In 1977, Digital Equipment Corporation president Ken Olson told attendees at the World Future Society meeting in Boston that ‘there is no reason for any individual to have a computer in their home."
It’s difficult to say just how wrong that statement has proven to be. People have personal computers in their homes, workplaces, libraries, autos, appliances, and, well …nearly everything they put their hands on. What happened since Olson made his prediction is not just an explosion in technology, but the passing of the world into a new, digital age.
To prepare students to successful citizens in a technology-based, information-rich global society, Putnam City students and staff must have technology and its benefits at their fingertips. Most importantly, students need to be interactively involved with technology that enhances their educational experience and prepares them to live and work in a digital society.
Putnam City Information Technology Director Bettie Estes-Rickner recently addressed the provision and use of technology in Putnam City schools. Here is some information gathered in that interview:
Q: How are the technology needs of students paid for?
A: Our students and teachers owe a debt of thanks to voters in our area for approving funding for technology we need in our schools and district. Since the first year of a comprehensive long-range plan for technology in 1997, patrons of the Putnam City District have passed bond initiatives in 2000, 2003, and 2005 that included millions of dollars for technology.
Q: When did technology really take off in the district?
A: Putnam City has long been respected among Oklahoman school districts for its investments in technology. In 1998 and 1999, though, there was a surge important projects. That’s when our network infrastructure was completed. Every classroom equipped was with an Internet-accessible computer. Specialized hardware and software was installed in classrooms, labs, libraries, and offices across the district.
Q: You mentioned bond funds approved by voters as a funding source for technology. Can you be specific about some of the improvements bond issues have paid for?
A: Currently, $1,437,000 of the final release of the 2003 bond issue and $505,000 of the 2005 bond issue are being used for technology improvements. Included are replacement of the oldest model of elementary classroom computers (267), replacement of middle school keyboarding labs (275), replacement of the oldest of the high school labs, and new printers for each school. These projects are all underway.
Q: What improvements are still to come from bond funds?
A: Funds from the 2005 bond issue will provide a portal from which parents may access to their child’s grades, attendance, and discipline information. These funds will also allow purchase of projection devices, scanners for libraries, support for instructional projects, replacement of four older Voice-Over IP telephone systems. We’ll also use these funds to put a telephone in each classroom.
Q: What important projects are going on now?
A: A state-of-the-art Server Farm with APC Infrastructure and generator has been completed at Putnam City Center. District servers were moved there in the summer of 2005. The technical services staff moved to the facility the first week in February, and building site servers will be moved there this summer. This is truly cutting edge technology which allows district personnel to maximize the dollars spent in providing high-speed Internet access and streaming video for use in the classrooms.
Q: There’s another source of funds to technology, too – the MAPS for Kids funds. How have those dollars used for technology in Putnam City?
A: MAPS for Kids funds have been used to replace outdated equipment in elementary computer labs with 30 iMac computers in all 18 schools, install network telephone systems in every building, and replace outdated and obsolete non-computer instructional equipment.
Q: When we think of technology, we think of computers and the marvelous things that can be done with them. But isn’t there a human element that technology requires, too?
A: Absolutely. We have specialized personnel to install and provide network support, to repair computers, to train teachers and support staff employees, and to provide instruction to the use of technology for teaching and learning.
Q: How do you assure technology needs will be met in the future?
A: It’s a group process. The District technology department, with input from the District technology committee, school site technology committees/verticals/departments, site administrators, and district leadership, plans for appropriate technology for the future. A long-range plan for technology is in place for current needs and through 2009. It is under constant assessment and is flexible enough for emerging technical needs to be met.