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Technology plays an integral role in the Gordon County School System. Over 1800 networked computers with high speed internet access are available in the school system. From preschool students to board members, computers are an important part of the educational program.

During the past school year, our focus has been on centralization and standardization of technology resources. To this end, each staff member and student now has access to an Information Delivery System (IDS), delivered through a central CITRIX MetaFrame server system. The IDS delivers Microsoft Office 2003, Microsoft Outlook, educational software applications and productivity tools to our users. In addition, documents are saved to a central file storage system. All students, faculty and staff can access their IDS and saved documents from any computer in the school environment, as well as on any Internet-linked computer at any location.

For the 2005-2006 school year, the Gordon County School System is focusing on Instructional Technology. Throughout the school system, teachers and students currently utilize the Internet to view educational videos via United Streaming’s video-on-demand service. Georgia Library Learning Online (GALILEO) is used to conduct research. The instructional program is enhanced by a variety of interactive educational software.

Earlier this year, the school board made a decision to conduct paperless board meetings. Each board member received a laptop and training. Board agenda items are provided via the eBoard web page. A large screen and a wireless environment are provided for board meetings. Participants are able to view the agenda and board items using this cost-effective and productive method.

Our goal is to provide expanded technology resources for each school in our system, including modern computers, interactive white-boards and ceiling mounted projectors for each class, along with training for teachers. This year, a new three-year technology plan will be developed and integrated into the current school improvement plan.