GCS Technology Update

Recently, we reported that GCS is adding wireless capability to its schools, and many facilities are already working efficiently with the wireless technology provided. Those schools that are not yet wireless are scheduled to make the transition within the next school year. As we continue to offer our students the best education, it is imperative to provide this tech-savvy generation with the tools they need to perform at maximum capacity and efficiency.  

To better inform you of such advances, The Insider will begin a regular series on technology. Look for more information in the coming months.

Here are some of the most frequent questions asked about technology in GCS:

When did GCS start using wireless technology?

The GCS Math Project was the first major initiative that took advantage of wireless access. Math teachers in Mission Possible schools attended the UNCG Summer Math Institute in 2007 and were given wireless laptops. We expanded coverage to include high school math classrooms in July 2007. Currently, 75 teachers are using laptops in their classes.

Additionally, a collaborative effort between the Cisco Learning Institute and GCS got off the ground in October.  The initiative provided 20 GCS math teachers with a laptop, Webcam and data projector to use in the classroom. The Institute works with those teachers on technology integration within their math curriculum.  As a follow-up, each of the 20 original teachers will train seven additional teachers next school year. Cisco has also agreed to provide 140 additional laptops for the project to be implemented in several middle and elementary schools.

What is the status of wireless access installation in middle and high schools?

GCS installed wireless “hot spots” in all high schools prior to the beginning of the 2006-07 school year. The “hot spots” provided wireless access to the Internet in the common areas of the schools such as the media centers, office areas, cafeterias and student areas. Access is available to valid network users and to visitors needing temporary access.  Each school received five wireless laptops for “student checkout” during the school day.

Prior to the beginning of the 2007-08 school year, campus-wide wireless access was installed in all middle schools. This access includes classrooms. Each middle school will also have five wireless laptops for its use by end of the year.

Students can use the Interwrite SchoolPad to respond to questions in class.

What is the plan to provide campus-wide wireless access in all high schools?

Wireless technology has been a huge success. Although there is demand for more coverage, GCS has more than 80 wireless users on the wireless network at any given time. One of the major projects for 2007-08 is to include all classrooms and provide campus-wide wireless access in all high schools.

Will elementary schools be considered for wireless technology in future years?

Yes. The plans call for including elementary schools in 2008-09.

What is the computer-to-student ratio?

Guilford County’s instructional ratio is one computer for every 3.35 students. The state average is one computer to 3.48 students.

Does funding for the wireless project come from the district’s budget or other sources?

Local technology funding pays for the wireless access program. In new or renovated schools, wireless access is included in the bond construction monies for technology.

What are some of the primary benefits for students and teachers of campus-wide wireless access?

• Extend the same functions of the wired network to a wireless one.

• Visitors to the schools making presentations are able to access their Web sites.

• Central office employees can work remotely while at school sites and have access to their office computers. 

• Teachers can have the mobility of laptop computers.

Cisco Learning Institute supplied 20 math teachers with laptops.

How many computers does GCS replace per year?  What is the replacement cycle?

GCS owns more than 23,500 computers. Computers are replaced on a five-year plan, typically on a school-by-school basis, which totals more than 4,700 computers annually. The total cost of the replacement plan for computers and printers is approximately $5.6 million annually. Technology funding for bond schools greatly contributes to the ability to meet the replacement plan.

How much money does GCS spend annually on computers?

Although the largest expense is the purchase of computers, GCS spends $10 million annually on technology including ongoing costs needed to support the overall program. Internet access cost has greatly increased and continues to contribute to the trend of ongoing costs as well as virus protection, spam control, filtering software, etc.

What are the major areas of funding sources for GCS technology?

GCS technology is funded by a combination of local, bond, state, federal and grant monies.

The Interwrite SchoolPad is easy for students to use.

How many schools have Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)? How many are expected to receive this technology?

Currently, 17 schools have VoIP installed. There is funding for eight additional schools to be implemented this school year. VoIP has similar features to traditional phone systems. Like traditional phone systems, telephones are installed in all classrooms and all teachers have voicemail accounts. With VoIP, voicemail messages are also available through email.

What new technology/software is GCS installing in schools?

• Wireless installation in schools is ongoing until completion in 2009.
• For current bond schools, audio enhancement systems are provided for all classrooms.  The teacher wears a small microphone and speaks at their normal voice level. The sound uses a “spread” technology that distributes the sound evenly to all students.
• Classrooms are being equipped with interactive solutions to teaching. In most situations, an AV cart is provided that includes a projector, a document camera and an Interwrite SchoolPad. The SchoolPad is a handheld device that works like a SmartBoard. It is cheaper and gives the teacher freedom to move around the room. Students can also use the device.
• Many schools are using laptop carts with wireless access to software and the Internet. The carts provide a portable lab situation that can be moved to the classroom without the expense of extra wiring and electricity.
• New schools are receiving VoIP systems.
• Installation of standalone projectors.
• Video Over IP is a new option that is being studied for its feasibility for the district.

• Northern High teachers will receive laptops in the place of desktops for a more mobile computing solution.
• Microsoft Office 2007 is being rolled out to schools and central offices as computers are replaced.
• United Streaming software has been purchased for the entire district. United Streaming provides searchable access to thousands of full videos and clips on hundreds of subjects.

What is our bandwidth? 
GCS  implemented a MetroE (Ethernet) solution which is a very dependable fiber-based wide area network.  All high schools and middle schools have 50 megabytes per second (Mbps) access, and all elementary schools have 10 Mbps access.

How many schools have Internet access?

In our latest Annual Media and Technology Report, GCS reported that all schools have Internet access, and 99.77% of all classrooms are networked.

Teachers love the Interwrite SchoolPad and the mobility it gives them.