"Too much, too soon?"

"Was it too much too soon?" That was what Kurt DeVore, Director of Technology, posed as a framing question to some of the current technology challenges being faced by teachers in the Decorah Schools. On Monday night the School Board heard numerous concerns about the technology progress as presented by a large group of teachers and staff that comprise the Technology Committee.  DeVore felt the answer to that question was "no" but noted that there simply was not enough staffing to service the new computers, networks and equipment.

The district is hoping to move to a one-to-one digital learning environment with each student having a laptop computer or i-Pads to interface with multiple technology additions, including teacher computers, Smartboards, and televisions. Currently the ups and downs of implementing the new technologies have created what one committee members called "low technology morale." DeVore says much of the problem has been related to outdated wireless access points and hopes that can be addressed soon as new equipment continues to arrive.

The Technology Committee also presented extensive staff development agendas so staff can be as well prepared as possible for the one-to-one digital learning environment, which most likely will happen one year from now. Some would have hoped for implementation next fall, but the infrastructure needs to be fully functioning, with teachers on board, to avoid frustrations and non-use by teachers. While numerous concerns were expressed, it was also noted that some items such as document cameras had literally "revolutionized" teacher activities, and Smartboards had been used in extremely creative and useful ways. Pilot one-to-one programs in the middle school and high school have also been very successful.

On an unrelated technology note, staff reported problems with the new EDULOG tracking system that provides GPS locations of buses and tracks student locations in real time as they board and ride buses. Currently the system is experiencing a high rate of card failures so student tracking cannot be considered fully accurate. The company is exploring the problem. In an unexpected development related to the new system, bus batteries are experiencing problems because they continue to lose charge as the GPS system drains the batteries even when the buses are not running. Staff are exploring alternate ways to wire the system.