Technology
in Sherman ISD
Sherman ISD is committed to using technology in order to improve teaching and learning. Roughly $3 million was spent during the recent renovation effort to build a quality, state-of-the-art infrastructure to deliver the new technology systems. The vision for technology is derived from the district’s Strategic Plan and works in tandem with the instructional goals and curriculum.
Wide Area Network (WAN)Each campus including the administration building is connected by fiber optic cabling provided by Verizon/GTE. This connects every computer in the district to instructional software as well as administrative networks, the energy management system, and the electronic work order system. A T1 line provides Internet connectivity to Region X Education Service Center. The district is also a participating member of EdNet 10 which links some 80 North Texas school districts through the Internet.
InfrastructureEach campus in the district has Category 5 data and voice cabling. The cabling infrastructure at each campus carries a fifteen year Lucent Technologies Systemax warranty. As new technologies emerge requiring greater band width, the warranty will cover the cost of modifying/replacing the cable should this be necessary in order to maintain industry standards.
Multi Media Computers Every classroom in the SISD is equipped with pc computers. The SISD standard for operating systems is MS 2000 Professional. Microsoft Office Professional 2000, which includes Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Microsoft Access is the district standard for productivity software. All computers have access to campus file servers which provide access to instructional software, the campus electronic library card catalog, an electronic grade book, student attendance accounting system, and the media retrieval system. The computers are also connected to the Wide Area Network (WAN) which provides filtered access to the Internet and E-mail.Each classroom has the capacity for six networked computers. The typical elementary classroom contains a pod of four computers with a printer. These computers may access instructional software on their campus servers or through the WAN they may connect to another campus and use software the campuses have jointly purchased.
Media Retrieval
A Telecor Interactive Media System (TIMS) is located at each campus. Through this system teachers are able to schedule VCR tapes, laser discs, instructional cable, and the new DVD programs from their classroom computer. Teachers may also schedule events to appear in their classrooms from home or any location via the Internet. Live "broadcasts" may be sent to every television in the building from the principal’s office or any classroom in the building. Soon broadcasts made at one campus may be sent to another campus. All instructional cable channels are accessible, including the campus electronic bulletin board and principal page. This set also serves as a demonstration monitor attached to the instructor’s computer. The Zenith set is also capable of accepting input from electronic microscopes, digital cameras, and other electronic devices.Communications
Each classroom in the district has a digital telephone with the capabilities of calling within the building and making outside calls. Parents may be contacted by teachers directly from their classrooms. These phones also have a built in speaker making it possible for people to share information with the class without actually having to be in the classroom. The telephones can access the building public address system.
All district employees have e-mail accounts. E-mail affords teachers and administrators the ability to communicate with colleagues, parents and students.
Professional Development
Professional development and training is the key to successful use of technology in the classroom. Sherman ISD provides many opportunities for students, teachers and staff to acquire the competencies needed to maximize the impact of technology on student learning and achievement. The district has a Technology Training Coordinator who provides and coordinates training opportunities that facilitate integration of technology in all areas of the curriculum. Beginning in 1999, district training and technology updates became a condition of employment with SISD.
Contact:
Mignon Plyler, Director of Technology
- Sherman ISD
- P.O. Box 1176
- Sherman, TX 75091
- (903) 891-6400