Technology Department- How can we serve you?

Here is a place to ask questions (Q:), let us know your concerns or just post a comment (C:). We look forward to developing this collaborative discussion with you!

Questions, Comments and Answers:

Q: Is there a possibility of creating a district data base within this pbwiki, which will provide the district with a resource of sites that may be resourceful for the staff to search and share? Specifically, what sites have been purchased by the district already and free sites that are helpful for students or staff. Can we get that going? -Whitney Reeves WHS

C: I like this kind of question. It grows out of a real need that Whitney described to John and me last night: How can we know what resources are available to us? It would be helpful to know in which services the district/school/state has already invested. Whitney goes on to suggest an approach: a database. In the past, creation of databases have required substantial amounts of expertise, time and resources to create. Relatively small collections of information didn't merit the effort and resources. With the development of tools like Zoho Creator, the amounts of time and expertise have dropped dramatically. I think, but have not yet tested my hypothesis, that middle school and high school students can learn to create databases and provide them through service-learning projects to our school communities and beyond. I don't know whether Creator is appropriate for this particular application, but it is easier to learn by trying than it is to intuite an answer. Finally, Whitney clearly identifies who is in a position to make this happen: if we don't find a way, it will probably languish. -Steve Spaeth

Q: Is there a way to identify who has edited a wiki page without writing a name. Submitted by Debbie Dunn Do we write as I have...submitted by...?

A: Since this tool is intended for free-form text entry, it does not conspicuously identify the person submitting as a threaded discussion or other tools may. If your identity is an important factor, it's easiest to add your name.

Q: Why is it so difficult to get student email at the middle school?

C: We'll need further clarification on this question, but my answer will assume that you're referring to students that currently do not have accounts. - Casey C.

A: We are currently evaluating ways to deliver mail in a safe, efficient manner. We already have a system (GroupWise) that could easily support thousands of accounts, but we've all seen the types of spam that are making it through the filtering system and want to ensure that all staff and students are informed/trained on how to handle those situations. We are also looking at the possibility of using the MLTI email accounts offered by the State. - Casey C. (December 2007)

C: Check out the alternative described here: New Wiki for a Project.

Q: There are webpages that are blocked in our district. Many of the social networks are blocked. Can we get access to many of the necessary links that are out there? Debbie Dunn WCS

A: District leaders are currently reviewing the way we filter websites as a District. Because we utilize E-rate funds to provide Internet access, we must adhere to the guidelines in the Children's Internet Proctection Act (CIPA). Additionally, the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) places certain restrictions on websites offering access to children under 13. There is another bill being considered now, Deleting Online Predators Act (DOPA), that may affect the way we offer social networking sites in the future. We are actively exploring ways to deliver web 2.0 tools and understand their importance for 21st Century Learning, so stay tuned! :)  - Casey C. (December 2007)

Q: Is there money available for purchasing subscriptions such as explorelearning (currently students are paying out of pocket)?

 Create your own educational wiki!HelpPublic, Platinum wiki Privacy Policy RSS