COMPUTERS AND TECHNOLOGY
This chapter examines the computer and technology services provided by the Cedar Hill Independent School District (CHISD) in the following areas:
- A. Organization
- B. Technology Policies, Procedures and Planning
- C. Instructional Technology
- D. Infrastructure, Hardware and Software
School districts address technology in a variety of ways. Some districts have one Information Technology (IT) department with separate individuals responsible for hardware and software acquisition, network management and maintenance. Most small school districts generally do not have a formal IT department, but these districts have staff responsible for computer-related equipment acquisition and maintenance, and instructional technology training. Some districts divide technology responsibilities between administrative and instructional departments, while other districts manage technology under one organizational structure.
Regardless of their organizational structure, most districts perform management and oversight of all the district's instructional and administrative applications; hardware and software maintenance; planning, implementation and oversight of local area networks and a wide area network; and training and technical support for computer applications and networks.
Accordingly, the development of an effective, integrated network of software, hardware and telecommunications is a major and technically complex endeavor. To create an effective network, visionary leadership, clear organizational goals, effective assignment of responsibilities and the commitment of sufficient resources are required. A significant imbalance in these key ingredients will result in the expenditure of substantial resources without providing students with the necessary skills, knowledge and economic opportunities.