instruTECHable

• SCS Generative AI Guidelines
  
• For Next Year...
• Insights on Tech PD and Support
• Technology Request Process
• How SCS Will Start Addressing Student (& Staff) Data Privacy
  
• Changes to Software & Programs Availability For 2024-2025 Academic Year
• Help Us Start Next Year Strong, HelpDesk Tickets & Summer Projects
• New Elementary MakerSpace Anchor SlideDeck
  
• In Case You Missed It...
  

After extensive research and collaboration, we are pleased to announce the official launch of our district guidelines for Generative AI (GenAI) use.

• Click HERE to view a slidedeck highlighting key information.
• Click HERE to view the complete document.
• Click HERE for color coded graphic about student GenAI use.
• Syllabus statements for Grades 6-12 (slide 9 of slidedeck)
  
  
• GOOGLE WORKSPACE AND CLASSROOM DOC POLICY
  All digital work for this course must be completed in the document assigned by the instructor in Google Classroom. Copying and pasting into any document without a discussion with your teacher could be flagged as plagiarism. Teachers have the right to view Version History of any document.
  
  
• GENERATIVE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (GenAI) USE IN THE CLASSROOM Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) programs are not a replacement for creativity, originality, and critical thinking. However, in specific circumstances, teachers may allow the use of GenAI. Teachers will share what level of GenAI involvement is permissible. It is important to note that if a teacher does not specify what “Level of AI Use” can be utilized, then NO GenAI can be used. Students must provide proper citations and disclosures when GenAI is used. Using GenAI without attribution or without express permission from the instructor is academic dishonesty and violates the student handbook.

Additionally, we have purchased Magic School AI for the upcoming year, which will be available for staff and students in grades 6-12. Slide 8 of the slidedeck focuses on a helpful graphic demonstrating the various applications of GenAI in different assignments, while slide 9 offers syllabus statements to support course integration.

To learn more about Magic School AI and other software and program changes for the 2024-2025 academic year, please refer to the section titled Changes to Software & Programs Availability. We look forward to this exciting new phase of technology integration in our district

Please take a moment and complete this survey.

We want to stress the importance of collaboration and communication when it comes to purchasing new technology. Before exploring funding options from the district, grants, PTA, or other sources, it's essential to engage with the Technology Department. This step ensures that the proposed technology aligns with our infrastructure, can be adequately supported, and doesn't duplicate existing programs. We welcome suggestions for new products to investigate and evaluate. Please share your requests and insights HERE, and our Technology department will carefully review them. Additionally, before pursuing any grants, please complete THIS FORM from the Treasurer's Office for approval. By working together, we can ensure that any technology investments enhance our educational environment effectively and efficiently.

We are excited to announce that we are taking proactive steps to enhance student data security by aligning with the Ohio Student Privacy Alliance (OSPA) guidelines. Recent findings emphasize the critical importance of protecting our students' sensitive information in today's digital age.

As part of this initiative, we will be implementing stricter protocols to safeguard student data. This includes ensuring that only programs and tools that meet the necessary standards for data security will be accessible to our students.

Protecting our students' privacy is a top priority, and this initiative reflects our commitment to creating a safe and secure digital environment for everyone in our school community. We appreciate your support and cooperation as we work together to strengthen our cybersecurity measures and uphold the integrity of our educational technology systems.

If you have any questions or concerns about this initiative, please do not hesitate to reach out to Dave Binkley. Thank you for your partnership in enhancing student data security.

As we gear up for an exciting summer filled with technology projects, I want to provide you with a brief update on what's happening in our department. We are continuing our computer refresh initiative at SHS, ensuring that our students and educators have access to the latest technology for optimal learning experiences. Additionally, we are in the process of creating 14 innovative learning areas in our new trailers and enhancing learning spaces throughout our buildings. We are also improving WiFi access at SMS by installing new access points to enhance connectivity.

While we are busy with these projects, our goal is to ensure that your learning space is in its best condition when you return for the new school year. If you have any tech-based issues in your classroom, please take a moment to submit a SchoolDude Tech Help Desk ticket before the end of the school year. This will allow us to address any concerns promptly and, if needed, reach out to you for further clarification or support.

Based on feedback from our elementary staff, we have consolidated our efforts to create an Elementary MakerSpace Anchor SlideDeck. In it you will see what is available in your building, video introductions, skills fostered and related Model Mustang competencies, and teacher resources! Thanks to the work of Jennie Zacharyasz, Jessica Frenchik, Diane Messerini, and the many teachers who made this document and provided many of the resources available.

Have you done a lesson with a MakerSpace item and you would like to share it with your colleagues? Contact Jennie or Dave and they will add it to the document.