R-TIME Update

R-TIME Update

Effective immediately, new R-TIME submissions will be limited to C.O. staff only. Due to the current budget situation, we are eliminating CAMPUS requests for NEW UNAPPROVED software, hardware, and non-technology supplementary instructional materials (SIMs) in R-TIME. Campuses can still continue to purchase already-approved software (over 4,600 titles), hardware (over 4,050 options), and SIMs (over 2,900 items) as listed on R-TIME, as well as items newly initiated and approved by C.O. However, campuses will not be able to initiate new requests in the R-TIME system. The overall end result will be the reduction of expenditures and, for hardware and software particularly, the reduction of support costs.

Kelly Smith

Lexia Reading (web-enabled) v7.0 UPGRADE

Lexia Reading (web-enabled) v7.0 UPGRADE

The Lexia Reading v7.0 UPGRADE was IN THE PROCESS of being PUSHED OUT (through  8/30/2010)  to the 13 campuses using the web-enabled version. The UPGRADE is being sent to all student and teacher machines.

When the v7.0 UPGRADE was pushed out, v6.0 was removed. Lexia Reading v7.0 should be on your start menu.

If you find that a machine does not have the upgrade AFTER 8/30/2010, please put in a work order. The SW number for Lexia Reading v7.0 is SW2010-0716.

Not to worry if you didn't have all PCs or laptops on for the push. When the machine powers up, it will get the UPGRADE. YEAH!!! GO NEDS!!!

Google Earth Update

As many of you know, Google Earth v4.02737 no longer works...

Google Earth v4.2.0205.5730 has been approved. You can put in a work order to request that it be pushed to your campus, if you are in need. Please make sure you CHECK YOUR VERSION BEFORE you put in a work order. Newer machines may already have this newer version.

Google Earth
v4.2.0205.5730
SW2010-0376

Thank you to Steven King and his group who worked so quickly to make this update possible!!!

eBook Reader coming soon!!!

eBook Reader coming soon!!!

The Sony eBook Reader Touch Edition PRS-600 has been approved for use in NISD. The Sony eBook reader can use many types of eBooks and audio files. It has a long battery life and sleep mode if the unit is not used for a certain period of time.

Pricing and quote information is being acquired right now...should be posted on the Northside Acquisition Store by March 1, 2010.

I know many of you are waiting eagerly for an eBook option...you won't have to wait much longer!!!

MP3 Players - Cheaper Options

MP3 Players - Cheaper Options

Currently, the only MP3 Players we have available in the Northside Acquisitions Store are from Apple and Creative. They range in price from $131-$388. These MP3 are AWESOME and serve their purpose...

But, some of you have voiced a need for a cheaper option!

For example, Francisco Alderete from Hatchett Elementary,  uses a cheaper MP3 Player to send home with kinder students as a listening center. His older students write, create, and read original stories for the kinder students. Francisco's only need is for a cut and dry "player." No need for multiple syncing, iTunes, or video options...JUSTa MP3 Player.

Now you have some flexibility for making those purchases. Here is the new Northside policy for purchasing cheaper MP3 Players.

MP3 Players NOT found on the Nothside Acquisitions Store may be purchased from any approved vendor found in District Contract Bid #2007-123 (for questions on this contract, please contact purchasing) and no HW# is necessary. However, those MP3 Players purchased OUTSIDE of the Northside Acquisitions Store will NOT be supported by Technology Services. In addition, any software included with the MP3 Player may NOT be installed. Please make sure the MP3 Players you want to purchase are "plug and play" (with more of a flash drive functionality). PURCHASE AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION.

FLIP Video

FLIP video cameras are ready to purchase from the Acquisitions site!!!
http://intranet.northside.isd.tenet.edu/ITS/Acquisitions/av/videocamcordershome.htm

There are two cameras:

FLIP Video Ultra Digital Camera
and
FLIP Video Ultra HD Digital Camera

These models NEED the FLIP software installed. This software is not able to be packaged and can't be pushed. Please keep requests for install to a reasonable number...thinking priority machines.

Flipshare v4.5
SW2010-0194

R-TIME Login

R-TIME Login

Username: eNumber w/ e
Password: 4x4 (first four of last name CAPS and last four of SS)

Lumens Document Camera Software - Queue

The Lumens document camera software, Queue, has been approved for installation. You will need to provide the PO number for one of your Lumens cameras in order to put in the work order. I know many of these were purchased with stiumulus funds and you are anxious to start using them to the max! Thank you so much to Bertie Esquivel, who helped guide this request along in R-TIME.

Queue
v14.0.0.162
SW2010-0213

R-TIME Moratorium Lifted :)

R-TIME is ready for your requests! Just wanted you all to know the moratorium has been lifted :) Please pass along this note to your staff.

R-TIME
Request for Technology and Instructional Materials Evaluation
http://neptune.northside.isd.tenet.edu:4044/Rtime.nsf

SW List UPDATE...NEW Icon and Color Legend

The Icon & Color Legend for the SW List has been updated in R-TIME. Please make sure you pay close attention to SW titles when they have an icon or color associated with them.

We have an important NEW icon to the Legend for titles needing Additional Hardware!

$$$ This software requires additional hardware, which needs to be funded by YOUR CAMPUS. Please contact the R-TIME Committee for the detailed instructions.

As more software titles move to a network installation, many times there are additional server costs your campus needs to be aware of...in budgeting for your campus. This new icon will let you know there are additional hardware costs involved.

Examples of A FEW software titles needing ADDITIONAL HARDWARE:

*Enterprise Edition Read 180
*FASTT Math
*Go Solve Word Problems
*Rosetta Stone Version 3 Enterprise (Network)

Acquisitions Updates...for APPLE and FLIP

1. The NISD Acquisitions Apple Store is complete and online!!!

It is located under Hardware and in the category of Apple. There are many Apple products listed, including:
*iPod Nanos (8GB and 16GB)
*iPod Touches (8GB, 32GB, and 64GB)
*Bretford PowerSync iPod Cart w/ Apple MacBook
*Apple iPod Accessories

2. The FLIP Video will be posted very soon! It is in the bid process. The software has been approved. More info will be coming...just wanted you to know to look out for it to be posted in January (fingers crossed)!!!

Firefox and COR (Read-e Set Grow) UPDATE

Firefox and COR (Read-e Set Grow) UPDATE

Many of you have been asked by your PPCD teachers, ECC teachers, etc. to have Firefox installed on their computers for COR (Read-e Set Grow) to run correctly.

The SW for Firefox has been updated to include approval for installation on CIT stations AND COR (Read-e Set Grow) stations.

Thanks for your patience as this has been researched and figured out :)

eBook Readers in Northside

I have heard from many of you inquiring about eBook Readers...

...if you should submit a R-TIME???
...is there a district standard???
...will there be an eBook available on the Technology Acquisitions site???
ect.

Just wanted to let you all know that the PROCESS has started for evaluating and selecting a Northside eBook Reader standard.

Will definitely give you an update when I have one :)

R-TIME visits QUAD

I wanted to let you all know that Steven King and I are presenting at QUAD (Quality Usable Accurate Data) this week. Our audience is made up of, primarily, Principal Secretaries. Today was our first session and we had 22 attendees.

Our session offered an overview of the R-TIME system and process. I'm hoping this gives them the information and training they need to feel more comfortable with the system.

As always, we count on you guys and the amazing feedback you continually share with us to make things better and better...

NEW Technology Acquisitions

Just a note to let you all know that there are NEW Technology Acquisitions items posted on the Technology Acquisitions Web Site...

Including:

eInstruction
SMART
Promethean
Document Cameras

NOTE: New FLIP Video model and new iPod Nano are pending evaluation. I'll let you know when there is an update to these items ASAP.

FLIP Video Model UPDATE

There is a NEW FLIP Video Model. It is still under the "Ultra" name, but with a new model number (found inside the battery housing). While being evaluated, FLIP Videos have been taken down from the Technology Acquisitions site. I will give you an update ASAP. We are trying to get

Original FLIP Video Ultra
PSV552

NEW FLIP Video Ultra
U1120B