indicated they would benefit greatly in getting a head-start over the summer on some of the more challenging courses starting in the fall such as Physics, Math, etc.

• 6 out of 9 students indicated they would take a summer course

• All students who responded indicated the benefits surrounding the possibility of completing the course ahead of time to: a) take an elective, b) focus on other courses, especially those taking AP / Honors

• Students indicated that Math & some Science courses would be challenging to offer online due to needing the consistent teacher support in-person.

Next Steps:

• Survey students to gauge interest for Summer Prep courses and possible online courses for 2018-19

  • Continue to obtain student feedback regarding current online Latin Course
    

• Explore possibilities for Summer 2018 Prep Courses for students & expand offerings as needed

• Maintain communication with Kennett Community including parents, staff and students

• Common Sense Media, Privacy & Internet Safety

• Disruptive Innovation, Clayton Christensen

• Framework for 21st Century Learning, P21

• Good Digital Parenting, Family Online Safety Institute

• ISTE's Standards for Students

• Mass Customized Learning, Inevitable

• National Ed Tech Plan, January 2017 

• Personalized Learning, The Glossary of Ed Reform

Visit Connect.kcsd.org to stay "Kennett ConnectED"

• KennectED - District Technology; News, Events & Celebrations

• KCSD Cyber Safety & Security Awareness

• KCSD Newsletter

• Celebrating Kennett

• CONNECT Dashboard inc. Student Resources

• Kennett ConnectED - KCSD Technology Vision & Goals

• District Website

• Visit us on Twitter; https://twitter.com/KCSD"building"

• Bancroft Elementary School:  https://twitter.com/KCSDBancroft   

• Greenwood Elementary School:  https://twitter.com/KCSDGreenwood   

• New Garden Elementary School:  https://twitter.com/KCSDNewGarden

• Mary D. Lang Kindergarten Center:  https://twitter.com/KCSDMaryDLang

• Kennett Middle School:  https://twitter.com/KCSDKennettMS

• Kennett High School:  https://twitter.com/KCSDKennettHS

• Kennett High School Sports: https://twitter.com/KCSDKHS_Sports

• Student Loaner Laptop program has expanded to include close to 250 devices for students, (see right)
• Expanded STEM Student Loaner Laptop Program to include KMS by the beginning of 2017-18 school year.
• Continue to expand BYOT, (Bring Your Own Technology) Initiative.
• Explore expanding the District Technology Application program to families to apply for a District provided devices.
• See aggressive pricing with Technology Resellers for refurbished devices for Kennett families, (see below).
• Assure 100% of instructional student programs available online, (See Student Resources wiki)
• Implement a Password Management solution for all programs so students have only one login (see below)
• Explore programs offered by local providers such as Comcast's Internet Essentials to provide affordable internet access at home for families. Check out Internet Essentials
  
  

• Implement Kajeet Mifi Hotspot initiative with (30) devices, 1st-12th
• Currently (10) Hotspot devices allocated to KMS and KHS and at least (3) devices each to BE, GW & NG.
• Most likely securing more devices before the end of the year, but wanted to assure effective implementation.
• Student utilization is monitored via a web portal to track utilization as well as student progression.
• Devices managed similarly to the Loaner Laptops where they are barcoded and managed like a book.
• Please see Student and Parent Guide and visit Kajeet SmartSpot website for more information. 

PDF
name Guide_for_Students_Parents.pdf

During the 2014-15 school year, KCSD piloted a student loaner laptop program with the goal of providing home use of a laptop computer to students who need a device for use at home. What began in the first building wide program 2 years ago at Greenwood involving about 24 laptops, has expanded to close to 250 laptops this year. And the program is growing every year! This also includes the STEM laptop loaner program at the high school and middle school.

Goals & Overview of Loaner Laptop Program

• Provide students with access outside of school

• Prepare parents to support students at home, (See School Success)

• Encourage students to meet their individual goals

• Build awareness & relationships