Attending
Amy Walker, Mike Cranford, Joy Frankoff, Syeda Amina, Jeff Shepherd, Ashish Naran, Doug Foster, Wayne Tindle, Chris Danehower, Jim English, Witold Sieradzan

Guest
Tonya Hinton, ADHS AP Psychology / Sociology teacher

Blackboard presentation – Chris Danehower & Tonya Hinton
WCPSS is the largest school system to purchase Blackboard software.
Via the web, students are able to access announcements, registered courses and calendar where teachers can post information. Course assignment information can be posted, as well as teacher contact information.

Tonya explained her use of Blackboard. She posts extra-credit assignments, exam review / preparation materials, links to articles, on-line quizzes and student surveys. The system allows her to track who has accessed her postings.

Review of presentation “Creating Effective Business Alliances” – Wayne Tindle
Per request, Wayne presented on 3/9. Four mains points on creating an effective alliance where shared – Align with school, structure, sustainability and evaluation. Discussed importance of each member having a role, having effective meetings which are prepared and begin & end on time, and having student representation.

Technology Team Update – Doug Foster

• Web Site - Ashish reworked front page of web site, providing a new look. Unfortunately the system failed to save the changes. Goals is to have the following information on the site: news & events, letter from principal, department sites, athletics, phone numbers, student life section with pictures, PTSA link, library, Career Info Center link on the front page. Alliance will maintain link on the home page.
• Real-world experience opportunities – Would like to have another opportunity for CISCO students, but unfortunately the Block schedule makes that prohibitive.
• ATB work with web site – This involves the use of video streaming with the web site. Project has been deferred due to lack of instructor interest.
• Technology training for staff – Blackboard training is being handled by Chris Danehower. Technology wants to survey staff. The Staff Development Team is conducting a survey to identify training needs of staff. Both will compare surveys to avoid duplication.
• Technology Grant– Investigate technology grants – has been tabled. Witold shared that he is currently working on a grant and is trying to figure out how to incorporate ADHS into the grant.

Witold questioned where to direct recommendations for the web site? Volunteered WTCC to handle site.