District 88 continues to move forward with technology in 2013-14 school year

As we head into a new school year, it’s a great time to share our technology updates and instructional initiatives for 2013-14.

We now have a more up-to-date phone system and a network with faster Internet access. We updated our Internet-based phone/voicemail system, as well as increased our Internet connection speed for quicker access and more web-based multi-media integration. We also upgraded our PowerSchool parent login, so parents can set up individual accounts for multiple students and have access to PowerSchool from mobile devices.

Our Instructional Technology Coaches hosted a series of staff development sessions this summer as a refresher before the start of school. Those sessions allowed teachers and the coaches to map out integrated technology lessons using SMART Boards, interactive websites and instant assessment/polling resources for students. They also focused on continued enhancement and integration of existing technologies and development of lessons that meet the needs of diverse learners with targeted outcomes. We will continue to provide a series of staff development instructional technology sessions this fall, as we create and implement common assessments through online assessment systems.

Technology goals include the creation of a shared network drive our curricular departments can use as they collaborate on curriculum frameworks and assessment design. Teachers will be able to access that shared/universal drive specific to their curricular area from Willowbrook and Addison Trail as we are designing and building rigorous common assessments. We also will implement a Learner Management system that allows teachers and staff to manage sections and classes in a secured internal web-based platform, while increasing ease of use for students and staff to access class sites and electronic resources.

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me at alenaghan@dupage88.net or 630-782-3133.