May 4, 2021 at 8:00 AM - Information Services Committee Meeting

Discussion:  Call to order at 8:00 AM.

Staff:  Kraig Lofquist, Deb Hericks, Priscilla Quintana, Scott Isaacson, Andrew Easton

Discussion:  Call to order at 8:00 AM.

Staff:  Kraig Lofquist, Deb Hericks, Scott Isaacson, Priscilla Quintana

Discussion: 

A pending amendment to lottery funds allocation (perhaps LB529) proposes to extend the time of the existing Education Innovation Networks by an extra year, to end 6/30/2022. The Software Innovation Network, while still pursuing specific projects, needs to focus on the process through which we:

• learn about software needs and priorities of school districts,
• communicate and cultivate communities and systems of support for proposed projects,
• prioritize and select projects to adopt and support,
• form and guide project teams,
• decide to build, buy, and/or integrate software,
• evaluate and refine the performance of the process and individual projects,
• And determine when to end support for a project

A high-level infographic was drafted and is included for discussion. The text of the process is being drafted, will be developed collaboratively with the Software Innovation Network leadership, and with input from related networks, ESUCC affiliates and committees.

Discussion: 

This work is paused for a bit to complete more of the process. I am connecting with the Data Visualization Innovation Network to determine where there is overlap and how our work can best complement and extend that work.

Discussion: 

The main work in this area is with the eduroam project. ESUs 2, 6 and 10 have begun test implementations of the RADIUS authentication services and of the eduroam wireless network in their facilities and some school districts they serve. We are proposing to use $150,000 of the Software Innovation Network funds to fund the eduroam membership for 2 additional years 2022 and 2023, along with an allowance for hosting and development costs associated with operating the eduroam service statewide. The contract was just finalized between the University of Nebraska and Internet2.

Discussion: 

Including the latest sign-ups, 137 districts are participating in the Canvas consortium. The team plans 4 or more summer sessions for instructional leaders who will establish the standards and templates for using Canvas in their districts. These dates are being finalized and will be promoted. I will continue meeting with the Canvas leadership team to discuss long-term governance/organization of the Canvas community.

Discussion: 

There are a number of needs in this area being explored:

• Network Nebraska Proofpoint Security awareness service and training
• Resolute Guard & other security audit/scan services
• Nebraska Student Privacy Alliance - collect data from districts and ESUs about the software they use and the contract language in place related to data privacy and security
• Duo Multi-factor authentication service group buy

Discussion:  Technology Director reviewed the status of GEER devices and reimbursements.  Working on the process for the home school devices, working to refresh the quotes on original devices.  Working to secure the additional funding for the devices for those devices.  

Discussion:  Working on the mapping of areas and getting ready to share with schools.  Currently, working to validate the requests for hotspot reimbursements.  

Discussion:  Committee Chair shared information from the NOC meeting.  In depth discussion on the NOC budget.  

Discussion:  Discussion regarding the NOC subscription services.  NOC is requesting to use the funds for those that wish to use the subscription services.   

Discussion:  Discussion on HQIM and TLT project special project requests.  TLT and Social Studies Cadre along with NDE will continue to work together to move project forward together.  

Discussion:  Discussion on Learn360 and the renewal of this subscription.  

Discussion:  Meeting adjourned at 8:48AM.