San Ramon Valley High School

San Ramon Valley High School was designated a Digital High School by the State of California in 2001. This recognition was the result of the successful implementation of a state grant with matching district funds that totaled more than one million dollars. Networked computers and printers were placed in each classroom, servers, backup devices, and the switches and wiring/fiber to run the network were installed, staff trainings were held, and teachers/students were held accountable to a series of agreed upon goals, objectives, and benchmarks (complete information on DHS is at: http://www.srvhs.org/news/dhs/dhs.html). As the fortunes of the state changed, all funding to continue the DHS program stopped. Since then, support staff has been drastically reduced (from 3.2 FTE to 1.6 FTE) and no new significant purchases of equipment have been possible.

This is not to say that we have made no progress. Despite the failure of the state to follow through with its promise of support, a number of changes and improvements have occurred and teachers have continued to utilize technology to enrich instruction and provide powerful learning opportunities for students.

Below are highlights of technologies that have enhanced teaching and learning and greatly improved communication between all stakeholders:

The SRV Network- The computer network, overbuilt at its inception, is now being utilized to near full capacity. Traffic is charted, storage is monitored and it will not be long before upgrades are essential. Students are asked to keep storage below 100 Mb. Each network user is given an email account and has access to their home directory based on a roaming profile model on campus as well as remote access (any computer connected to the Internet) to email and files via Outlook Web Access.

Email- Administrative and faculty communications are nearly paperless as Outlook email has become the norm. The daily bulletin and the PTSA newletter are transmitted to staff, students, and parents via email.

Daily Bulletin- The daily bulletin is broadcast via closed-circuit TV.

Grade programs- Most teachers now utilize electronic grade books and post grades to the web with Micrograde. All teachers report quarter and semester grades via computer using IntegradePro.

Web- The SRVHS web site has evolved into one of the best high school sites you will see anywhere. Each teacher has a web presence and many teachers post assignments and make worksheets available through their web page. (http://www.srvhs.org)

Attendance- Teachers report all absences and tardiness electronically with ClassXP. Through this application teachers can also access student information including contact numbers, schedules, grade history, etc.

Evaluations and surveys- These are now all web-based and are completed and compiled online.

Anti-plagiarism- This year we have introduced a service called Turnitin.com. Students submit paper through the web and they are checked for plagiarism. (http://www.turnitin.com)

Newspaper and Yearbook- Students in these classes have upgraded tools to produce publications using industry standard methods. (Adobe Creative Suite)

Technology classes- Students can choose from a variety of offerings including robotics, art and animation, web design, digital photography, etc.

Technologies for Student Learning- Students have access to computers in classrooms, the library, and the Career Center. Teachers integrate technology into their instructional practice utilizing LCD projectors and by assigning student work that include digital research and presentation technologies as important components.

The looming issue for technology at SRVHS revolves around replacement of equipment as it becomes increasingly obsolete. The state’s Digital High School program injected the funds to put us into the 20^th century in terms of technological infrastructure, but without proper funding we may not make it into the 21st century for quite a while.

Ken Castleman
SRVHS Technology Coordinator
kcastleman@srvhs.org