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I wanted to share with all of you some of the items that are included in the technology portion of the upcoming bond election.
Basic Needs
We have a need to upgrade our infrastructure in order to handle our critical services and future demands due to our growth and the addition of new technologies that will enhance learning, security, and MISD services. Technology is no longer an initiative in education, it is now imperative…
Teacher Stations and Computer Labs:
The FSMS and MHS teacher stations will be over 5 years old after this year. The student’s BCIS Lab and Meadows Library Lab are also 5 years old. We will replace these stations. We will be adding New Switches that will enable traffic prioritization and increase Bandwidth across our network (faster connectivity)...
IP Phones
Longbranch, Mt. Peak, J. A. Vitovsky, and any future schools need to be part of our MISD IP phone system. This will allow for 4-digit dialing utilizing our existing network across the District limiting the need for additional phone lines. These new phones will also provide an added layer of security with a telephone in every classroom for students and teachers.
Wireless Rolling Computer Labs
Several of our wireless labs are at their end of life and need to be replaced with newer laptops for student use. Multiple rolling wireless labs will be added to every campus across the District.
Education Instruction Systems
Wireless remote response systems (remote controls) enable teachers to monitor the success of lessons in real time while increasing student participation. During presentations (or lessons), you would be able to present a quick question (or test) that the students could respond to anonymously in front of their peers utilizing the individual class set of remotes. The teacher would be able to see their responses immediately. Based on the success of the student’s answers, the teacher could then either continue the lesson, or modify (re-teach) that portion of the lesson. The lessons would become more engaging and productive as you analyze the immediate feedback from your lesson presentation.
Distance Ed Portable Conferencing System
This system will allow each school to interact with one another for special projects and can allow access to other sites outside of our District… Take virtual field trips and interact with experts in their field or with students from another school.
Multi-media Cart (New COW)
Will consist of a document camera (Elmo), projector, wireless laptop, speakers, wireless mouse and keyboard, VCR/DVD player, on a compact lightweight cart. We are planning on purchasing one per grade level at all elementary schools. All books could become “BIG” books.
Security Cameras
WGMS has a security camera system in place that has already proven beneficial in deterring misbehavior and assists in keeping our students and teachers safe. More cameras are being requested to shore up certain areas there. MHS will need additional cameras as well along with those campuses that do not have any security cameras.
Access Control
We are proposing that we add at least 1 additional exterior and one interior (vault) door at each campus for added security and accessibility.
WAN
(Wide Area Network)
As the new WiFi standard is set, it will increase the available bandwidth between campuses. We now have the possibility of utilizing different types of connectivity between campuses for additional stability, speed, and redundancy as our application needs become more critical.
Technology Center
We are proposing to add the equipment and facilities necessary to teach different methods of broadcasting at MHS that would include radio and TV courses for students.
All in all, there are some exciting things being planned at MISD!
Kirk Paschall
Director of Technology
Midlothian I. S. D.
100 Walter Stephenson Rd.
Midlothian, TX 76065
voice 972.775.8296
fax 972.775.2126
"There are only 10 types of people in the world;
those who understand binary and those who don't..." ;)
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