Digital Transformation To Begin in Greenwich Schools

As the Greenwich Board of Education continues to determine the major renovation of the district's approach to digital education and its platform, the issues of the timing and the means of rolling out technology devices has begun to rise to the top of the issues. 

Last week when the board met for its monthly work session at Cos Cob School they discussed the 2013-2014 Digital Learning Plan work plan to advance digital learning in the district.

Cyber-race - speed up or slow down?

Schools Superintendent Dr. William McKersie said there is a lot of "pent up energy in this area" referring the digital approach, but that the district-wide work will "depend on a strong infrastructure." To achieve the goal, McKersie explained there are two areas of focus: district-wide priority work and then work on the school classroom level. Further, there are three main components of the effort: Internet hardware, identification and adoption of learning management system (also called instructional information system) and preparing for the SBAC (Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium.)

The administration has recommended a slower process of rolling out the technology than initially envisioned.

McKersie explained that "we have stretched out phasing" given the size and complexity of the undertaking. Stating that the administration would not have time to "figure out" a major investment such as this in time for the annual budget submission in the fall, McKersie revealed "the second year in, I am more confident" when requesting "a $5 million investment."

"A lot of things happening (but they're) not tied down,"

McKersie said of the digital activity that has been occurring throughout the schools. In order to strengthen and streamline the district's efforts and capabilities, McKersie stated he has established a new position, Director of Digital Learning and Technology, who will "consolidate responsibility for all educational and technical learning and district operations in one managerial position," combining what was previously two separate positions into one.

With regards to managing the district's devices, McKersie said, "We have to be efficient" about inventory control. He stated that a thorough assessment of the district's current equipment will be made in order to determine whether existing machines could continue to be used.

Test Run

Board member Peter Sherr said he prefers a pilot program that is "smaller, much more focused and faster" saying that there may be a great deal of risk if a school of 300 was picked. He also expressed concern that a pilot period of 18 to 24 months would create a "have and have not" situation. "I am on the uncomfortable side," Sherr said.

As was seen during the multi-year roll-out of Smartboards in the district, there is already interest by the parent community regarding supporting or accelerating the rollout of devices. Last week at the monthly Greenwich PTA Council meeting, McKersie acknowledged that the PTAs want to be involved.

He said that the school board and administration will develop a "protocol for PTAs" in how they can best "support digital learning." Board Chairman Leslie Moriarty told PTA leaders that the board will have to consider the "implications of devices being donated" to the district. Specifically, she said she did not want to see the district "buy devices and have them sit in the closet."

Managing Students Without Access

Board member Barbara O'Neill raised concerns in respects to a bring-your-own-model ("BYOD") model at Greenwich High School inquiring about "those students who don't have devices or access to Wi-Fi." She asked that the administration "be aware" of those students. In response, Deputy Superintendent Ellen Flanagan informed the board that "if a teacher is going to plan a lesson" which will require technology, the "expectation" is that "supplemental materials" also would be provided.

An Expected Use

Regardless of how the district will advance digitally, there may be some speed bumps along the Internet highway. Parent, Jonathan Michaels of Riverside, who has a Master's in Education Technology from Columbia University, warned the board of the unintended consequences of device deployment. Michaels  explained that one of his children recently received a mini-Ipad, which he uses as "an arcade." Through his work as an educator and consultant, Michaels also said that he has witnessed students instant messaging on laptops during class.

The board approved a one-year work plan on digital learning with a vote of 8-0.