Wow! The Time Flies!

I can't believe that it is almost time for Christmas break! This year has flown by for many reasons but let's take a minute to look at the technology that we've added for use here at CC since last May.

Probably the technology item that has had the most impact on classroom instruction this year is the installation of several new Epson Brightlink and PowerLite data projectors. The interactive features of the Brightlinks have definitely been a big hit with teaching staff. These were purchased with Title find monies and the plan is to add even more projectors with some of this year's Title funds. Other items purchased with Title funds are a site license for ExamView, curriculum software that works with the interactive projectors and wireless remote presentation devices.


Our new Ruckus wireless campus with both private and public access was installed over the summer and is up and operational. Because of the ability to add the CCPublic segment we were able to open up the ability for teachers to connect their own personal laptop, iPad, or other device to the Internet and use it in the classroom. Student use is currently still limited to only the private network but we are hoping to be able to give more access after Christmas break.

We've also added Google Apps for Education. Each student and teacher now has a Google Apps account which allows them to create documents, presentations, spreadsheets, forms/surveys, websites, blogs, etc. Google Apps also allowed us to give each student a school e-mail account. Using Google Apps for Education allows students and teachers to create and edit documents from anywhere with a broadband Internet connection without having specific software installed on your Internet device. Users can also collaborate on documents and projects live from various locations. Several teachers have already begun using these new tools for various classroom projects.

This year we are expanding the use of Stoneware via DOGR Connect (affectionately called "Dogger" by most staff). Staff can access their network server space from any computer connected to the Internet as well as applications such as Infinite Campus, Outlook, etc. DOGR Connect is also being used to make school activity calendars available as well as various online forms such as work orders for maintenance. Stoneware is a powerful tool and more features will be coming later.