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CHIEF LESCHI SCHOOL
TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT
BUSINESS PLAN – 1998
Executive Summary
Research, development, implementation, delivery and support of innovative technologies for learning are key tasks for the Technology Department at Chief Leschi School. One of the decisions made by the Administration was to include a technology program into the overall plan for the new school. During construction of the school the major role of the technology department, a department of one, was to develop a plan that would identify and provide guidance for the proper installation of an infrastructure that would take the school into the 21st Century and beyond. Part of this plan also called for providing instructional computing support with computer labs and classrooms, maintaining the school wide local area networks comprised of fiber and copper, a switched video network, a digital telephone switch, voice mail and network and a satellite system. This department is also responsible to provide technical support to the faculty, staff, students and administration for each of these installed infrastructures and customers. Our department has made a commitment to the school that we will continue to influence the learning of children through innovative technologies. We will live up to that commitment.
During 1996 we successfully completed setting our network which is used to deliver video, satellite and cable TV programs to 78 classrooms and more than 305 computer workstations,18 phone lines, 220 extensions, 12 DID trunks and 230 voice mail boxes. Configuring the ten file servers and e-mail system was very challenging, stressful and filled with many long hours for an understaffed department, of now three. Yet, it was extremely productive with an extremely high level of network usage by our large customer base. We also concentrated on staff development with introduction to Technology training before school started in September 1996 for data and November for video.
1997 provided more significant developments in applications and technology with a continued ramp up to the stabilization of our network environment. We looked forward to this stabilization process where we focused on the needs of our end users while positioning our department to excel in customer service and become campus leaders in providers of new technologies for learning in the classrooms. We further developed and upgraded our technology environment in order to appropriately position our department to handle the next generation of computing, data, video, telephone and satellite systems.
The continuing challenge, was to balance the expense of these new technologies and those of other campus needs. Our priority was to focus on providing the campus with enhanced services that met the goals of the classrooms.
The Chief Leschi Technology Program consists of the Technology Department working in concert with each of our building’s labs, (High and Elementary School) building representatives and end users to provide a central point of contact (cpc) for all technology requests. This CPC assures that a set of hardware and software standards will be maintained. This also provides efficiency for performance and security from each of the programs.
The Technology Department has agreed to the following guiding principals and each departmental team member commits to these values. The department will further develop and mature over time following these values and guiding principals:
Trust - Dependable people can rely/depend on us to help them.
Quality - We are consistent and do the best we can.
Responsiveness - We are available when needed.
Creative - We are open-minded and seeking new ideas.
Caring - It matters to us that people are satisfied with the service we provide.
Respect - We value people for who they are.
Professionalism - We have pride in what we do and how we do it. We are each responsible for how people view our department.
Our department has the responsibility for the vision, technology plan, implementation and support for the school’s data, telephone and video network. In addition, we have the responsibility for the school’s hard copy program and Television/Multimedia Studio.
THE TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT
At the present time we have a Manager of Information Services, Network Administrator, Telecommunications Manager, Technician (data & telephone) TV Multimedia Producer, Production Assistant, a Clerical Assistant, Copy Manager, Administrative Assistant and a Departmental Director. This departmental team supports every department and end user on campus. It is the responsibility of the Manager of Information Services and Network Administrator, to support the use of workstations, software, Local Area Network (LAN) and file servers. The Telecommunications Manager is responsible for the digital telephone network switch, end user stations and voice mail system. The Technician helps support the needs of the data and telephone managers. This includes a user-friendly voice mailbox on each telephone as well as a homework hotline. The T V Multimedia Producer and Production Assistant are responsible for the production, editing and delivery of all audio, video and Internal/External Web pages that are used to "tell the world" about Chief Leschi School. Both positions are responsible for all "in house" public relations tapes. The Administrative Assistant is responsible for the coordination of all departmental functions as well as supports other personnel within the department. Because technology support is so important for the end user to effectively use the tools we deliver, we also added a Network Technician in the Department. The Director Position has responsibility for all departmental activities as well as developing business plans, technology plans and strategies for the future in all areas of technology. No job description limits what each team member must do to get the job done.
Services Provided
Our end users are comprised of students, staff, administrators and other departmental personnel. Our goal is to develop the "one on one’ relationships that are important to understand each end user needs and recognize other department’s accomplishments. These end users can reach us by telephone, email or stop by the department for assistance. Most calls, however, are received through our Trouble Desk Hotline. We also assist when a department is planning a move or has a particular hardware or software need or problem. The Technology Department handles each call with pride. All calls are logged so we have an on going record these problems. This documentation helps us manage and maintain our service levels of a 2-hour turnaround for software problems and a 24-hour turnaround for all hardware problems.
Software and Hardware Policies
The Technology Department operates as a clearinghouse for all technology requests for the school. As needs are determined, whether they are curriculum or administrative, the technology office becomes a single point of contact for a complete and thorough evaluation. This evaluation may include securing copies of the various kinds of software to assure standards and performance meet end user criteria. If the product fails at this point other products are recommended and discussed with the end user before a final decision is made. Using Technology as a "center" point of contact provides expertise in the identification of vendors, cost estimates and recommendations for well informed decisions at all user levels.
This procedure assures that the end user will get exactly what they require. There is a saying in our department that we will not "let the tail wag the dog".
Vendor Relationships
The Technology Department has the responsibility to establish direct contact with major hardware and software vendors’ sales and technical support people. These relationships are important from the very beginning so as to establish a "team building" partnership. This partnership is paramount in the planning, development, delivery and performance of the product or service. Further, this partnership becomes very important in the ongoing customer service and support of the products and services provided by the vendor. It is our department’s policy that we will always follow all school policies to assure we maintain competitive pricing while maintaining the highest level of business ethics.
Training Opportunities
The Technology Department has responsibility to provide and support on going training for all new and existing technologies installed and used in the school. The technology department currently supports the Curriculum/Technology Specialist who has responsibility for the training lab operation, classes and specialized instruction offered to our staff in groups, or one on one sessions. Classes are designed to meet the needs of all administration, staff and students. The Technology Department has developed video-training tapes for our video-network, data network and telephone network. Other training videos will be available for viewing over our video net or for check out.
Site License and other Software Licenses
The Technology Department is responsible for acquiring, testing, installing and supporting software products needed for the operation of the network and individual work stations. The technology department will work with the requesting department to determine the appropriate type of licensing i.e. individual, limited lab, lab, or site license. The Technology Department is responsible to buy, monitor and maintain the appropriate quantities and versions of licenses for all software used in the School.
Telecommunications Network
The Technology Department has installed an analog/digital PBX phone switch and digital telephone network. We are responsible for new installations, the ongoing monitoring and maintenance of the installed base of telephones, fax lines; special modem lines and DID circuits. We support the maintenance and performance of the voice mail system. Voice mailbox account set up, troubleshooting, PIN Numbers maintenance and automated attendant functions. Our customer base relies on a Trouble Desk Hot line to report problems and concerns. The Technology Department has the responsibility to continually monitor and maintain both incoming and outgoing trunks and the call volumes associated with each. As load levels dictate, we work with outside vendors for adding additional lines. Long distance services are constantly reviewed to assure competitive prices are maintained.
Video Network
The Technology Department arranges for the delivery of video, satellite, laser disc, audio programs, cable TV and interactive programs to classrooms throughout the campus. These requests can be directed to a specific room or delivered on a general distribution to all rooms. A special video menu, which is broadcast to each classroom television provides the ability to access and control any of the above mentioned equipment during the day. The Technology Department also assists and supports this technology to assure video competencies are attained. As new technologies are introduced, such as DVD, they will be incorporated into the overall system. The technology Department manages the recording of programs as requested by teachers from the cable and satellite networks.
Television Studio
The Technology Department will be involved with each and every classroom at Chief Leschi. We encourage suggestions, from all buildings, for ideas that can be used in the production of various forms of media, both on and off campus. The Technology Department will also work with classroom staff to produce video productions, which can later be broadcast to other locations on campus. We also have the technology to send any classroom production to the head end for recording for use at a later time or archiving. This will eventually be expanded to off campus (teleconferencing) locations of other schools. Our department will also be called upon to support this application as well as solve all technological problems.
TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT’S ROLE
To Other Departments Support
The technology department, in an effort to provide pro-active support to our end users, makes unscheduled visits to our classrooms. The goal of these visits is to provide on site support to those users who may not find time, or afraid, to call our help desk. These unscheduled visits permits us to establish a positive relationship between our end users and our department.
The technology department is responsible for the research, testing, development, delivery and support of the data, telephone, video, satellite and TV Production activities and networks as well as the related information and licensing that goes with each of the services. This plan describes our current goals, long range plans (5-year plan) and specific 1998/99 plans. This plan takes into account our progress, since 1996, when school opened, the impact of our plans for departmental restructuring, campus support demands and needs for sustaining the technological infrastructure. Since the campus needs for technology is a dynamically changing program our long-term goals will continually be monitored so that we can make the necessary changes. Therefore, both the long and short-term plans described in this document will be updated each year taking into account any significant changes in technology and school directions.
Technology Department’s Goal/ Objectives
The technology department’s goal is to provide high quality administrative and end user computing services to our growing list of "customers". We commit to an ongoing management process that maintains a strategic direction allowing us to evaluate new technological developments and provide new technologies that can be delivered according to our departmental standards.
Technologies as we know them today, and the industry, are undergoing constant change. There has been an incredible change with the popularity of the World Wide Web (WWW), the introduction of powerful and affordable personal computers and laptops which now come standard with program capabilities to produce superior graphics, video, audio and multimedia output.
The Technology Department has established a specialized team, possessing the subject matter expertise to deliver new applications in a shorter, more effective time-frame. We have also developed more comprehensive applications, provided easier access to them, sustained high quality of services, improved system performance and supported these technologies in a professional and timely manner, while keeping the needs of our users in mind.
This document is based upon input from our end users, staff, key users, curriculum departmental representatives, vendors and other administrators.
The departmental goals are derived from the overall mission statement of providing technology support for the campus functions operating both in academic and administrative surroundings. It is important to emphasize that we provide a support function for the school. The major portion of our computing, video and telephone processes are academic in nature and separate from those services which are delivered in support of administrative functions. It is our commitment to provide a quality, high performance environment to support and cost effectively provide products and services to our end-users in accordance with departmental guidelines.
We are working toward achieving the following major goals:
Goal 1 - To create a responsive department. The technology department will respond to all software and network problems within two hours of the call and within 24 hours for all hardware calls. We will meet all end user requests with a "can do" attitude.
Goal 2 - To inspire confidence in the department and its abilities. An end user survey will be developed and provide to our end users twice each year (December and May). The purpose of this survey is to determine our strengths and correct departmental weaknesses as seen in our end user’s eyes.
Goal 3 - To build understanding of the department and its services. We will publish/distribute our mission statement and values statement to all staff. We will attend building staff meetings to discuss department’s role and solicit input.
Goal 4 - To create a harmonious work environment. The Technology staff will meet once a week with all departmental personnel to discuss "What’s happening". We will have monthly staff meetings with departmental managers to address/discuss goals and visions of the department and other issues We will participate on the Strategic Planning Committee and Curriculum Technology Committee. Annually we will participate in a team building session.
Goal 5 - To provide opportunities for learning new technologies. We will attend classes/seminars and encourage educational opportunities for individuals who want to attend classroom seminaries. We will route all publications and bulletins to staff members of the department. We will encourage the use of satellite broadcasts to enhance learning opportunities. We will subscribe to appropriate technology journals.
Goal 6 - To revise and publish mission statement, goals and objectives annually. As a team we will review our mission statement goals and objectives each April. Twice during the year, (July and January) we will submit to the Superintendent accomplishments and goals.
Goal 7 – To support the Mission, Vision and Goals of the School. We will actively participate in building committees to assure we correctly align in our support roles to accomplish the goals of the school.
Goal 8 - Support the goals of the Curriculum Committee. We will provide and maintain the appropriate technology to facilitate a significant impact on learning for all students of the school
Objectives
Continue the Technology Department’s role as an end user oriented service unit providing reliable, innovative, dependable, user friendly cost effective applications that utilizes consistent user interfaces. The NT platform will continue to be our platform of choice. This allows the technology department to take advantage of the computing power that resides on the various file servers and on the users’ desks.
Improve access to personal files through Dial In management.
Improve efficiencies within the technology department in order to meet user needs and improve the timeliness of deliverables and service support.
Be responsive as a support organization to quickly evaluate all requests for hardware and software from other departments.
Provide sufficient information about the technology department and their role to promote and establish a positive link (relationship) between the end users and our department.
Conduct unbiased purchasing and follow all school policies and procedures in procurement practices.
Clearly define our roles and responsibilities so adequate staffing can be determined.
Provide fiscal responsibility for the purchases we make.
Adhere to the guidelines of our mission statement and guiding principals as
annually published by the Technology Department.
Protect the network and end user stations from elements that could effect their operation.
Assumptions
Although the organizational structure and funding of items identified in the Technology Plan may change, they will most likely not effect the basic technical directions outlined in this plan.
Existing installed base of user applications will continue to grow in 1998-99 and will cause additional personnel to be added to the Technology Department in order to maintain the present levels of support to be maintained.
World Wide Web browsers will become an integral component for delivery of enhanced information to the classroom for learning.
All classroom units will have their own connection to the network.
We will move from an environment of 1 computer for every 12 students to one computer for every 9 students.
All new desktop purchases will meet minimum standards to allow for effective use on the backbone network.
Increased hardware purchases will allow the effective delivery of more classrooms data to the end user when its needed i.e. CD-ROM towers.
Windows NT will continue to be the campus file server and LAN operating systems.
Overall Strategies
In order to meet user’s needs and provide high quality applications in data, video, satellite, telephone and studio productions, while at the same time influence the learning of children with innovative technologies, we will focus on the following:
New Services/Support
The Chief Leschi Technology Department must research, develop, test, implement and support new and innovative technologies so that we can rapidly respond to the changing market and information needs of our end users. We will:
Develop and introduce new services that are user friendly for all our end users. We will continue to maintain our position as a leader among BIA Schools and whenever possible become a pilot school or BETA site for new technologies.
Purchase vendor packages that meet certain curriculum requirements. These purchases will be compatible with our current configuration of file servers and can be delivered to the classroom without jeopardizing the quality of learning in the classroom.
Provide high quality support in a timely fashion to establish trust in the customer base we serve.
Exhibit a high level of professionalism in the jobs we do which results in showing the pride in what we do and how we do it.
Staffing and Training
Staffing and training issues are critical to the success of the innovative technologies that are developed, introduced and delivered to the classrooms and other campus locations. We have developed comprehensive technology training for teachers and staff to strengthen current and future staff knowledge which continuously prepares ourselves for the constantly changing environment. Special emphasis will continue to be given to ongoing staff training. This will be supported through the use of a special training lab supported by the Technology Department and staffed by a Curriculum Technology Specialist. This position will come from curriculum department.
When recruiting for new staff, we must look for highly qualified people, who are likely to accept and absorb ongoing technological changes and, are strong team
players, have a "can do" attitude, have good interpersonal skills, meet the necessary graduation requirements and preferably already have experience with some of the new technologies that the Technology Department is likely to work with and deploy.
Application Architecture
Applications will conform to certain standards as recommended by our users and defined by the Technology Department to maximize the Network’s performance. These standardized applications should be the type that can be moved, removed and added to other client stations and servers easily and have the ability to optimize performance, usability, maintenance and other factors.
Clients
The Technology Department’s objective is to provide a wide variety of services that not only allows our end users to communicate more effectively but also work smarter and enhances the teaching process. The limiting factor in determining the levels of this technology is not the hardware platform but rather the supported software and communication protocols. Our goal is to install the necessary protocols to allow our end users the ability to access various network applications from locations, both on and off campus.
The Technology Department is committed to support the Microsoft Windows environment (NT 4.0, and higher) as the primary client platform for client/server applications. We will work toward implementing an approach where only the presentation layer resides on the client workstation. Microsoft Office Professional 7.0 is an example of this approach. When developing new client/server applications, we will continue to purchase state-of-the-art workstations that are connected to the campus backbone network via the TCP/IP protocol.
We will use Microsoft Windows NT 4.0, or higher, on a Pentium PC with the Microsoft Exchange and Netscape Navigator World Wide Web browser as the most appropriate workstation environment for our users.
This year’s new hardware purchases for desktop applications will be designed for a minimum of:
166 MHz Pentium Processor with 32 MB RAM
Video card with 2MB memory
3 COM Network Card
1.2.GB Hard Drive
15" SVGA Monitors
Procurement of technology hardware and software as well as the support of this equipment, for all users, will continue to be the sole responsibility of the Technology Department. Procurement of this hardware will be accomplished through a bid process and will adhere to defined school standards.
Servers
In developing a standard for our file servers we have installed 133 mhz Compaq Proliant and 120 mhz Compaq Prosignia servers and a larger DEC Alpha (Primary Server) to meet the demands of the school. These decisions were made based on reliability, cost effectiveness, maintainability, availability, warranty and serviceability. The configuration which these servers have been placed into service should satisfy our needs for the next two to three years. The DEC Alpha will be the "main" server for our primary domain controller and hold our e-mail users. The remaining servers are configured as follows:
LABS/LABNT2 - used for our CD ROM Tower share points and our computer labs printers
ADMIN NT- user data storage and Administrative printer shares
LIB SVR- all Library services
VIDEO SVR- controls our Video Network and switch
SVRI- serves as a web server, proxy-server and Internet e-mail server
NSI- is our Domain name server for our Domain Servers, Internet and serves as our name resolution and Gateway Server.
PRIME CONTROL- serves as our test server before applications are introduced "officially" to the Network.
We will continuously evaluate the required functionality of the servers. As new and more demanding technologies are introduced into the curriculum, additional files servers and upgrades will be added as software and delivery requirements dictate.
Internet Service
Chief Leschi has installed a T1 telephone line as well as a special router to handle both the inbound and outbound traffic. Before we allow access to the World Wide Web, our students and staff will be required to sign an Internet user policy defined "appropriate use". In addition, we will evaluate fire wall and filtering software that will be installed, as needed, not only protect our network from outside "explorers" but also inappropriate data from finding its way to the desktops of our students and staff.
Messaging Service
We are using Microsoft Exchange as our e-mail messaging service. This e-mail service integrates with our NT services and is compatible with the Office product software that is installed on each desktop. This integration provides the efficiencies of our operating system and desktop applications that are needed for effective delivery of messages and other office software functions.
We will continue to explore opportunities for enhancing the use of our voice mail messaging service, that is an adjunct service, which runs from our MITEL telephone switch. This voice mail service will be configured to allow for deployment of a homework hotline and eventually the expansion to provide individual student accounts that could be assigned and used to make communication with parents and teachers much more effective. Our goal is to integrate this voice mail service with a student management service to further increase the effectiveness of tracking and reporting student absences, academic progress and probation activities that parents need to be aware. We will further investigate possible ways in which to integrate our voice mail system with our data network applications to allow voice mail to be viewed from the desktop. We will continue to explore the technologies of these two services analyzing ways in which voice mail can become video voice mail and retrieved by dialing into the campus server and displayed at home. This would have value for the classroom and parents and would enhance the homework hotline features.
Computer Network
The Chief Leschi Campus consists of five buildings. Administration, Transportation, Elementary School (North, Central and South divisions), Middle and High School (North, Central and South divisions), Gym (North, South and Auditorium). Each school building houses communications closets which provide termination for horizontal station cabling carrying data video and voice, electronic equipment interconnects and various miscellaneous functions. The Technology Department has responsibility for the maintenance and operation of these communication closets. The inter-building cable pathways linking each building and telecommunications closets consist of fiber optic and copper cabling in a star configuration. The fiber optic cable distribution is used for the school campus data backbone inter-connects. The access network provides inter-building connectivity for client and server computers while also acting as a demarc point for access to the backbone network.
In order to achieve our goal of "off campus" access from a dial in location we will take advantage of using our communications server and "pool" the calls to and from modem connections. This will give us the flexibility to maximize the connections with the least cost. Our goal moving forward will be to improve the efficiency of "dial in" service with faster modem and advanced software products.
Voice Communications
Each school building has a Private Branch Exchange (PBX) telephone system capable of providing a set of integrated phone service. The PBX is equipped with a common group of Direct Inward Dial (DID) trunks, which carries all incoming , local and long distance calls for the entire campus. Voice mail for every staff member along with a homework hot line will be provided.
Each Chief Leschi school bus and van will be equipped with communications equipment to stay in touch with home base as well as parents and other busses. The area served by these busses will determine the type of equipment installed.
Employees are issued pagers and cellular phones on a need basis to assure campus communications will be maintained within all levels of school management. In addition, portable handled radios are used for on-campus communication. Each department has a radio channel specific to their group. Cross department use is available on one master channel.
Satellite Communications
The Campus has a satellite dish capable of receiving both C & KU band channels, as well as digital signals. Satellite service has also provided opportunities for the outside community to conduct video conferences, annual meetings, ECT. The satellite channels can be used by staff for recording.
Classrooms
Each classroom is equipped with telephone service. Two-way video service, a 27" television that is connected to the teacher station to allow for computer driven display. Each teacher station has a computer(s) with CD ROM, Internet access, video multimedia networking for access to centrally located VCRs, laser discs, compact disk and AM/FM tuners for access to radio broadcasts. Classrooms will have availability for hookups to SMART boards for enhanced classroom instruction and viewing. High resolution projectors will be used to show computer images on a screen.
TV Broadcast Studio
Currently the Chief Leschi is in the early stages. However, we expect great things for the department begging this summer when Chief Leschi School will receive donated TV cameras and new editing and production equipment for the studio. This will allow students to plan and produce on air programs throughout the campus television system. This new technology now brings our students in line with many television studios operating across the United States. This program provides an excellent opportunity for students interested in a future in broadcast television, a unique and uncommon advantage at the high school level. The Chief Leschi School web page (www.leschi.bia.edu) is being created and maintained, under professional supervision, by television students who also video tape and edit their own work for school and community distribution.
Digital Video Server (16) VCRs
CDI’s (Interactive CD ROM – Encyclopedia)
Still Digital Players
Satellite Receiver
35mm Slide Digitizer
(6) Laserdiscs / CD ROM Players
Through a network of UTP Cat 5 cable, the output from each of these devices connects 78 classrooms. Each room has a 27" television and each teacher workstation and also has the ability to connect to video network. Teachers will be able to control each of these devices (play, stop, fast forward, or pause) from their classroom from either a hand held remote control or from their computers. This same network will also enable text and graphics from the teacher’s workstation to be displayed on the classroom 27" television.
To accommodate modern textbooks with accompanying laserdiscs, classroom control of laserdisc players will be available through remote bar code readers. By passing the bar code reader over the passage in the textbook, the corresponding video designed to support the subject matter in the text will be displayed on the classroom television. Selecting a title from a menu can be done from the teacher’s workstation with a mouse or from the television with the hand held remote control.
To access the audio CD-ROM’s from the Media Distribution Center for play on the classroom television, teachers will have control to a special menu either by using their workstations or by using a wireless infrared remote control.
Each classroom has the ability to connect a video camera to the Network from their room. Both audio/video content will be generated from any classroom, sent to the Media Distribution Center and made available to any other classroom on campus or the event may be recorded for future use.
Bell/Alarm/Intercom
The system controls all clocks, bells and alarms and intercom for the school. Special codes have been set up in the system to make announcements from room to room, to building or room to campus.
Additional peripheral Hardware and Software
There will be other areas in the curriculum which will require further study and definition. All hardware and software requests will be considered to support our curriculum. The plan calls for the continuous active search for excellent software that meets our curricular objectives. The Technology Department will be responsible for helping the end user obtain the products and services they need.
Training and Development
The goal of staff development is to provide opportunities for educators to acquire, refine and update their skill in areas of curriculum and pedagogy in ways that incorporate educational technology as a tool. While some technology
specific staff development is required, in general all technology based instruction should be viewed in the larger context of the educational vision of the campus.
The staff training will be conducted in a special training Lab designed to meet scheduled and "drop in" training needs.
Graphics Classroom
A file server will allow printing jobs to be downloaded from each of the classrooms on campus. Networked computers within the Graphics Classroom will allow access to this file server to extract jobs and send them to one of several copiers for production. Access to the Internet will also allow jobs to be downloaded for specific curriculum needs. The print shop will be equipped with a digital color copier with special software to allow direct downloading to the copier from a computer. This will be used for further development of the school managed Internet home page. A digital still camera will provide portability for capturing pictures of school and immediate production of these images. The technology department will continue to evaluate ways in which to save paper and minimize it’s consumption. In order to meet this goal we will continue to investigate a comprehensive printing plan based upon an enhanced communication network allowing users to decide what should be printed rather than distributing information in paper form first.
Security
One of the areas the technology department has responsibility for is the Administrative Cost Center (ACC). Due to the nature of job functions performed here such as payroll, benefits, and banking, we must maintain a secure environment that protects this entity. The ACC is accessed through a fiber connection from the MDF. Currently this is the only connection provided. It our goal to install a backup fiber connection coming from another part of the campus so if for any reason the main connection is broken a redundant line (connection) is in place.
With the growing interest in Internet and the need to provide access from the outside we will review our computer security strategy and adjust it to fit this new environment. As needed we will develop a comprehensive security plan that will address such issues as firewalls, routing protocols and filters.
Resource access to the network is protected by a mandated login ID, password and authentication. These passwords require changing periodically to protect the users and data. Unique passwords are part of the security plan.
Security for the WWW based applications will be evaluated to provide protection between the client and the server. Each file server also is protected with a keyboard unlock password. Our video network and video server is also protected with login and administrative passwords to secure the data. Our communications server and voice mail network also maintains the same type of security standards.
Technology Assessment-Where Are We Today? (1998-9)
Chief Leschi School opened in September 1996. At that time a technology plan was written which provided a planning document to which our initial technology program was developed. Today that plan is updated each February, with input from our Technology/Curriculum committee and staff to assure the direction we move provides the needed technology to support the efforts of the educational process in the classrooms. This plan will be continually monitored and updated to assure data and information is current in the fast changing technological environment.
Network – The Chief Leschi Campus consists of five buildings. Each building houses communication closets (IDFs) which provide termination for horizontal station cable carrying data, voice, electronic equipment interconnects and various miscellaneous functions. The interbuilding cable pathways linking each
building and closet consist of fiber optic cabling which is used as the access network to provide the connectivity for client and server computers. Each room is connected to their appropriate IDF via Level 5 copper cable. The central point for the network backbone is located in the High School. A central switch provides the backbone concentration of 100mbs over the fiber optic cable between the MDF and IDF and 10mbs-switched Ethernet from the IDFs to each desktop. The network is currently configured using 10 different 120mhz and 133mhz file servers that operate from Window NT4.0 operating system. Other file servers are used for other client applications such as delivery of curriculum material to the computer labs, Internet, email, video, login scripts, CD ROM towers, print sharing, library applications for the elementary and High School/Middle School, etc. TCP/IP configurations are used to connect each classroom computer to the Internet. This Internet connection is a T1 line
provided be the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The Domain Name service and IP addressing is provided by the BIA. Each Elementary classroom has one level 5 connection which is used to connect a 3Com 8 port hub. One teacher station and student stations are connected to this hub. This hub provides 8 data connections to each classroom for expansion capability in accordance with our five-year plan. The High School and Middle School classrooms each have 5 level 5 connections. One teacher station and at least one student station are connected to these data outlets. There is one computer lab with 24 level 5 student connections and one teacher station connected to the network. The graphics lab has 10 level 5 connections, which have student computers, teacher station, Color Copier servers connected. The Curriculum teacher-training lab has 7 level 5 connections, 6 teacher training stations and networked printer are connected. Expansion is possible with the used of 10 base T hubs. There are a total of 296 Pentium computers connected to our network. Each user is assigned an email address, which is secured through a secure login name and password process.
Software – There is a variety of software currently used throughout the school and in the classrooms and labs. There is a standardized software program that is installed on all computers. This software is:
-Microsoft Office 97 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access)
-Exchange (E-mail)
-Encarta 97
-Bookshelf
-Netscape Navigator
-Norton Anti Virus
Other major software programs include:
-Adobe Photo Shop
-Adobe Illustrator
-Corel Draw
-Microsoft Publisher 97
-Accelerated Reader (Labs)
-LaserCat (Lib)
-Winsoft’s Fast for educators (counseling ctr)
-Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing (Lab)
-Reader Rabbit
-Steck Vaughn PreGED2001 and GED 2000
-Treasure Math (Lab)
-Super Solvers Outnumbered (Lab)
-Operation Neptune (Lab)
-WOIS (Counseling Ctr)
-Student Writing Center
-Automated Accounting (Lab)
There is a considerable attention being given to the evaluation and deployment of grade level software throughout the school. The tech department has the responsibility to maintain appropriate licensing, testing, delivery and support for all hardware and software throughout the school.
Telephones – Local telephone service is provided by US West with Long distance services provided by AT&T. Chief Leschi owns, operates and manages a MITEL PBX Lite 200-digital/analog switch from 12 trunk lines and 24 analog lines. Current capacity in use is 18 analog lines and 12 trunk lines. This capacity serves 183 telephones, 10 fax lines and 14 modem lines. Another 21 lines have been dedicated for the use of automated attendant services, security monitoring features and emergency services required for each of our two elevators. We are using a 16 port PhoneMaster voice mail system to connect our staff to approximately 183 voice mailboxes. We are currently working to deploy an activity hotline, homework hotline and individualized student mailboxes to provide two way communications between parents and teachers. Each bus and van is equipped with cellular telephones and each driver is equipped with a pager. The pagers have been set up in a group that requires only one number to be called via a computer and a text message appears on all drivers’ pagers. Administrators are issued pagers and cell phones on a need by need basis. Each department has an inventory of two-way radios, which are used to communicate while on campus. Each department also has an assigned radio channel so as not to over crowd available channels. Cross channel use is encouraged based upon the situation.
Video – The video system located within Chief Leschi School consists of a 100 MHz, 56 input, and 88-output system connecting cables to meet the multimedia needs of each classroom. The baseband video system is comprised of twisted pair level 5 cable capable of delivering voice, music, and video (full motion video) to and from all the classrooms. Within the confines of the MDF, multiplexers,
controllers and switches are interconnected with a combination of shielded copper cables and coaxial jumpers. This system is interconnected with the local LAN and closed circuit television network (CCTV) which utilizes fiber optic cable and coaxial cable respectively. There are 16 VCRs, 2 Interactive CD-ROM, 2 Still digital video players, 1 Satellite receiver, 1 35MM slide player, 6 laser disk players, and 2 videotronic display generators which are available for delivery of content to each of the 78 classrooms 27" monitors. To access the video system for display on the classroom monitors, teachers have control by either using their workstations or by using a wireless infrared remote control keypad. By using on of six video cameras, audio/video content will be generated from any classroom, sent to the MDF and made available to any other classroom on campus. This content will also be available to a telecommunications "codex", connected to a T1 for distance and remote learning opportunities. Each classroom is also connected to cable television which they control access. Cable television content is delivered via coaxial cable (see attached diagram).
Electrical System – Chief Leschi was built in 1995-96 with the following electrical capacities by building:
Building Allowed Used Available Fault Current
Elementary 99,228W 92,400 24,000 Volts
Middle/High School 106,831 96,000 24,000 Volts
Four Seasons 100,965 98,200 26,602 Volts
The overall system is new and can serve additional loads. Each computer circuit is surge protected at the wall and each building is surrounded by a 2" buried copper cable to protect against electrical static buildup.
Satellite – Chief Leschi owns its own satellite dish capable to receive both C and KU band satellite signals as well as digital signals. The satellite system is connected to the school distribution system through the video switch to facilitate programming and broadcast to each instructional area. Satellite service will also provide opportunities to utilize school facilities for the outside community to conduct videoconferences, annual meetings etc.
TV Broadcast Studio – Chief Leschi’s studio is just getting off the ground and currently has the ability to produce and edit videotapes for various campus activities.
Our Vision For Tomorrow (1998 and Beyond)
Desired Services – Chief Leschi’s goal is to provide the proper infrastructure to support the curriculum requirements needed to take the school into the 21st Century and beyond. Part of this plan calls for an environment that provides instructional computing support with computer labs and classrooms. We are committed to influencing the learning of children through innovative technologies. In an effort to meet these ambitious goals we will maintain the network in such a fashion that new upgraded routers and servers will provided additional network capacity so that streaming video, teleconferencing, distance learning and school to work programs will flourish. These enhanced programs will be delivered to the students and staff over the existing infrastructure, but at upgraded speeds to support its delivery and content requirements.
The Technology Department has grown from a one person, Director of Technology, position to a department with a Manager of Information Services, a Network Administrator, a Telecommunications Manger, Data and Telephone Technician, TV Studio manager, TV Studio Assistant and a Curriculum Technology specialist. Each of these positions has a detailed and complete job description on file. The Technology Department is the focal point for maintaining standards for all hardware and software on campus. The Technology Department is the focal point through which all hardware and software is request to allow for the proper investigation, purchasing, testing, formatting and delivery to the end user. The Technology department supports every department and every end user on campus. It is the responsibility of the MIS manager, Network administrator and technician to support the use of workstations, software, Local Area Network (LAN) file servers and Internet. The Telecommunication Manager is responsible to support the digital telephone switch, end user stations and voice Mail system. The TV Studio Manager is responsible for producing all audio and video that is used to "tell the world" about our school. This position is also responsible for the production of in-house training and public relations related tapes. The Curriculum Technology Specialist is responsible for the development of training program and their delivery in Chief List’s New Technology for Learning training lab. The director position has responsibility for orchestrating the department and developing business plans, technology plans and strategies for the future in all areas of technology. None of the job descriptions limits what each team member must do to get the job done.
Desired Technologies – Chief Leschi is continually evaluating ways in which to maximize the ways in which existing technology and new technologies can meet the needs of the classroom teacher and staff. This process of investigation is initiated by the curriculum committee so that maximum value can be provide in the technology department’s support for learning in the classroom. It is the commitment of the technology department that "the tail will not wag the dog." There are technologies that will be required as we move toward the 21st Century and meet the needs of our teachers. These items include:
Classroom projectors and display systems
Smart Boards
Video Conferencing Hardware and Software
Digital Cameras
Editing equipment for video productions and multi media delivery
Music compositions hardware and software
Classroom laptop computers
100 Mb Routers
Dial in modems
Enhanced network capacity and expansion into classrooms
Specialized Science, Math, School to Work, etc. applications
Video network enhancements for video conferencing and distance learning applications.
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