ATLIS 2017

As schools work to become more efficient and effective, they continue to identify needs that require the launch of initiatives intended to enhance or improve essential elements such as learning, instruction, productivity and conservation of resources. This session will explore specific strategies that you can leverage to smooth the path and facilitate the process to gain buy-in from community members.

Tech Director's Magic Toolkit - What to expect when tech directing: "If only I had known..." Aspiring and new tech directors sneak a peek behind the curtain and discover how to magically navigate the transition to Technology Director and survive your first year. This session will focus on universal best and necessary practices for success in this integral role as Technology Director and is led by the 2016-2017 participants in the Early Career and Aspiring Technology Director's Institute.

Our handling of technology in schools impacts opportunity for diverse students and families. Differences in ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomics, language, religion, ability, and other exceptionalities require concerted efforts in implementing effective technology use in schools. While Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) programs provide multiple benefits for students and faculty, how can we ensure that these benefits are in keeping with increased opportunity and equity for all students? Using a case study format, this session will examine how to bring in all community stakeholders in designing a BYOL program with equity as one of its driving goals.

Schools often depend on platforms such as student information systems and learning management systems to provide a wide array of tools for different aspects of school life. These tools often result in siloed end-user experiences: the business office focuses on the billing aspects of the product while the admissions office focusses on the applicant experience. Classroom teachers may approach their class pages independently from their peers, while students may have different experiences dependent on their schedule. All of this can be further complicated when there are multiple divisions within your school environment. If your school is considering transitioning to a new platform that impacts many stakeholders on campus, this session is for you. We will explore strategies to: better understand individual and institutional needs, create transparency in the decision making process, elicit broad-based buy-in to the new product(s), and plan for a series of successful implementations, evaluations, and iterations. This session will be part presentation and part working group with time allotted to work with peers on developing your own timelines and strategies.

CANCELLED