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Updated 03/01/2001

Hunterdon County
Technology and Distance Learning Plan

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Acknowledgments Council Membership Mission Statement

Goals of the Hunterdon County Distance Learning Council

  • Membership
  • Review Distance Learning Plans
  • Support for Technology Plans & Grants
  • Resource to ETTC
  • Networking Districts
Overview

Learner Outcomes

  • Recommended by Grade 4
  • Recommended by Grade 8
  • Recommended by Grade 12
Curriculum Philosophy

APPENDICES

1. Job Descriptions:
  • Technology Director
  • System Technician
2. Sample Policy:
  • Computers
3. Facilities:
  • Administrative Offices
  • General Instructional Areas
  • Media Center/Library/Computer Lab
4. Sample Policies:
  • Acceptable Use Agreement
  • Computers - Internet
  • Computer Facilities Access

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The Council wishes to express its appreciation to John Ericson, Hunterdon County Superintendent of Schools, and to the Hunterdon County Roundtable for its support by allowing staff members time to meet and develop the Hunterdon County Technology Plan. The committee wishes to express its thanks to the following individuals who served on the sub-committee to update this county plan for 1999-2000:

Table of Contents

Hunterdon County Distance Learning Council Membership

BACK

MISSION STATEMENT

Hunterdon County advocates educational innovation for public schools in order to prepare students for the future and supports the creation of collaborative initiatives to establish an infrastructure for global information access. According to the vision statement adopted by the Hunterdon County Superintendents of Schools and Hunterdon County School Boards Association, "To ensure the best quality service to the students of Hunterdon County, the following must be provided:

A variety of teaching strategies and materials, including the effective use of technology, to attain our goals . . ."

BACK

GOALS

1. The Hunterdon County Distance Learning Council shall be established and comprised of members representing school districts, students, government, business community, educational agencies, and county library. The committee shall create recommendations to assist districts in establishing, updating and implementing a local technology plan consistent with Distance Learning, published by the New Jersey Department of Education.

2. The Hunterdon County Distance Learning Committee will establish and update the expected technology-related competencies and:

3. The Hunterdon County Distance Learning Council through the Educational Services Commission will explore ways and means for supporting technology plans and will:

4. The Hunterdon County Distance Learning Council will serve as a resource to the ETTC and H.C. Staff Development Co-op for ongoing staff development in the area of technology.

BACK

OVERVIEW

Hunterdon County (437 square miles - 26 municipalities - 107,776 population per 1990 Census) has 31 school districts (4 regional high school districts, 1 vocational school, 1 alternative school, 1 regional elementary district, 1 elementary sending district , 23 elementary districtsand an educational services commission) with approximately 19,500 K-12 pupils and 20,000 adult education students.

There are 44 school buildings in the 31 school districts and ESC with 1,600 full-time instructional, supervisory and administrative personnel. Local school budgets prepared for the 1997-98 school year, from all sources, amount to a total of $199,402,361.

All school districts are concerned with the improvement of curriculum. There has been a marked expansion of offerings in vocational - technical education, alternative and special needs education, adult education, new courses and methodologies in the general curriculum and facility planning.

In March 1997, the Hunterdon County Distance Learning was convened. Since then, four meetings have been held to review and revise the contents of this publication and to develop a format for the local distance learning technology plans.

BACK

CURRICULUM PHILOSOPHY

Technology is more than computers. It is the use of the tools of technology to problem solve and demonstrate critical thinking skills. Learning with and about technology prepares students to function and live responsibly in a technology-driven society. Learners become technologically capable when they apply technology across the curricular areas and when technology is used throughout the learning process. Incorporating technology into the curriculum allows learners to:

BACK

LEARNER OUTCOMES
RECOMMENDED BY GRADE 4 (ELEMENTARY)

1. KEYBOARDING - The student will demonstrate correctkeyboarding techniques (posture, correct fingering position, touch-typing).

2. PRODUCTIVITY - The student will:

3. INFORMATION PROCESSING - The student will access and retrieve electronic information by utilizing the following:

4. CURRICULUM ENRICHMENT - The student uses instructional technology to enhance the understanding and development of basic skills and to advance and enrich learning in the following ways:

5. CAREER AWARENESS - The student will use technology to explore career options as required by the N.J. Core Curriculum Content Standards (Career Planning Standard 1) and gain technological skills to prepare for the future.

RECOMMENDED BY GRADE 8 (MIDDLE SCHOOL)

1. KEYBOARDING - The student will :

2. PRODUCTIVITY - The student will:

3. INFORMATION PROCESSING - The student will access and retrieve electronic information by:

4. CURRICULUM ENRICHMENT - The student uses instructional technology to enhance the understanding and development of basic skills and to advance and enrich learning by:

5. CAREER AWARENESS - The student will use technology to explore career options and gain technological skills to prepare for the future. (Career Planning Standard #1)

6. TECHNOLOGY LITERACY - The student knows how to care for computers and understands ethical issues pertaining to computers and their use by:

RECOMMENDED BY GRADE 12 (HIGH SCHOOL)

1. KEYBOARDING - The student will keyboard at 30-40 words per minute with correct fingering position using touch-typing skills.

2. PRODUCTIVITY - The student will:

3. INFORMATION PROCESSING - The student access and retrieve electronic information by:

4. CURRICULUM ENRICHMENT - The student uses instructional technology to enhance the understanding and development of basic skills and to advance and enrich learning by:

5. CAREER AWARENESS - The student will use technology to explore career options and gain technological skills to prepare for the future.

6. TECHNOLOGY LITERACY - The student knows how to care for computers and understands ethical issues pertaining to computers and their use:

BACK

APPENDICES

  1. APPENDIX A - Manual for Development of Job Descriptions
  2. APPENDIX B - Sample Policy - Computers
  3. APPENDIX C - Facilities
  4. APPENDIX D - Sample Policies

BACK

APPENDIX A
MANUAL FOR DEVELOPMENT OF JOB DESCRIPTIONS

INSTRUCTION/CURRICULUM SERVICES:

1. TITLE:

2. QUALIFICATIONS:

3. REPORTS TO:

4. SUPERVISES:

5. JOB GOALS:

6. PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

Recommended System Technician Responsibilities

The Network Systems Technician will:

  1. Oversee the daily operation of the district's hardware, networks, and software.
  2. Maintain, trouble shoot, install, upgrade, and repair hardware.
  3. Diagnose, address, and remedy software problems.
  4. Install, configure, and maintain network hardware and software to obtain sufficient system operations for user computers.
  5. Instruct appropriate personnel in the maintenance and use of hardware, software, and networks.
  6. Research and recommend future technology purchases.
  7. Register district hardware, software, and site licenses.
  8. Establish and maintain procedures for routinely backing up data stored on file servers and ensuring that copies are maintained and are secure.
  9. Develop and maintain method of communications between networks and external computer resources such as Dial-Up Mail Boxes.
  10. Prepare and update full documentation on the district's network operations including: wiring plans, user accounts, domain assignments, software applications, and a complete equipment inventory.
  11. Recommend outside support to correct difficulties beyond the level of expertise.

NJSBA Policy & Information Systems
New Jersey School Boards Association, PO Box 909, Trenton, NJ 08605-0909
Copyright 1997 by NJSBA all rights reserved.

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APPENDIX B
Sample Policy File Code 6142.10

COMPUTERS

ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM

The board is committed to the development and establishment of a quality, equitable and cost-effective electronic communications system. The system's sole purpose shall be for the advancement and promotion of learning and teaching.

The district's system will be used to provide statewide, national and global communications opportunities for staff and students.

The superintendent shall establish administrative regulations for the use of the district's system. The regulations shall be consistent with district policy and pertinent state and federal law.

Failure to abide by district policy and administrative regulations governing use of the district's system may result in the suspension and/or revocation of system access. Student violations may result in discipline (see policy 5131 Conduct/discipline). Staff violations may also result in discipline (see policy 4117.50/4217.50 Standards for staff discipline).

Date: _______________________________________________

Legal References:

Cross References:

Source:

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APPENDIX C

FACILITIES

Each school district may have a different concept of what is necessary and affordable in reference to the computer facilities and resources. It is the purpose of this section to assist the district with the possibilities of what can be purchased to provide a suitable infrastructure in the computer lab, the classroom, and the library/media center.

School or District Basic Infrastructure

FACILITY STANDARDS FOR
TECHNOLOGY IN
NEW JERSEY SCHOOLS

Christine Todd Whitman
Governor

Leo Klagholz
Commissioner of Education


Jeffrey V. Osowski
Assistant Commissioner
Division of Information, Management and Financial Services

Michael Azzara
Assistant Commissioner
Office of Finance

Prepared by
Lawrence V. Mione
Educational Facility Planning Services


NEW JERSEY STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
CN 500
TRENTON, NEW JERSEY 08625-0500

Revised May 1997
PTM#1400.78

SPECIFIC AREAS OF ACTIVITY

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES

TEACHER-FOCUSED TECHNOLOGY

STUDENT-FOCUSED TECHNOLOGY

THE FOLLOWING ARE RECOMMENDED IN THE GENERAL INSTRUCTIONAL AREAS:

THE INSTRUCTIONAL MEDIA CENTER

LIBRARY AUTOMATION

THE COMPUTER LAB

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APPENDIX D

SAMPLE POLICY #1

Internet Acceptable Use Agreement

Internet access is now available to students and teachers in the district. The district provides computer equipment, computer services and Internet access to its students for educational purpose only. We are very pleased to bring this access to our students and faculty. We believe the Internet offers vast, diverse, and unique resources to both students and teachers. Our goal in providing this service is to promote educational excellence by facilitating resource sharing, promoting innovation, and familiarizing our student and staff with the use of global telecommunications resources.

The Internet is an electronic highway connecting thousands of computers all over the world and millions of individual subscribers. Students and teachers have access to:

  1. Electronic mail (e-mail) for communication with people all over the world.
  2. Information and news from many government agencies, including NASA, and the opportunity to correspond with scientists, teachers, elected representatives, and experts of all types.
  3. Public domain software and graphics of all types for school use.
  4. Discussion groups on an overabundance of topics.
  5. Access to many university library catalogs, the Library of Congress, on line databases.
  6. Access to the World Wide Web, an access tool on the Internet.

With access to computers and people all over the world also comes the availability of material that may not be of educational value in the context of the school setting. The district does take precautions to restrict access to controversial materials by issuing guidelines and having staff supervise students. However, on a global network, it is impossible to control all materials and an "industrious user" may discover controversial information. The district firmly believes that the material that the information and interaction available on this worldwide network far out weigh the possibility that users may acquire material that is not consistent with the educational goals of the district.

The Internet is coordinated through a complex association of government and private agency networks. In addition, the smooth operation of the network relies upon the proper conduct of the students who must adhere to strict guidelines. These guidelines are provided here so that you are aware of the responsibilities you are about to acquire. In general, this requires efficient, ethical and legal utilization of the network resources. We want students and parents to understand that a user who violates any of these provisions will have his or her account terminated, and future access could be denied. Further, any individual who commits an illegal act may be subject to criminal prosecution.

Students are reminded that the standards of student conduct, which appears in the student handbook, are applicable to Internet use.

SAMPLE POLICY #2

COMPUTERS - INTERNET

The district recognizes that as telecommunication and other new technologies shift the manner, in which information is accessed, communicated and transferred, will alter the nature of teaching and learning. Access to telecommunications is provided by the district and will allow the exploration of databases, libraries, Internet sites, bulletin boards and the like, while exchanging information with individuals throughout the world. The Board supports access to information sources, but reserves the right to limit school use to materials directly of benefit to the district approved curriculum.

It is understood that the school is not the proper forum for allowing the children access to materials available on the Internet that have not been reviewed nor approved by the Board of Education. It is also understood that the home remains the setting where the children may, under parental guidance, use whatever resource or Internet facilities the parent determines to be proper. Therefore, only teachers, aides and administrators may be issued Internet accounts and have access through the school facilities to the Internet. Students may not directly access the Internet.

The teachers and aides, however, are encouraged, on behalf of their students, to avail themselves of any Internet resource that would directly benefit the school's approved curriculum.

SAMPLE POLICY #3

COMPUTER FACILITIES ACCESS

The school district network and computing systems are expected to be used exclusively by students and staff for instruction and education-related functions and applications. The district wishes to make the use of computer facilities accessible to authorized and legitimate users while maintaining security and protection against unauthorized access and improper use. This policy is a statement of expected standards of use.

The district desires to make the wealth of valuable and educationally worthwhile data and information available on the Internet accessible to students and their teachers. Because access to the Internet provides connections to other computer systems located all over the world, users and parents of student users need to understand that some of the information available is offensive and may be inappropriate for viewing in a school environment.

The district reserves the right to limit the extent of use of the computer facilities by any user. This applies to any access to data and information that may be available to users of the computer facilities.

Any attempt to violate the provisions of this policy may result in disciplinary action that could include denial of access to the computer facilities, removal from present courses that require use of the system, and suspension from school. Criminal charges may be sought, if appropriate.

The users of the computer facilities will adhere to local, state, federal and international laws. Any attempt to break those laws through the use of the computer facilities may result in litigation against the offender. The district is obligated to cooperate fully with local, state or federal officials in any investigation concerning or relating to any e-mail transmitted on or misuses of the network and computing systems.

Systems administrators have access to all files, including e-mail. As such, users should have no expectation of privacy with respect to said files or e-mail. However, the systems administrators will not normally inspect the content of files stored on the computer facilities by users, or electronic mail sent by one user to an intended recipient, without the consent of the sender or the intended recipient, unless required to do so by law or by policies of the district, or to investigate complaints regarding files or electronic mail which is alleged to contain defamatory, abusive, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, racially offensive, or illegal material.

The superintendent will direct school building administrators to disseminate widely our computer facilities access policy, including the computer access agreement which must be signed by both the student and the student's parent/guardian.

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