SmartBoard Replacement Information
After a thorough year-long review, including feedback from school administration, teachers, technical evaluation, and cost/benefit analysis, it has been determined that we will move forward with the following interactive devices in the classroom.
ViewSonic Interactive Boards at the Elementary Level
Deciding Factors
- Feedback received through visits and teacher survey.
- We save almost $200-300 per board.
- We will have a 7-year warranty instead of a 5-year warranty.
- ViewSonic software will run the Smart Notebook software that many elementary teachers use.
- ViewSonic boards performed better than the SMART brand.
- Will support untethered teaching as well
Installation plan
·IT will work with school administration to determine which classrooms are updated first with as little classroom disruption as possible.
·Installation will take a coordination with district electricians and installers.
·We are currently working on creating that plan with Auxiliary services and will send out that plan once it is finished.
·Goal is to replace about 150 boards this year
·The rest of the boards are being replaced over the next 3-5 years.
·The goal is to begin installation in October/November.
Budget Needed
·Schools will not need to budget for this as it will be paid out of the district capital technology outlay funds.
Training
·School technicians are being trained within the next few weeks so there is onsite support.
·IT will work with school administration to develop training opportunities as boards are installed in the school
·IT will work with Teaching & Learning and School Leadership and Support to develop a comprehensive training plan going forward.
Epson Interactive Projectors (still in testing phase) at Secondary Level, with optional ViewSonic Interactive Board option
Deciding Factors
- Feedback received through visits and teacher survey.
- having more whiteboard space was one of the most frequent requests.
- The vast majority of secondary classrooms do not use SMART notebook software or use the touch capability
- The picture will be displayed on the whiteboard, allowing the whiteboard to serve dual functionality.
- Allows for untethered teaching.
- If the Epson Projector does not work in the classroom, ViewSonic Interactive boards will be installed
Installation plan
·These devices have already been installed in some classrooms in the district
·IT has reached out to high school principals to receive the names of a few teachers willing receive these new projectors for additional testing.
·After final testing is completed, installation will take place over the next 3-5 years.
Budget Needed
·Schools will not need to budget for this as it will be paid out of the district capital technology outlay funds.
Training
·School technicians will be trained on the boards for onsite support.
·IT will work with school administration to develop training opportunities as boards are installed in the school
·IT will work with Teaching & Learning and School Leadership and Support to develop a comprehensive training plan going forward.
