History of the Internet in DPS

The Department of Technology Services developed a plan to insure that the bond funds were used to provide the district with the best possible technology for the children in the DPS. The resulting plan was called the Online Schools Project and it began in January, 1992. 

The Purpose of the the Plan

• Impact student achievement
• Improve staff productivity
• Provide a foundation for ongoing technological implementation in instruction and administration.
• Elevate the district's instructional staff's knowledge and skills in the use of technology for productivity and instruction to an operationally functional level.

The Online Schools Project

• Placed a computer in the hands of every teacher in the district.
• Provided a minimum of 30 hours of training for teachers and other school personnel.
• Upgraded and improved administrative technology systems in the district.
• Created a critical mass of computing power to generate the energy needed to drive technology permanently into the curriculum.
• Provided the infrastructure to link computers and related technology functions throughout the district in a network. This infrastructure was termed the "DPSNet".

In 1992 the Internet was an still an emerging technology, but it was beginning to show great promise for K-12 education. School districts across the country began scrambling to get "online". A crucial portion of the DPSNet included data lines to each classroom-- just the ticket for Internet connectivity.

1994 brought the beginning of Internet training for teachers in the DPS. 15 hours of coursework were developed to give teachers a strong working knowledge of the Netscape web browser and Colorado Education Online (CEO) email. The classes also focus on the use of the Internet to augment classroom instruction. These "Introduction to the Internet" classes continue to be offered through the DPS Technology Academy http://www.denver.k12.co.us/departments/TechAcad/TechAcad.html

Summary of DPS Internet Procedures

• Without exception, district employees who wish to access the Internet via DPSNet must complete fifteen hours of DPS Technology Academy Internet Training. The option now also exists that one may choose to take and pass a test, thereby demonstrating a thorough understanding of the use of the DPSNet and Internet software . When an employee has completed this training or test out, the last page of the Denver Public Schools DPSNet/Internet Use Agreement is signed. This signifies that the user understands that district network privileges may be taken away as a result of any violation of the Agreement.

   

• Teachers are strongly encouraged to sponsor student use of the Internet. Each student going online must complete a DPSNet Agreement form. This form also requires the signature of a parent or legal guardian. When the Agreement has been read and signed by the teacher, student, and parent, only then can a student use DPSNet to access the Internet. Think of the signed agreement much as you would a drivers license. With the license (signed agreement), the student can sit at a computer and navigate the Internet. Without a license (signed agreement), students can observe as a teacher navigates the Internet but cannot "drive" the computer on their own. Several DPS schools actually issue an "Internet User Card" to students that have parental permission to use the Net. The Internet Task Force recommends that all DPS schools implement a similar procedure.

   

• The Internet Task Force suggests that schools sponsoring student users should hold a special Internet informational meeting for parents to demonstrate the power of the educational resources that are available via DPSNet. Parents should also be informed that questionable material may be accessed by a student user that has learned how to search the Internet for inappropriate content.

US West Partnership
The Denver Public Schools has an agreement with U.S. West that provides at-home dial-up Internet access at a reduced rate of $12.95 per month for unlimited use. An initial startup fee of $15.00 is also required. This rate is available to students, parents, and employees of the DPS. All aspects of this program (sign up, billing, technical assistance, etc.) are being handled by US West. Neither the DPS Department of Educational Technology or DoTS are able to provide technical support on behalf of the US West endeavor. Those interested in getting more information on the US West Interact service should contact them directly: 1-800-672-8520.

Netscape 2.0
It is strongly recommended that users upgrade from Netscape 1.0 to version 2.0. There have been numerous problems with 1.0 "locking up" computers as many web sites no longer support this version. Netscape 2.0 requires a minimum of 8 MB of RAM with 16MB preferred. RAM is quite affordable now and DPS uses Marco International in Boulder for computer memory purchases. The phone number for Marco is 449- 9191. T.J. Sweeney is their DPS account representative.

Training Options
There now exist three Internet training options for DPS teachers and staff to consider.

1. Technology Academy classes will continue to be offered at CEC. These are 15 hour classes that can be taken for university or CDE credit. Technology Academy brochures will be sent to all DPS schools at the beginning of each quarter.
2. On site training can be conducted at individual buildings with a qualified trainer. Contact Jeanne Ross for further details at 964-3113.
3. Individuals who have a great deal of experience in using the Internet may wish to consider "testing out" of the class. Four testing out sessions will be conducted throughout the school year. Contact Gloria Lopez (964-3116) for further details .

Teachers who participate in any of the above training options must fall within their school's quota for Internet users (8-elementary, 12-middle, 20-high) unless they are connected to the network via Ethernet.

Ethernet
DoTS has facilitated the purchase of Ethernet hubs for every district school. Some of these ports are available for instructional use. Contact the DoTS Hotline at 764-3888 for details.