As the world continues to rely more on technology, more and more learning is being done online. Education is catching up, and Dallas ISD's Instructional Technology Department is leading efforts to meet the technology demands of evolving educational opportunities with a new Technology Center.
“Because we recognized the need to modernize technology on our campus, we chose Frederick Douglass Elementary School as a technology incubator,” said John Hurley, assistant superintendent of technology, architecture and operations. The work done at the school will serve as a guide for future technology upgrades in other areas of the district.
As part of the Douglas Technology Center, the department has provided each student with Chromebooks that include a built-in LTE hotspot that can pick up Wi-Fi signals without the need for an additional device. The technology team also upgraded the school's communication infrastructure. At the same time, the department takes advantage of programs available in the community so that students can access the Internet at home to support their learning.
“We recognize the challenges this transition presents,” Hurley said. “But the more students use the Internet, the more learning opportunities they have. We are focused on all technological and infrastructure improvements.”
The recent pandemic has exacerbated the need for connectivity for learning, and Dallas ISD has been a leader in the state in ensuring students have access to online education. Many programs were implemented during that period to ensure that students were accessible everywhere. Some succeeded and others didn't, which is why the Douglas Technology Incubator is so important, Hurley said.
“It gave us a good idea of what works and what doesn't, so it can be replicated in other schools,” said Marlon Harrison, assistant superintendent of institutional support services. “We have a model.”
The department is still in the early phase of efforts to continue upgrading technology and internet access throughout the district, and the Douglas Technology Incubator is showing what can be done at other schools. The goal is that within five to seven years, every student will have a device with 5G LTE connectivity. The region has already invested in 15,000 laptops – like those at the Douglas Technology Incubator – with eSIMs, or digital SIM cards, which can be paired with any service provider.
“This is a long-term plan,” Hurley said.
With a focus on equity, EdTech is working with other departments and the Board of Trustees to enter into long-term contracts that will make infrastructure modernization possible, first in areas of greatest need and, ultimately, throughout the district, he said.
Major infrastructure work in the early phases of the project will be done over the next three to four years, while the district continues to leverage federal technology funds to also upgrade devices for students.
“Eventually, everyone will be on these devices,” Hurley said. “The future is mobile, and access to digital learning for our children is essential. We want them to have every opportunity to succeed.”
