February, 2002
Content Guide:
Elementary
School
Middle School
High School
General
Technology Applied
Into the Classroom
STLP News
Through a Student's Eyes
Assistive Technology
The Web
Red-Hot Links
Literacy On Line
Tech Help
Tips from the Pros
Training Schedule at the Ambrose Lab
Staff
profiles
Miscellaneous
"The network is down . . . "
(humor)
The TIPS Archives
Editor: Jeffrey L.
Jones,
District TRT jjones@fayette.k12.ky.us
| This website is intended for the instructional use of students and staff of Fayette County Public Schools |
 |
The Fayette County Educational Technology Newsletter |
|
 When
the Kentucky Educational Technology System (KETS) was first
designed and implemented, it was clear what the writers of this plan (and
the legislators whose funding gave it teeth) meant by the word
"Technology" - computers and connectivity. There were strict
limits on how the huge KETS matching grants could be spent -
computer workstations and servers, wiring and network infrastructure, and
a state-standard email system and gateway to the Internet. Little
else. Though perhaps initially a bit constricted, the result was probably the
fastest, most complete, and most equitable state-wide implementation of
educational connectivity and computer capability of any state in the
United States. This first initiative was referred to as KETS Phase
1. Phase 1 was considered nearly complete by the summer of 2000.
The challenge of KETS Phase 2 is now upon us, and with it comes a change of focus and guidelines, as well as a lifting of purchase restrictions, in an attempt to address the broader implications of educational technology integration. OK, that's nice . . . what does this policy mumbo-jumbo mean for me in the trenches? We're glad you asked! Several things: 1) Professional Development. Computers and connectivity are nothing if teachers cannot apply it directly to instruction! Fayette County, as always, has an enormous commitment to technology professional development. KETS Phase 2 sets this commitment as a priority. Leading the charge is an entirely new collection of offerings at the Lab at Ambrose for March aimed directly at how technology can work for you and your students. Many of these class offerings are taught by teachers just like you! 2) Support Staff. Phase 2 specifically addresses the need for staff in the support of technology implementation. As many districts contemplate cutting positions in the face of lost revenues, Fayette County maintains its commitment, fielding one of the finest educational technology support staffs! Technology Resource Teachers (TRT) provide presence, expertise, and assistance directly to teachers in their schools. In addition, TRT's provide on-line help, lessons, and training documents, available to the entire district, and the world beyond. These resources are our Red Hot Links for the month of February. Take a minute to look! 2) Expanded Definitions. Technology is tools, and, although important, computers are only one of many. Sound recorders, video cameras, CD players, video cassette recorders, televisions and closed-circuit video feeds, electronic displays - all have a place in the technology equation, and can do a great deal to enhance your students' classroom experiences and learning! In many cases, the technology is simpler than you think. An excellent example is in this month's Into the Classroom, where simple cutouts were used to construct an animation at Dixie and Clays Mill Elementary's recent Japan festival. In these days of budget austerity and diminished resources, the challenge to expand beyond merely having the tools becomes doubly difficult. But the staff and resources of your Office of Technology remain consistent and supportive. Here in Fayette County, we are ready to take our commitment to our students and our schools to the next phase! - Jeffrey L. Jones |
Ambrose offerings for