tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4526659937118816707.post6919856469610388288..comments2023-10-31T10:36:24.845-05:00Comments on K12 Reformer - Mike Reno: Time to Resurrect Technology in RochesterMike Renohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02321695059501190325noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4526659937118816707.post-38189020057947837072007-11-18T21:33:00.000-05:002007-11-18T21:33:00.000-05:00Interesting tidbit from the 11/18/07 Livonia Eccen...Interesting tidbit from the 11/18/07 Livonia Eccentric:<BR/><BR/>LPS offers podcasts of meetings<BR/><BR/>A new digital recording of the Livonia Public Schools board meetings ensures listeners won't have to miss a discussion or a vote.<BR/><BR/>Starting Nov. 5, the district began to record and post audio from the board's meetings on its Web site.<BR/><BR/>Ken McMullen, senior communications specialist, said it is another way for people in and outside of the district to follow the board's discussions. <BR/><BR/>The meetings are aired live on cable in Livonia and Westland and replayed throughout the week. However, McMullen said the online podcasts serve people who aren't cable subscribers, who live outside the district or those who want to tune in on their own schedule.<BR/><BR/>"With the resources we have, we're trying to do everything possible to communicate with people," he said.<BR/><BR/>Meetings that are televised - including committee of the whole and regular board meetings - will also be recorded this way.<BR/><BR/>McMullen said the podcasts will be available as early as the morning following a meeting.<BR/><BR/>LPS did not have to purchase any additional equipment to offer podcasts of the meetings, he said.<BR/><BR/>To listen, visit www.livonia.k12.mi.us, select the link for "school board" and click "minutes" from the pull-down menu. Listeners can plug headphones into their computers or record the file on a CD or MP3 player.<BR/><BR/>The district also recently redesigned its Web site home page and added a link to information for prospective families.<BR/><BR/>On Monday's agenda<BR/><BR/>The board will decide on a $200,000 proposal to add security cameras and electronic key cards to the district's elementary schools and central administration building. Money would come from the 1992 technology bond.Mike Renohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02321695059501190325noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4526659937118816707.post-58256956882805555042007-11-14T15:23:00.000-05:002007-11-14T15:23:00.000-05:00Mike:I agree with you on this. While I don't know ...Mike:<BR/><BR/>I agree with you on this. While I don't know the details of the particular situation in Rochester you write about, it is an issue that resonates everywhere. I do think there are gaps created by both the lack of technology in certain situations and an abundance of technology in some other situations where money and equipment have been thrown at a district or institution and no clear plan of implementation and use (or training, for that matter) has occured. <BR/><BR/>As an instructor, I also have a pet peeve about how Power Point is sometimes used: simply to regurgitate the same information found in the textbook being used. I'm not sure that's effective use of technology usage when that occurs. But maybe that's just me.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4526659937118816707.post-83606040587368982372007-11-05T17:15:00.000-05:002007-11-05T17:15:00.000-05:00I have been a business and technology consultant f...I have been a business and technology consultant for over 18 years. Sadly, this is an old story often repeated. Fortunately, this story can be re-written.<BR/><BR/>It really comes down to creativity, courage and leadership. If the Administration can not provide this, RCS should outsource this function. The current role of technology lead should go to one person / company who can NOT bid on the actual work to be done. They are the visionary and watchdog.<BR/><BR/>The first task of this person is to define the measurable outcomes and strategic advantages this investment gives (directly) to our kids or how it aides instruction. This is not hard to do. You just have to do it...and stick to it.<BR/><BR/>More below if you are interested...<BR/><BR/>Jim<BR/><BR/>A few notes on how technology is different today (it's not just PCs and wireless access.) <BR/><BR/>1. Technologically, our kids are already way ahead of us and the RCS. Admit it! That is step 1.<BR/><BR/>2. Whatever solution RCS develops must heavily involve the kids. <BR/><BR/>3. Marketing departments of businesses are learning this now. They have less influence over what people think about their brands (via TV spots, print ads, etc.) now that the internet is here (filled with blogs, Facebook, Utube, forums, etc.) <BR/><BR/>4. In short, you are not what you say you are; you are what the community says you are. <BR/><BR/>5. So, if you want to be known as 'technologically advanced district' you better have the 'street cred' of the kids and the insiders within the industry and universities. Otherwise, it is all just spin.<BR/><BR/>6. To do this, you have to give up some level of control while sticking to your vision and measurable outcomes. That is usually too scary for most people...which is why they fall behind the times. <BR/><BR/>7. But again, that takes courage, creative and leadership. Funny how it always comes back to that.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4526659937118816707.post-40801605147503775412007-11-02T20:03:00.000-05:002007-11-02T20:03:00.000-05:00You have hit the nail on the head, but I wonder wh...You have hit the nail on the head, but I wonder who is listening. Not only is there no real program, the service provided for repairs other than minor ones can shut down certain pieces of equipment for months.<BR/><BR/>The TV cable transmission is poor, sound system is mushy, and obviously the equipment is obsolete.<BR/><BR/>School productions are an important part of learning, yet sound and lighting on stages at the elementary level is non existent. Six hundred parents come to see their children, music teachers work for months, and no one can see or hear the production. Where were the plans for these stages in all the recent renovations? Is this not a good use of technology dollars?<BR/><BR/>Cameras in classrooms, flexcams for presentation, larger less cumbersome monitors are truly needed. The money should not be sitting in an account and could reach the students classroom by classroom. Hands on is the only way for kids to make technology a part of their life. Media time is but once a week for an hour. It is an important place to begin, but what happens there must be carried into the classroom daily.<BR/><BR/>There is no common thread for purchasing from building to building, and little direction in what is out there to improve each building.<BR/><BR/>Demostrations by companies should be common place at staff meetings to see what is out there, and how they can utilize these innovations.<BR/><BR/>Thanks go to Media Specialists,teachers,and Tech Coaches who keep the program going.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com