April 13, 2016 at 10:00 AM - Technology Committee Meeting

Discussion:  Call to order at 10:02 AM. Staff: David Ludwig, Scott Isaacson, Deb Hericks, Rhonda Eis, Beth Kabes

Discussion:  Executive Director shared a power point overview on the K-12 Federation. Founding Operators are Illinois, New York, Nevada and Nebraska. K-12 organizations who serve K-12 Districts (operators). Collaborating to provide answers to K12 technology problems. Working together, utilizing our strength in number. An operator may be an individual school district, regional providers, state agencies or collection of districts that provide technology services to K-12 districts. An operator maybe a trailblazer in one or more technology services they provide, including infrastructure, SaaS, professional development reporting, purchasing, etc. Each are autonomous and contributing to a common cause that benefits their respective missions. Mission and Vision - The mission of the K-12 Federation is to bring together a community of interest and expertise to share ideas, resources, and innovative for K-12 by K-12. The Vision of the K-12 Federation is to establish a community of operators whose shared knowledge, expertise and resources mitigate the cost, complexity and risk of implementing and supporting educational services such as, but not limited to identity, rostering and access management systems in the emerging digital ecosystem. Operators come together around shared needs and vision. Through MOUs and contracts, these operators share software assets, services, expertise, funds, projects, grant partnerships and other items of value. Working together, groups of operators contribute development work, enhancements, and new items of value to the community, multiplying the impact of the individual investments and enhancing software and other assets for everyone. The K-12 Federation story of collaboration and success will be communicated nationwide by team members through existing conferences and meetings. New members will enhance the community of collaboration. The K-12 Federation will be funded by membership fees, usage contributions based on value of shared assets, and at first, philanthropic contributions. Self-sustainability is projected by 2019. Discussed some of the possible shared assets that might be used: Single Sign-on, SRS, Coop, Edfi Data Model. Discussion regarding the SRS system in NE and sustainability of that system.

Discussion:  Technology Director gave an overview of the Single Sign On project. There are currently 26 early adopters connected to ADVISER. The rest of the early adopters 1 and 2 (up to 75) possibility to bring on to ADVISER this summer. Discussion held on the process to bring a school online was held. Single sign on is connected to the ADVISER (app)

Discussion:  BlendEd Director/Distance Education Director reviewed the process proposed by the LOR Committee. The proposal from the LOR committees is to use a multiple approach of using Learn360, ISLE, and Amazon Inspire. Single sign on access to each of the products and available in the portal. Then next step will be the storage needed and available for upload. Future, do we look at a system that encompasses the three areas of need. The LOR Committee will continue to meet to discuss future needs. Another meeting of committee with Amaon will be held the end of April.

Discussion:  Technology Director gave an update on the progress of Tech Plan. They continuously update this list.

Discussion:  Technology director has been evaluating back-up solutions. Decided to create an RFP and bring results back to committee for approval. Part of this will be covered under the NDE MOU.

Discussion:  IMAT Coordinator discussed the proposal from the IMAT group to use Special Projects funds for three workshops with small groups to work on curating content and aligning with standards and create a plan on how to share out with the schools. The groups will include teachers, ESU, and NDE personnel. Discussion regarding ESUs that elect to not participate, can these schools participate in these workshops.

Discussion:  IMAT is looking at possible adding on packages within Learn360.

Discussion:  Nothing more to report.

Discussion:  BlendEd Director/Distance Education Director reviewed her report with the committee. BlendEd Initiative has a presentation next week at the NETA Conference. Teaching and Learning with Technology Affiliate (TLT) will be meeting on May 3, 2016.

Discussion:  IMAT Coordinator reviewed her report for the committee. Reviewed the LEarn360 contract/pricing for the upcoming year.

Discussion:  New Acquisition Proposal