PDT Staff Report

The School Facilities Technology Toolkit, a collaboration of eTech Ohio and the Ohio School Facilities Commission, has been launched, according to OSFC Executive Director Michael Shoemaker.

The online resource at www.etch.ohio.gov/go/schooltechtoolkit serves as reference for school leadership and staff involved with facility projects and advanced learning environments.

"The School Facilities Technology Toolkit is being launched at an opportune time," said David Barber, e-Tech Ohio interim executive director. "This tool will prepare many school districts for the new technologies afforded to them as part of an OSFC project."

The toolkit includes tutorials, presentations and resources to support a district's facility planning process as they prepare for the construction of new or renovated structures in the coming years.

"The toolkit highlights the way in which the design of a school building can have an impact on the infusion of technology into the daily lives of educators and learners," Shoemaker said. "It also highlights the importance of the involvement of technology-savvy staff during every phase in the design and construction of a school."

Additionally, "Virtual Facility Tours" features in the toolkit provide school audiences with a panoramic view of the unique and technologically advanced academic environments across the state. For example, one virtual facility tour illustrates how new technology has changed the security system for an entire school district. This innovative technology restricts the access of visitors in the school building. Once the school has obtained a scanned image of a visitors' photo identification they are given a badge and access to the building.

"The toolkit illustrates the value of technology leadership," said Quentin Briggs, e-Tech Ohio Educational Technology consultant. "With the help of this resource, district leadership will discover the key people who bring significant insight to creating 21st century learning environments."

OSFC and eTech Ohio will assist school districts in addressing technology planning and professional development needs throughout all phases of the school construction process.

"The toolkit is a wonderful opportunity for administrators and teachers to see examples of various types of technology systems that are being built into our schools," Shoemaker said.