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Classroom Technology


Thank you to the 193 teachers who have completed our District Standard Classroom Equipment Survey. I wanted to share some results of the survey, as well as talk through a few things about what is “standard district provided equipment” and what is “building provided”.


RESULTS: 




Currently, we'll be making sure that all classrooms have a projector. This is a tool that is vital across all buildings. As you can see, the remaining equipment is either not in a majority of classrooms nor used regularly by a majority of teachers.  We do understand how these other tools (document cameras, speakers, and amplification systems) can be helpful to teaching and learning. However, due to the need to begin to systematically replace several projectors, all document cameras, and speakers will need to be purchased or replaced out of building funds.


We are working to begin a district wide replacement cycle of classroom projectors. We have begun planning and have identified several starting points for replacement. Buildings that are under construction upgrades have been identified first (portions of Prairie High School and Prairie View). Prairie Crest and Prairie Heights will be getting new projectors through their building remodel. We have also identified parts of Prairie Point as an area to be upgraded. We have started with 8th grade classrooms at Point. Over the next few years, we will upgrade the rest of Point and Ridge. Creeksters will hopefully be getting a new building in the nearer future and friends at HIll are in the newest building and will be upgraded in the final year of our upgrade project.

In the “I wish” section of the survey, there was a theme. Wireless connection to our projector.  Our team is currently testing out some wireless projection tools. Some buildings have purchased Apple TVs or Chromecasts for some classrooms or conference rooms. We’re trying to find a “best practice” with these as we’re noticing issues that arise when these are implemented. A few issues we are seeing are the wireless access in some areas slowing down or becoming intermittent. We are looking into these scenarios and trying to which options make the most sense. Please expect to hear more from us about best practice in wireless projection in the upcoming months. 


Please always remember that resources are limited and there are over 500 classrooms in the district we’re supporting. Overall, I wanted to share a response to the survey. I do wish we could get you everything you wanted in regards to technology for your classroom.  Thank you for taking part in the survey to give us an idea of current reality within our district.



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