Central Falls School District Technology Plan

Department Overview

The Technology Department is responsible for the coordination and implementation of all academic, library/media and administrative technologies in the district. Technology integration is the cornerstone of the district's effort to ensure all students achieve technology literacy. Technology integration specialists provide instruction and support to both students and teachers. This effort is aligned with the district's K-12 technology benchmark standards.

Through the use of various technologies, teachers are able to facilitate individual support and remediation, as well as enhance learning for all students through the use of technology. With the implementation of new administrative technologies, administrators are able to access and analyze student data and efficiently produce grading, attendance and standardized test reports.

Below are examples of the technologies currently in use in the district.

Help Desk - In an effort to provide a higher level of technical support to the district, a web-based help desk has been implemented, eliminating the need for users to fill out paper work orders or phone in their requests for technical assistance. Users are able to log into the help desk from any computer in the district. Users receive automated confirmation of their submission, as well as, progress updates from the technicians. Users are able to log into the help desk at any time to communicate with the technician and are able to track the progress and resolution to all their requests.

Library Automation Software - The implementation of the Destiny system in Central Falls has allowed for a broader usage of library resources within the schools and across the district. The district utilizes the Follett program for library automation. Students are able to search the collection via library computers. They can search for a book by title, author or subject and easily locate the book in the physical collection. The circulation desk is equipped with a computer and barcode scanner that allows for speedy inventory, as well as allowing for easy check-in and check-out of books by both students and teachers.

Student Information System - The district uses Schoolmax as its SIS. Schoolmax provides teachers and administrators real-time access to course assignments, classroom rosters, seating plans, student attendance and grading.

WebMail - A new web-based e-mail system has been implemented allowing for better management of mail services and improved account access for staff. The system allows access to email accounts from any computer with an internet connection including home computers. Web-based mail also allows for quicker creation of new accounts since account setup is no longer necessary on individual computers.