Dearborn Public Schools
Our class has become at least a half digital or technology based class.
Thanks so much. The chrome books are amazing. Our 12th graders are enjoying the fact that our class is similar to college courses.
This email was received today. It highlights the experience of students and teachers utilizing the technology in the classroom. We will be continuing to roll out Chrome books in classrooms.
We have been hard at work implementing the bond. Here is a quick overview of where we are so far.
One phase of the implementation is to upgrade the switches. Switches have been updated in the following buildings:
The rest of the switches are scheduled to be updated prior to the end of the calendar year.
Another major component of the bond was this updating and installation of wireless throughout the district. The following buildings have been completed. (*Please note that the new wireless solution uses district credentials to connect to the wireless network. There is also a Guest wireless network so that the community can take advantage of the wireless while in our schools.)
The other schools are scheduled and in process of being wired. Since this work varies greatly based upon availability and issues within each building, it is more difficult to establish concrete deadlines. However, we anticipate having all buildings completed by the end of January.
UTM stands for Unified Threat Management. We have to put safeguards in place to protect our network and our users. This comes in many forms. As you may be aware from the news, this is a complex but crucial part of our network. We need to protect our network for outside threats, malware and more. We also need to protect our students and staff from inappropriate material. We have selected a comprehensive system. We are working on getting this installed and configured. This is currently scheduled to be installed and activated by the end of December.
We are also working on upgrading our main servers and back up solutions. This is currently being evaluated. A decision and implementation schedule will be in place by the end of December.
The Technology Department is updating computers throughout the district. This is a rolling process. We have replace or repurposed all of the eMacs.
The High School computers (mostly from the last bond) have been updated/repurposed as appropriate. We are working with all of the schools to make sure that computers are identified and updated as needed.
Many schools have received updated PC laptops for students use.
We will be installing a large number of Chromebooks. Each school will be receiving at least one cart of 30 Chromebooks. Chromebooks allow us to provide computers for students to use. However, this requires a bit of work since they will be used by students and staff. We need to have them connect to the network so that the user can connect. Then the Chromebook needs to “move” into the appropriate area (student or staff) based upon who logged in. We have that system in place, but need to set up each computer. We anticipate starting to release Chromebooks to schools in December. We hope to have this completed by the end of January.
Please note that beyond the Bond implementation, we are also upgrading our copiers as well. This includes an all new print management system that will allow for better reporting back to buildings. This is another large project that will begin installation in December.
We are very excited that the Bond implementation has begun. Switches are being updated and wireless access points are being installed. The wireless system is a new system. Instead of a static access key, individuals can now use their District credentials to access wireless. Here is how it works.
There are actually two wireless networks that we have put in place – DPSWifi and DPSGuestWifi.
On district, school wide, student computers, we establish a set connection to DPSWifi. Students will enter their user name and password, be signed in and ready to go. Students will receive the appropriate permissions and filters. If a teacher signs onto that same computer, the teacher will receive different permissions and filter settings. Remember, by federal law, we have to filter students. We have more leeway with adults. We have made the decision to provide adults with far greater access than students.
On a personal device, you can make the choice. If you choose DPSWifi, you will need to enter your District credentials (User name and password). You will also need to accept a certificate (once only). From then on, that device will have the rights of that individual. Thus, this should only be done on a device that is yours.
If one chooses DPSGuestWifi, the user will be presented with a web page to enter some basic information. After entering that information, the user can then use the Internet, but will be filtered. Each time the user connects, the user will need to complete the form.
Essentially, on the device that you want to connect (remember district laptops that are designed for student use will not need this step), you will go to your wireless settings. From there, you will select the appropriate SSID (in this case, DPSWifi). You will be asked to accept a certificate (once to keep your credentials). You will be asked to enter your user name and password (this is the same information that you use to sign into a computer). Note that when you change your password, you will need to update this device as well. This is also why you never want to enter this information on a device that you will hand to a student – they would be signed in as you.
We are working very hard to provide all of our users with an appropriate experience. There is still a lot of work yet to be done. However, we are very excited to bring access to all users in all buildings.