Technology

To prepare students for the 21st century, technology-infused educational experiences are paramount. Since 1995, and in collaboration with the City of Boston, the Boston Public Schools has made dramatic strides in providing access to technology to support teaching and learning, communication, collaboration, and improved administrative functions. 

Key accomplishments include:

• Becoming the first urban school district to wire all classrooms to the Internet in 1998.
• Reaching a 4:1 student-to-computer ratio by 2001; and in 2008 launching the Laptops for Learning (L4L)initiative to maintain the ratio by providing classroom teachers with a new dual-platform MacBook for instructional use in the classroom.
• Providing technology professional development to 85% of Boston teachers by 2001 and updating technology skills for all teachers through L4L orientations.
• Graduating over 3,000 families from the Technology Goes Home@School Program since 2000 to help bridge the digital divide in Boston.

The district’s continued support of technology is essential for BPS to achieve its academic and operational goals.

LINC III Technology Plan                                    

The Boston Public Schools' Learning & Information Network for the Community (LINC III) Technology Plan guides the district's use of technology from 2006 until 2009 to help ensure that all students meet high standards. LINC III aligns district efforts into the Pillars for Success: Access, Information, and Innovation. The pillars provide the framework for the technology foundation, vision, leadership, and support needed for the district to use technology as a tool to help close the achievement gap and to bridge the digital divide. 

By June 2009, LINC III will demonstrate the following accomplishments:

ACCESS:  Provide a Robust & Security Technology Infrastructure

• Computer Life Cycle Model:  Phase III of Computer Life Cycle Model – Staggered upgrade of ~40 schools labs & libraries onto City’s lease-purchase program.  Phase III will be at full roll out by 2012, having all BPS instructional computers on 5 year life cycle.
• Project Refresh: Continued partnership with corporate partners to bring in refurbished computers for curriculum & instructional use.
• School Infrastructure Upgrade:  Upgrade internal connections & equipment for 22 schools through E-Rate.
• BPS/City Hall PMO Pilot:  Establish a program management office that focuses on citywide IT initiatives and to identify operational efficiencies from combined city government and BPS functions.
• School Technology Profiles: Update comprehensive technology snapshots of all BPS schools to align resources to the district's academic agenda.

INFORMATION:  Advance Data-Driven Decision Making

• BPS Data Center: Phase II implementation.  Roll out Cognos reports and cubes for BPS stakeholders.  Work with BPS Leadership to establish dashboard and scorecard rollout over the course of the school year.
• MyBPS: Continued maintenance and implementation of MyBPS.  Anticipated upgrade to Food Services and Transportation systems.

INNOVATION:  Foster Unique Teaching & Learning Opportunities with Technology

• Communications & Collaboration:  Podcasting, Universal Design, media & video initiatives and collaboration with communications projects. 
• Online Professional Development:  Expand opportunities for teachers to take courses online.
• Cyber Safety Campaign: Continued education and outreach with the BPS community around internet safety and cyber citizenry.
• Technology Goes Home @ School (TGH@S): Families in approximately 75 schools participate in Technology Goes Home @ School and use MyBPS to communicate and collaborate with teachers concerning their children’s classroom assignments.

To learn more about technology in the BPS, visit BPS Technology Online at: www.bostonpublicschools.org/technology.