Refreshing the technology of a large school district is by nature a monumental task. Fort Worth ISD’s refresh is entering its third year with an added challenge - aligning efforts with the implementation of three other major new projects: (1) Curriculum Frameworks (2) interactive whiteboards and (3) state-mandated online testing.
The refresh is an initiative to update or replace computers in Fort Worth ISD schools and administrative facilities to meet the requirements of becoming a digital district.
“Our goal is to provide a technology-rich classroom in which computers become part of the teacher’s toolbox, “ says Kyle Davie, FWISD Chief Technology Officer. “The refresh is the first step to creating a District-wide technology environment.”
Teachers and staff have been challenged by older computers that cannot run newer software such as the Microsoft Office suite of products and some browser-based applications. Updating the older hardware will make it easier to work with Curriculum Frameworks and interactive whiteboards, the new technology on its way to becoming standard equipment in every District classroom.
“We’re doing what’s called a ‘1 for 1.’ We’re not adding to our inventory. We’re pulling out each computer that does not meet minimum hardware requirements and replacing it with a new one,” says Wyatt Sledge, FWISD Executive Director of Customer Service in the Division of Technology.
Added to the mix, this is the first year the state is mandating online testing for all schools. For the past two years, the District has taken part in a pilot online testing program. Outdated computers made participation in the program difficult. It should be a very different story next spring. The District is on target to have each school’s technology refreshed in time for testing.
Many teachers already are reaping the benefits of the refresh. They say up-to-date technology in their classrooms has meant less time spent on repair calls and more time spent on educating students.
>> View the a video about these exciting changes.