Technology Information:
USD 489 Technology Plan
1:1 Laptop Information
Technology Resources:
Alicia's Technology for Teachers
Tech Support FAQ
Technology Tools:
Password Reset Tool
Email Spam Console
USD 489 Network Status
Remote Support
|
The Hays Public School District is currently involved in an aggressive effort to provide the best, high-tech learning environment possible for Hays students. Teachers work hard to integrate technology into all areas of the district curriculum so that it is used as a learning tool for each student. Hays Public Schools uses a variety of services to help integrate technology into the classroom including: PowerSchool, Renaissance Place, Moodle, Quia, and United Streaming.
In 2004, Hays High School started a 1:1 learning initiative that put a laptop computer into every high school student’s hands. (Click here for more information on Hays High's Laptop program.) In 2007, Hays Public School expanded this program to include a laptop computer for every middle school student available via carts in homerooms. The student-to-computer ratio at Hays elementary schools is approximately 2:1. However, through a grant program, Washington Elementary School was able to achieve a student to computer ratio of 1:1.
Most technology is now leased on a cycle of four years, which allows the district to maintain the latest in technology while getting the best price possible. In 2007, Hays Public Schools leased approximately 2500 Dell computers, with the exception of the fine arts program, which uses Apple computers. All leased computers are equipped with Office 2007 and Adobe Digital School Collection to allow for digital collaboration and multi-media rich projects.
Currently, all district schools, the central office, and the transportation department are networked through 1G fiber optic connections. The district has a 12M filtered connection to the Internet for students to use. Hays Public Schools also provides 802.11g wireless connectivity to all of its classrooms. Many classrooms are also equipped with projectors. Every district staff, middle, and high school student has a school provided email address. The Home and School Associations have also contributed to technology in the district by purchasing projectors, ELMO document cameras, and SMARTBoards for the classrooms.
District technology standards are set based on goals developed by the Secretary of Education and various CEOs of large companies in regard to where schools should strive to progress with technology. The STaR Chart, which outlines these goals, can be accessed at http://www.ceoforum.org. The STaR Chart identifies and defines four school profiles ranging from the "Early Tech" school with little or no technology to the "Target Tech" school that provides a model for the integration and innovative use of education technology. The STaR Chart is not intended to be a measure of any particular school's technology and readiness, but rather to serve as a benchmark against which every school can assess and track its own progress. Hays Public Schools are working to meet the "Target Tech” goal across the board; proudly, in many areas, we are already there.
For more information, contact Todd Bryant or Alicia Brungardt by phone at 623-2400 or by email.
|
