Technology Services

Western Suffolk BOCES helps school districts plan and manage information and technology needed for instruction. Professional and cost effective services include planning and analysis; training; installation, support and maintenance; and library automation.

Instructional Technology Services

Program #501
Maria Esposito
631/595-6801
TechServices.WSBoces.org

Provides computer-based services for instructional activities within the context of the NYS Long Range Technology Plan, the Learning Standards, and the Commissionaer's Regulation 100.11.
The Instructional Technology Service is a comprehensive service and as such includes cost-effective solutions in at least the following areas:

• Hardware and software design, installation and project management
• Networks accompanying hardware and software - telecommunications consulting and project management services
• Internet access
• Maintenance and support of hardware and networks
• Information collection and dissemination as it pertains to student progress
• Staff development training in instructional technology must be provided in Model Schools Service as a companion to this service

Guidance Services

Karen Schmid
631/595-6836

This membership includes access to two regional user group meetings related to career decision making and college information software systems. Customized in-district training is available. Services include counselor training on the use of the software and hardware, installation, maintenance, and support. The following guidance systems are available:

• Discover
• Choices
• My Road
• COIN
• Guidance Direct

Telecommunications Services

Maria Esposito
631/595-6801

This service will assist component districts with needs assessment, design, procurement, installation, testing, operational support, training and maintenance services for their existing and proposed telecommunications needs. The system will provide seamless connectivity from the workstation, through the school's local area network (LAN), onto the districts's wide area network and out to the greater BOCES-area network. The network will be fully compatible with existing regional and statewide networking activities to insure inter-connectivity to these networks for data, voice and video transmission.

Connection to the BOCES regional network can occur in the following ways:

• Line connection, including 1.5 mgb for internet access
• High speed connection, fiber-based with a minimum of 10mgb for internet access

School Library Automation Service

Program #514
Roger Podell
631/595-6834
SLS.WSBoces.org

This service provides the support, technical knowledge, and training to school libraries at each phase of the automation process. Library personnel will be assisted in planning, installing, managing and maintaining the Follett Library Automation System. This includes the hardware/software implementations, in-service training, site visits, user group meetings, and access to various databases. On-line databases and the appropriate training are also provided.

Model Schools Program

Program #536
Debbie Kennedy
631/595-6813
ModelSchools.WSBoces.org

The Model Schools program offers support to teachers and administrators in the area of technology integration. This program offers customizable and affordable services in the effective use of instructional technology through on and off-site workshops, videoconferencing assistance, and classroom coaching/modeling. Participation in thie program includes:

• Attendance at regional workshops at member rates
• Basic review of your district's technology plan prior to submitting to SED
• Attendance at bi-monthly meetings for technology coordinators and district administrators to discuss issues and share best practices
• District participation in annual Technology Fair
• Teachers may apply for mini grants to support technology instruction

Videoconferencing Consortium

Program #536
Karen Schmid

631/595-6836

Participation in this program includes:

• Attendance at two consortium member meetings per year that include a directory of over 800 videoconferencing programs; access to exemplary videoconference curriculum units of study; and facilitated discussion of best practices, strategies and tips for instructional integration
• Reduced rate for videoconferencing reservation; coordination of videoconferencing scheduling and test connections with providers
• Coordination of educational materials between the teacher and videoconference provider
• One in-district facilitated meeting, adminstrative/presentation (i.e., faculty meeting, administrative meeting, Board meeting)
• Invitation to videoconference preview sessions
• Additional customized professional development on-site is available

Technology Planning Consortium

Program #536
Renee Allen

631/595-6844

• The Technology Planning Consortium facilitates the writing of the district's technology plan as required by the State Education Department and for e-Rate funding.  BOCES will help develop a plan that defines the district's technology strategy to meet curricula and administrative goals.
• Additional customized services may include facilitation of a needs assessment, goals, alignment, implementation and presentation of a comprehensive technology study.