Imaging Has Started!

We have started imaging the teacher laptops. Utilizing Windows Deployment Services (a new venture for our district) we are deploying a variety of instructional and technical packages to our end users while adding to our domain.

This is also the first flavor of machines in our district to utilize Windows 7. Realizing there will be a slight learning curve for some of our end users, we still feel this was the right time and right project to push out Microsoft's newest OS.

JDS | CIO

Laptop Program Update

We are approximately 6 weeks into having our laptops on-site and the work is really starting to pick up. Our tech staff is working deligintely to ensure all desktops that are being replaced are brought back to our central location (they will later be cleaned up and upgraded before being redeployed to the handful of teachers who chose a newer desktop over a laptop). They are also in the final phases of preparing an image that will be utilized on the laptops. One of the exciting pieces of these devices is they will be the first district owned Windows 7 devices on our network. We have tested, but are anxious to see the benefits once the curtain drops.

We are meeting next week with our Professional Development consultant from Dell to determine the path we wish to set for our teachers with this project. We are excited about those teachers within our district that have stepped forward to serve as the Model Teachers and be a leader, champion and inspiration for educational technology within their walls. Without their leadership and guidance, the instructional piece of this project would suffer.

Time will tell the impact this project has on the district, teacher technology skills, utilization of technology (both teachers and students) and student learning. I hate I won't be here to see the first-hand impact it plays in the overall educational role, but feel confident those still here will carry the torch forward.

JDS | CIO

2 Jobs

The struggles of trying to keep up with two jobs. I am down to 9 official working days as CIO of MCPS. Closing out projects, collecting information for a new person, meeting with staff, preparing next year's budget / projects - that in itself is quite the time commitment.

But I am also trying to get a head start on my new role. Director of Instructional Technology for the Naperville 203 School District. 203 is winding down a search for a new Student Information System and I have been involved in that process for the past month. Combine that with learning people, processes, etc. and I feel I am getting somewhat of a "leg up" on July 1.

The next month will be quite the whirlwind. Combine the above with selling a house, getting married, purchasing a new house / relocating out of state and as one of my good friends and colleagues and MCPS said "you are doing six MAJOR life changing events within about 2 month period...try to stay sane". I will do my best.

I hope to resume regular blogging in July and start sharing information about Naperville 203 and the wonderful opportunities that lie ahead.

Until then...

JDS | CIO....or should it become JDS / DIT......I think I like the first one better.

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