Technology Services
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We have concluded this first pilot program and have received positive feedback from both the teacher and students including: 
students are familiar with using. Ms. Airing notes that this solution provides students with a more personal technology that allows for more adjustability. For example, a slate requires a student to keep their eyes on the board while writing on the slate, which can be difficult for some students. The touchscreen solution allows for the student presenting to the class to see what he or she is writing directly on the screen while the entire class can see the presentation on the board.
The document camera component allows students to share work with the class without the concern of blocking the presentation visual -- which can happen when students demonstrate work on the whiteboard. Another appealing feature that Ms. Airing notes is the ability to move the touchscreen with the swivel arm. She shared that many times students are nervous in presenting or demonstrating their work to classmates especially if their back is toward the class. This adjustable feature allows placement of the touchscreen so students can face their audience while presenting or demonstrating their work, thus reducing the amount of anxiety experienced in this process.
Although the touchscreen pilot program has been well received with student excitement and teacher endorsement, there are a few limitations. The most notable being the limitations in fine details with writing, some delay when the student writes using the pen, and the appearance of the writing on the board. Some students have also struggled with keeping their palms off the touch screen display when writing; however, Ms. Airing notes that this obstacle can easily be overcome by having the student use a finger when writing as opposed to the pen. Despite these limitations, Ms. Airing believes that the benefit this technology provides to the classroom learning experience far surpasses the added dexterity that may be required with student use and their writing techniques.
Overall, the pilot was a huge success with both Ms. Airing and her students. It may well provide the most cost-effective alternative to providing interactivity in the classroom and one that that will enable its implementation in far more classrooms across Carroll County Public Schools.
Mission:
The mission of the Technology Services Department is to provide an infrastructure and service-oriented environment in which student success is enhanced through a set of information age tools and skills accessible by all members of our interdependent, technology-linked learning community.
Goals:
- Technology will be integrated as a tool into the educational process in a seamless manner that will optimize resources and the educational experience. In addition, it will serve to prepare students for the real world of a technology-based society.
- Technology will be integrated into the business practices of the School System to optimize operational efficiencies.
- The Technology Services Department will continue internal restructuring that will transform it from a Data Processing Department to a legitimate Information Technology Department that’s purpose is to provide the appropriate resources and tools for staff and students to perform their work and educational experience in an effective and efficient manner.
Objectives:
- Comply with Maryland Public School Standards for Information and Communications Distribution Systems and develop, maintain, and comply with the Carroll County Public Schools Technology Plan.
- Upgrade and maintain adequate network infrastructure capacity to support currently utilized and emerging technologies.
- Create and maintain a comprehensive Disaster Recovery Plan.
- Create and maintain educational technology standards including software applications, hardware, and platforms utilized in both the administrative-based and instruction-based functions.
- Create and manage a dynamic and flexible development environment that allows for customized technical solutions to system-wide needs.
- Create and manage a dynamic and flexible network and client administration environment that allows for customized technical solutions to system-wide needs.
- Create and manage a dynamic and flexible help desk environment that is based on a customer service orientation.
- Utilize students, volunteers, and other outside partners in the work of the Technology Services Department.
- Insure that appropriate steps are taken to comply with the Federal No Child Left Behind Act.
CCPS employees may visit our Technology Services Portal Here - Internal Use Only