Instructional Networking Service with Shared Learning Objectives
(COSER 516)

General Description

This comprehensive curriculum-sharing service provides the basis for a school district's eligibility for state aid on instructional technology programs.  Internet connections are used to share curriculum projects, reporting and integrated technology resources designed to improve classroom instruction.  Service provides exploration, development and presentation of new curriculum projects each year..

Sample software and use of this service includes: 

- CompassLearning
- Pearson Digital Learning
- Internet
- Lightspan
- PLATO Learning

Service Delivery Standards

Hardware used in this service is Dell, Compaq, IBM, Hewlett Packard, Macintosh or local area networks as per configuration standards of the NERIC using ethernet or token ring topologies. A school owned voice telephone connection is required for dial-up access to the NERIC or a dedicated telecommunications connection can be used. This is for sharing information, downloading data, help desk, and curriculum support. Dial up circuits may need to bypass the school switchboard. Appropriate hardware, software, and telecommunications must be in place to access the Internet.

Eligibility and Prerequisites

This service is available to all school districts in the service area. Internet and training services are prerequisite services.  Districts are required to prepare and evaluate information in support of the Shared Learning Objectives each year as per the criteria set by the participants.

Initial Implementation

1. The District selects a standard hardware configuration.
   
2. The NERIC will assist an installing dealer in providing the district with a detailed cost proposal for hardware, software, and telecommunications after consulting with the district to assess needs.
   
3. The district requests networking service from the NERIC in a commitment letter submitted to the school's local BOCES with a copy to the director of the NERIC.
   
4. The NERIC provides complete coordination for the ordering and installation of equipment.
   
5. A telephone circuit (dial up or dedicated) is established between the school and the NERIC. Dial-up phone lines are district-owned and non-aided.
   
6. SYSOP training is provided to two individuals designated to take responsibility for the troubleshooting and in-house functions necessary for maintaining the network.
   
7. Following configuration, installation, testing of the network and the establishment of the telecommunications link between the district and the NERIC, staff and teachers are given five days of training in support of the shared learning objectives. This training is from the Instructional Support Unit at the NERIC.

Ongoing Support

After initial implementation, the following services will be provided on an ongoing basis by the NERIC.

1. Yearly meetings will be held to review shared curriculum objectives, generate a report as per materials provided by the districts, and share curriculum strategies via the Internet.
   
2. Training - In ongoing years three days of training will be provided to the school district in support of the shared learning objectives by NERIC staff.
   
3. SYSOP training will be provided as needed at no additional charge.
   
4. Equipment servicing - The NERIC will maintain the NERIC owned Intel hardware. This maintenance includes parts and labor. Equipment relocation, equipment upgrade, or relocation which requires a data circuit to be moved may incur additional charges. (Laptop maintenance is NOT included. Macintosh maintenance is not available.)  
   
5. Technical Support - A support technician will be available via telephone from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday for troubleshooting problems. NERIC coordinator will assist district with management of the system with on-site technical support as needed.
   
6. Additional On-site assistance - As an option the district may purchase the services of an Instructional Support coordinator to assist district service personnel and teachers in the use of technology in an on-going basis.

NERIC Standard Software

NERIC staff is prepared to train on, purchase and technically support the following software. Other software can be loaded on the network but must be purchased and supported by the district. Training may be available.

SuccessMaker
Internet Explorer, Netscape
CompassLearning
Lightspan
Microsoft Office
Microsoft FrontPage
Microsoft Publisher
OS 9,10 (Mac)
Windows 2000/XP

Hardware and software costs are based on current bids, the number of terminals, and the kind of terminals used. The NERIC can provide an approximate cost for hardware and software which is identified as NERIC standards. An estimate will be generated for the district which includes all of the required elements of the service.

* NOTE - Non-standard software must be purchased by the district directly. NERIC technical staff will load and test these packages to the first screen. Additional support and training should come directly from the vendor.

Concessions

If state aid is being used the NERIC maintains ownership of the software and hardware purchased in conjunction with this service. Districts will need to provide information to the NERIC electronically each year and will need to assist in the preparation and evaluation of the data for this purpose.

Pearson Digital Learning

Waterford - Individually paced reading, math and science program for K-12.
http://www.pearsondigital.com/waterford/

Successmaker Enterprise - a learning environment that offers a powerful combination of management system, assessment, and curriculum resources to provide administrators, teachers, and students with tools to improve academic performance.
http://www.pearsondigital.com/successmaker/

Knowledge Box - As a digital learning system for reading/language arts, math, science, and social studies, KnowledgeBox seamlessly delivers a wealth of instructional media designed specifically to help meet the varied needs of learners in 21st Century classrooms.

Compass Learning

Odyssey - CompassLearning Odyssey provides a robust Pre K-12 curriculum with engaging, hands-on activities in a stimulating learning environment. Odyssey curriculum includes prek-k, reading/language arts, writing, math, science, social studies, cross-curricular, secondary, and English Language Learners.
http://www.compasslearning.com/

Plato Learning

Plato Learning is a comprehensive, research-based, curriculum solution available on CD-Rom or as an Internet -based product. The assessment tools allow identification of skill deficiencies to create individualized education plans to address academic gaps. The K-12 curriculum area addressed include: reading, writing, math, science, social studies, life skills, workplace skills, ESOL/ESL, and test preparation.
http://www.plato.com/

Technology Planning

Network? Stand alone? Peer to peer? What’s right for my school district?
Let Penny Roberts assist you with your technology needs.
Contact her at robertsp@gw.neric.org or 518/862-5325.

Problems? Contact NERIC’s Help Desk first at 518-862-5400 or email helpdesk@gw.neric.org

After calling the Help Desk at NERIC, NCS Learn Support and Software Support Plus customers may call the NCS Learn Technical support at 1-800-227-8224. Make sure you have your site number available to give to the NCS Learn support representative. NCS Learn's web site http://www.ccclearn.com may also be of assistance to you.

After calling the Help Desk at NERIC, CompassLearning customers may call CompassLearning product support at 1-800-678-1412. Make sure you have your lab number available to give to the CompassLearning support representative. CompassLearning’ s web site http://www.compasslearning.com may also be of assistance to you.

Any Questions? Call Lisa Fedele at 518/862-5319 or email lfedele@gw.neric.org.

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