Where else do you tinker?

I have been using milSuite, which is touted as social media behind the Department of Defense firewall. Great place to connect with other professionals while feeling the parallelisms in public and the military education systems.

*To access milSuite, one needs a CAC or AKO/DKO credentials. The milSuite team has a presence on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Flickr.

As I transitioned back to Georgia I have not been lounging around like stagnated swamp water. I have a fantastic opportunity to work with some terrific officers in the U.S. Army as a Course Manager in one level of an officer's professional military education (PME), in addition to my own educational pursuits, and giving scholarship and Google product workshops at the local library.

One of the pilots I am working on is to implement electives. I facilitate the Social Media elective. Many people assume that the military only does training, when in fact we have some well known colleges such as U.S. Military Academy aka West Point, Naval War College, Army War College, U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, Air War College...which make up one part of Professional Military Education (PME). I do not participate in the education versus training argument as I leave that to the great debaters because I move forward with people who are focused on the learning.

When you Google PME or Professional Miltary Education the results are varied. The U.S. Code: Title 10 contains the links to the chapters on Armed Forces, the U.S. Naval War College has a page with a description and resources about Joint Professional Military Education, Cornell University Law School has links with descriptions for the U.S. Code, which includes Title 10 Subtitle A > Part III > Chapter 107 Professional Military Education, and Wikipedia has an article on Joint Professional Military Education.

There are a few of us who are active on milBook who still blog publicly, just not necessarily about information that may violate the Department of Defense and service specific social media policies. Working with the military has its own set of unique challenges just as the local public school system (RCSS) does, but the parallelisms exist. You are reminded that we are all human beings and the power of sharing knowledge, skills, and abilities goes beyond any walled learning environment, or whether your career field involves a two way rifle range or crossing busy streets.

We are also in the process of implementing a milWiki portal to encourage and empower learners to share information whether they are attending the residential course, future students, or alumni. Little by little we are making a difference, whether through milBook, milTube, milWiki, or milBlog. As we embark on round two of the electives option, I look forward to sharing concrete experiences, lessons learned, and connecting with people who are knowledge sharers, lurk and learners, virtual mentors, and/or the next best thing since sliced bread. 

So where have you been tinkering?

Comments, recommendations, and/or check the block of the Reaction boxes are always welcome.

Tinkering with Google Body

If you haven't been to Google Labs lately you should check out Google Body. 
Google Body is a detailed 3D model of the human body. You can peel back anatomical layers, zoom in, and navigate to parts that interest you. Click to identify anatomy, or search for muscles, organs, bones and more.

You can also share the exact scene you are viewing by copying and pasting the corresponding URL. You will need a web browser that supports WebGL, such as Google Chrome.
Please send Google  feature requests and feedback via the form linked at the bottom right of the app. Male model is coming soon!
Many interesting comments from users
You can send a link to the view of the body that you were learning about or analyzing
http://bodybrowser.googlelabs.com/body.html#ui=1,1&opa=s:0,m:0,sk:0.56,c:0.56,o:1,ci:1,n:1&sel=&lab=&nav=3.05,155.02,22.37

So much more interesting and cooler than an anatomy textbook.

OK...I am back...not that I went anywhere

OK...I am back...not that I went anywhere...I just took an unannounced hiatus due to multiple life events which also caused me to take a 90 day leave of absence from my school work, which as of January 1, 2011 is no longer authorized. So you either have to withdraw or get back on track. Along with my return to school, I am back to blog entries.


Lessons learned:

• Being one part of the sandwich generation causes personal growth, good, bad, or indifferent. Who knew Sandwich Generation Month was celebrated every July?
• Life events can be challenging...but learn from them, go with your gut, and if you mess up, admit it, learn from it, and keep moving forward...or in my jargon, adapt, implement, and overcome (AIO).
• As long as you are a parent, you will always love your child (ren) even when they hit their lowest of lows and even when you cannot skull drag them for assistance.
• If you are contemplating seeking a degree...go for counseling. Mental and behavioral health issues impact people which make up communities...everyone can use a little assistance.

Now for the ed techie part of this post:

A Retrospective on Twenty Years of Education Technology Policy 2003

http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/os/technology/plan/2004/site/bb/edlite-Retrospective.htm

National Educational Technology Plan  2010, 2004....and archives

On November 9, 2010, Secretary Duncan announced the new National Education Technology Plan as part of his keynote address at the 2010 State Educational Technology Directors Association Education Forum held at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, MD. We appreciate the tremendous amount of assistance we received in the form of comments, ideas, research and perspective from the entire education community throughout the development of this plan. Follow the (US) Office of Ed Tech on Twitter http://twitter.com/OfficeofEdTech

The National Education Data Model is a conceptual but detailed representation of the education information domain. The Education Data Model strives to be a shared understanding among all education stakeholders as to what information needs to be collected and managed at the local level in order to enable effective instruction of students and superior leadership of schools.

The Education Data Model can be used by educators, vendors, and researchers to understand the information required for teaching, learning, and administrative systems. The Education Data Model answers questions such as:

What data do schools need to collect and manage in order to meet the educational needs of their students?

What information is needed to effectively manage education organizations such that teaching and learning is successful

The Connected Online Communities of Practice project will steward a scalable, sustainable ecology of online communities in education to improve teacher and leader effectiveness, enhance student learning and increase productivity. There are already many online communities through which educators can connect with people and resources, but these communities tend to be isolated from each other, leading to redundancy of effort, missed opportunities for collaboration, and difficulty in finding appropriate support and resources. Through more efficient and coordinated online participation, education professionals will be better able to share practices, access experts, and solve problems that require systemic solutions in order to improve the opportunity to learn. The first iteration of the project report will be published in March 2011. 

The Learning Registry makes federal learning resources easier to find, easier to access and easier to integrate into learning environments wherever they are stored -- around the country and the world. This will enable teachers, students, parents, schools, governments, corporations and non-profits to build and access better, more interconnected and personalized learning solutions needed for a 21st-century education.  

Archives of National Ed Tech Plans:

The National Education Technology Plan was officially released at a launch event on Friday, January 7, 2005. Read the remarks given by Secretary of Education Rod Paige and Director of Education Technology Susan Patrick.

Tear Down Those Walls: The Revolution Is Underway

Action Steps from the 2004 NETP 

Archived data: http://www2.ed.gov/Technology/index-archive.html

Archived Information from the Office of Educational Technology—U.S. Department of Education

This page links to archived pages posted by the Office of Educational Technology (OET) under previous administrations.

Latest TRADOC Pams:

TP 525-8-2 The Army Learning Concept for 2015, 20 January 2011

TP 525-8-3 The Army Training Concept for 2012-2020, 7 January 2011

http://www.tradoc.army.mil/tpubs/pamndx.htm

Keep moving forward!
Many thanks to my PLN who kept me connected and motivated during the hiatus...RSS feeds are awesome!


Learn everything you can, anytime you can, from anyone you can - there will always come a time when you will be grateful you did. Sarah Caldwell

Searching yourself?

One of the first tasks we do in the workshops I facilitate at the library is to have participants search themselves so they are aware of the information that is associated with their name, aliases, and screen names.


We use Google, cvgadget, iSearch, Googlism and some participants are surprised what they discover. While we can talk about the importance of a digital footprint we discover the importance of searching yourself online. I let them Google my name. Explaining the importance of verifying sources makes an impact when the entries that appear show my name, with a different middle initial, a different state, different age but a convicted sex offender. How do they know it is not me? We compare details and images but for those who do not know me they are only going what they learn about me from previous participants, follow me on Twitter, connected through Linkedin or through my blog how do they really know who I am?


I encourage them to take ownership of their digital footprint before they apply for a job, scholarship, volunteer opportunities, or any other possibility where they can connect with others. While I have background checks conducted by the various organizations that I apply for as a volunteer and different states requirements for substitute teaching, I have a security clearance because of my career with the military. So I assure them that I am safe and another reason for us to meet in the library where everyone can look, listen, and learn from everything we do in the workshops. Trust but verify is just another step as we challenge individuals to become self aware and empowered.


This blog post was engendered by a retweet I did of EdTechSandyK 's tweet, "Student Googles Himself, Finds Out He is Wanted for Murder". 

Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project published a report on May 26, 2010 by Mary Madden and Aaron Smith, titled:  Research Reputation Management and Social Media: How people monitor their identity and search for others online. This article addresses several major trends have indicated growth in activities related to online reputation management.

What is your favorite search tool when seeking information about yourself? Do you have a story like the young man in the story that discovered his name associated with a murder warrant? How do you manage your digital footprint when a search produces information about your name but not necessarily you? 

Vertical silos of excellence

Success in a vertical silo of excellence is just that. You may win awards and collect accolades but if you are not integrating with others who will replace you or those you represent...well you just leave us with your vertical silo of excellence that exists in a vacuum.


Are you part of a vertical silo excellence? Are you working to eradicate one? When the decision makers exist in their own enclave who suffers? All stakeholders. So where is this coming from? 

Photo from FreeFoto.com This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License

October 19, 2010 Converge magazine announced the Top 10 US School Districts in Digital Technology and Richmond County School System (GA) made the list. The article still sticks in my craw.


On October 21, 2010, the Augusta Chronicle reported, Richmond Schools ranked in technology communication.


When you talk to the students, educators, parents, in this school system you would think that we are talking about another school district. This is the same school district that bans social media and cell phones. When you read the article and determine responses to the 5WH model, you can see the disconnect. The opening statement from Converge magazine's article, Top 10 US School Districts in Digital Technology:


Top school districts have been announced in the seventh annual Digital School Districts Survey by e.Republic’s Center for Digital Education and the National School Boards Association (NSBA). From the Center for Digital Education site, the description of the survey purpose is to, "Examine how school boards and their districts are applying information technology to better engage local communities and improve service delivery and quality of education in public schools" (2010).


So while the district not the schools tout this award...those of us with boots on the ground know that is award was meant for the school board aka The Puzzle Palace, The Tower of Power, or The RC Vertical Silo of Excellence.  It may brief well but when we look behind the curtain we see the real deal.


We know Mr. Svelha does a great job of broadcasting information for RCSS through Facebook, Twitter, and the RCSS website but effective communication is a collaborative process. I give him props because he did get the Richmond County School System enrolled for the SpeakUp Survey and he does respond to emails, which can be challenging because we still run different domains. We never know if the person we send email to is using the @rcboe.org or @boe.richmond.k12.ga.us.

How much better would it be if the system went to Google Apps for Education? We will keep working to eradicate the FUD perpetuated in the community and we still review the $250,000 report from 2008, Performance Review of the Richmond County School System produced by MGT of America, Inc. 


So do you exist in a vertical silo of excellence or do you work to eradicate one? 


I continue to thank my PLN that keeps me connected and continues to share with me the great things that are happening in the realms of learning, education, technology, our future leaders, and the intergenerational connectivity. Please continue to do the great things that you do and know that no matter how trivial the accomplishment means to you...it is that one little tidbit that hooks the curious to research to a root cause and find a way to implement it in the real world, regardless of where they may be or how oppressive a bureaucratic entity may try to squelch their positive actions.

Making a difference and Community Collaboration

Today I will facilitate another Scholarship Workshop in the computer lab at Diamond Lakes Library. Wednesday's workshop was fun, everyone learned something new and students connected with others they may not have met on the street.


We run through a Google Presentation that is shared with the public and participants can view it at their own pace before, after, or during the workshop and for those who cannot physically visit the library, the chat function in presentations is used. I provide them with a printed handout that is also available through Google Docs and ask them to share any golden nuggets of what is working or has not worked for them. This document is updated by participants so it is a continuous project. So this post is used to document lessons learned and consolidate the resources.

We also walk through the library to see the options of printed books, from the reference section of books that do not leave the library to the library books that range from college life to tests available/required for career and college options that can be checked out. We also point through the glass of the available study materials that can be checked out and used in the library.  


It was 2 years ago that I gave my last workshop at the library before transitioning to North  Carolina. My local library was also one of my first stops when I returned to Georgia. While I was glad to see the library offering free wi-fi and basic computer classes during the day, I was sad that no one had picked up the Google products and Scholarship workshops even though all materials used are available on the web and printed copies were left with the library.


So what did we learn?
Everyone shared something and everyone learned something new.
Everyone was registered through GACollege411 and Fastweb.
Everyone has a resume but not available online.
Everyone used Google to see what is associated with their name and screen names used on other sites and viewed the web results, images, news, and maps.
Everyone understands that competing for scholarships is as challenging as competing for jobs.
Almost every scholarship source has some type of social media connection.
School counselors still do not provide information to students that dual enrollment is an option during high school. 
Google Alerts
Google Books
Google Voice
That volunteering can lead to a real job.
We (as a community) lack support and encouragement for our young adults in the tech world at the local college and high school levels.


I limit the workshops to one hour and it seems to be the quickest hour of my day, even after a long day on the job with our service members in the professional military education (PME) system. I stay afterwards for those who have additional questions or recommendations or to just use my library for the many resources available. This time I am giving the participants a printed copy of the Tech Sharing gift certificate and a challenge to share what they learned with a friend, a parent, a neighbor and to return to the library to do it.


The follow up emails, texts, and voice mail messages are what keep me going back. I believe in our replacements, regardless of their computer skills, race, sex, age, national origin, religion, ability/disability and/or sexual preference. Regardless of how you feel about a younger generation, you eventually will be replaced. What is your continuity plan as you look to exit a position, a community, or life? After you are gone, it is the difference you made represented by the dash in between the date you entered the world and the date you expire.


The Dash by Linda Ellis
The story behind the poem
Movie  Time: 2:47
A Teacher's Dash
A Mother's Dash

How are you making the difference in your replacement's life?
Comments, recommendations, and/or check the block of the Reaction boxes are always welcome.

Your time...as a gift

When one reflects on gifts given and received...what is your most memorable? You never know when the gift of your time can make a difference.


For those using Google Docs...check out the templates. When you find a public template that you like...use it, tailor for your specific situation. To preview a template, click the Preview link, and a full screen preview of the template appears in a new window.


To use a template, click Use this template and a copy of the template is created and added to your Docs list. You can start editing this document directly in Google Docs and sharing it with others. You need to be signed in to your Google Account in order to use a template.


When you use a template, you create your own copy, so it doesn't matter if the template owner changes or deletes the original template; your copy remains unchanged. You can always upload or create your own template and share it with the world too!


Subscribe to the Google Docs Community on YouTube
Check out Google Docs YouTube Channel
Read or subscribe to the Google Docs blog
Follow Google Docs on Twitter
Learn from others in the Google Docs help forum or find a specific Google Docs help article
Share your feedback
Give the template you used a rating

I would like to thank the 946 users of this Tech Sharing certificate I created and shared through Google Docs.

Remember...this gift works both ways...you can give it to someone that you want to learn from and this certificate works as the gift reminder. Everyone has something to share, from keyboard shortcuts to uploading videos. As you share your creativity and time...your gift of sharing time, knowledge, and a skillset is priceless!

Tinkering with ShootMe App and Google Mobile

Google Mobile provides so many opportunities for those with a mobile device and access to the Internet, from learning new techniques, collaboration, self development and discovery, to participating in tech and tell events. The ShootMe app is back without rooting and users can shake or shout at their phone to capture a screen shot from their Android.

Screen capture using ShootMe app.

You can subscribe to the Google Mobile blog and/or connect with Google Mobile via Facebook, Twitter, and/or YouTube.

Visit this link using your phone's browser: m.google.com or visit the Google Mobile site. Select your phone: 

What are you doing with Google mobile?

Apps developed by Service members

The FA53.com link contains information about the apps developed by Major G. Motes and his team, public apps and the apps submitted for the Apps 4 Army competition.

Public Apps
Army Creeds (Android and iPhone)
Soldier's Blue Book (Android and iPhone)
Luther's Small Catechism (Android)
Signal Corps Lieutenant Handbook (Android and iPhone)
Rights Warning Card (Android and iPhone)
Army Bugle Calls (Android) -> Great for JROTC, ROTC, and Scouts

Screen capture using ShootMe app


AIT Platoon Sergeant Handbook (Android and iPhone)
BAH Query (iPhone)
Army Physical Readiness Training (iPhone - A4A)
Fort Gordon Post Locator (iPhone - A4A)
Mobile Learn (iPhone - A4A)
SIGACTs (iPhone - A4A)
BCT Smart Card (Android and iPhone)
Apps submitted for the Apps for the Army competition: http://fa53.com/Apps/A4A.asp
Visit the site to see more info about the apps
Physical Readiness Training Circular App
Mobile Learn App
SIGACTS CPOF App
Fort Gordon Post Locator App


You can find a variety military apps in iTunes and Android market places but can you say you have met or know the developer?



For those with access to milBook this is a crosspost from: https://www.kc.army.mil/book/message/26484#26484


While this is a time for Thanksgiving, I would like to thank all service members for their service. Keep up the great job! Your service is greatly appreciated.

Change, Passive Acceptance, DoD CFL, and RttT in Richmond County

It is important that students bring a certain ragamuffin, barefoot irreverence to their studies; they are not here to worship what is known, but to question it. Jacob Bronowski


In September 2010, I did a blog post on the DoD Computers for Learning Program and Executive Order 12999 and the article about former RCSS Superintendent, Dr. Bedden warning of a tech crisis in RCSS in 2008. As I transitioned back to Augusta, GA and assessed the situation I was returning to from family to community along with the upcoming elections I was curious as to how many people knew about the DoD Computers for Learning Program and why weren't all of our schools registered.


Along with a blog post, I emailed our 10 Richmond County School Board Members, those running for school board positions, some media contacts, and a couple of the PTA/PTSA newsgroups I am still connected with to see if there would be any response. I received one response...from one school board member and here it is:


I referred your email to our Instructional Technology Dept. They got back to me about this. Although we have gotten computers donated from this program, we do incur expenses in upgrading them as well as the time of our technology specialists to do this. Also, the State Dept of Education has changed standards and requirements in order to have all computers on a modern basis. The part of the SPLOST funds which can be used for technology is helping get all schools' computers on a modern basis. This would help with parts, software, and the time of our technology specialists which we are short on. (Personal communication, October 31, 2010)


I thanked this board member for their response and stated as a recipient of $16.6 million of the Race to the Top funds that the GA Department of Education has dedicated to the Richmond County School System, the least that I can expect is that our schools are registered in this program. Because I have been in the schools as a substitute teacher, volunteer, parent, taxpayer, and an involved community member I know the disconnects between what the board believes is going on technology wise in our schools to classrooms that lack technology or educators who have the technology but do not use it for whatever reason...and of course the ban of cell phones and social media.


Additional links:
Richmond County schools to get $16.6 million in Race To Top funds Federal Race to the Top grant money will go to Richmond County over 4 years (Augusta Chronicle, October 4 2010)
Georgia Wins Race to the Top (GA Department of Education, August 24, 2010)
New school code restricts social media options Effort aims to address bullying problems (Augusta Chronicle, July 17, 2010)
Richmond County School Systems eBoard Solutions


I thought there would be more progress while I was away from Augusta, GA for two years...but it appears that passive acceptance is still the accepted norm. 


It is important that students bring a certain ragamuffin, barefoot irreverence to their studies; they are not here to worship what is known, but to question it. Jacob Bronowski


Comments and checks in the Reaction Boxes are always welcome!

Google's Veterans Day Doodles and Government Search

Google's collection of Google Doodles from 1998 to present can be found here. Today's Google Doodle recognizing the U.S. Veterans Day can be found on the Classic Home Google page on 11/11, but after the holiday, the Google Doodles gallery allows users to see 12 years of Google Doodles.


Thank you to all of my fellow Veterans, for your service and your sacrifice. We will never forget those who came before us and continue to blaze a trail for those who will follow in our footsteps.
Google U.S. Government Search image can be seen anytime you use the Google U.S. Government Search.

Users choose to search for content located on either U.S. federal, state and local government websites or the entire Web from the same search box. Users personalize the page by adding content feeds on government or other topics that you're interested in. 

Webmasters: If you manage a website for a U.S. government agency, you can promote content from your site by creating a content feed for the U.S. Government Search homepage or by ensuring that all content from your site is included in the Google search index using Google Sitemaps. 

Check out the FAQ page for responses to the following Frequently Asked Questions

A few more ways to honor our heroes and sheroes this Veterans Day or throughout the year:

• Write a veteran a thank-you note, or send a letter to an entire VA hospital, VFW, or American Legion post.

• Write a letter/Send an email to a Service member currently serving.

• Talk to your children about who veterans are, what they do and what their service means to our country or check out the VA for Kids page.

Thank you Veterans! We will never forget.

What special way do you remember your veterans?

A 11/2008 blog post featured the 2008 Veterans Day Poster Gallery and this year's entry is worth mentioning. The annual Veterans Day Poster Gallery contains images from 1978 to present.

Thank you Veterans, not just today, but every day!

When an adult child returns home...

OK...you hear the stats...more adult children living at home or returning home after life changing events.  So while I was off in NC enjoying my empty nest status and working on my research for the dissertation phase of my doctoral program...events happened. I am thankful to the US Army that taught me to AIO - Adapt, Implement, and Overcome. 


Got it...I am one of many members of the sandwich generation who are responsible for taking in, caring for, supporting in one form or another a parent and an adult child...who has a child.


I know as I returned to Georgia my family was waiting on the hammer to drop...but I took it a step at a time...give it 30 days, assess and analyze the situation, provide some solutions, pray, and continue to move forward.


So one of the recommendations was to develop a family contract. Most people who know me know that I do not have a problem developing or enforcing a standard. So here is the ed techie portion of the blog...a Google Doc with a modifiable family contract.This may or may not be new to many parents and even adult children...but life is full of learning opportunities and teachable moments for all parties involved. If you have some recommendations, think I created an unreasonable document...leave a comment...after all it is the Internet and someone you know may have been or may be going through this type of situation. You can scroll through the embedded Google Doc below or go straight the Google Docs template, create a copy and modify for your situation.

As with the Google Doc, the disclaimer states the doc is not a legal document, just a documented family agreement. As with all posts, your comments, recommendations, or even checking one of the reaction boxes is appreciated.

How do you share what you learn?

October has been a month in transition for me...at home, career, and community and for many reasons. While I have not been as active on my blog or through Twitter, I am thankful for my RSS feed reader to keep me up to date on personal and professional information. For that, my PLN is awarded the ABCD (Above & Beyond the Call of Digital Duty) Award.


For those of you who blog, tweet, or share through the Internet keep up the great work, regardless of the post...you never know when that one tidbit of information will bring value or provide a reference point when someone is looking for something. Using Google and Google's social search I can quickly access tweets, posts, or other items of interest from those I am connected to virtually. Keep sharing what you learn or whatever you are passionate about because you never know when you may be helping someone who needs a unique perspective.


November brings the opportunity for me to return to the local branch of my community library, Diamond Lakes Library and give the computer workshops using Google products, scholarship searches and even start up the BYOT (Bring Your Own Tech) workshops initially starting with Twitter. I enjoy these workshops because the audience is only limited by their ability to acquire a free library card and register for the free workshops. This audience is very different from our local public (Richmond County GA) school students where social media and cell phones are banned and from the military audience who may or may not have grown up with social media and work within the Department of Defense's regulatory guidance.


So for those of you who share via social media, you are awarded the ABCD Award for going Above and Beyond the Call of Digital Duty.

Keep up the great job and many thanks to the participants of my PLN!

Sometimes you have to do what you have to do...

For those who noticed my lack of participation in the online world, it is simply a hiatus. I am in a transition period...job, school, family for a variety of reasons.


I won't go into all the details but sometimes you have to do what you have to do for the sake of family. This time it meant disconnecting digitally and reconnecting F2F. While I was in the military sometimes family took a sideline for the sake of the mission and at this point I had to make the tough decisions in support of my family.


But on a high note, the library director at Diamond Lakes library welcomed me back and I will return to the library computer lab to teach Google products (November) and scholarship searches and workshops (December). Since I last volunteered to give these workshops in 2008, the library has wireless access and I am going to give 2 BYOT (Bring Your Own Tech) workshops with Twitter. Thanks Mr. Lee.


The new career position is challenging but keeps me busy and connecting with military leaders in one phase of their Professional Military Education (PME) is great.


School - I had to take a short leave of absence. Another tough decision but some issues require one to sacrifice personal and professional goals to ensure the health and happiness of family.


But I am thankful for the opportunities to share what I have learned with a variety of people, from techno-phobes to techno-geeks.


So thanks to those who continue to subscribe, support, and virtually connect. The thoughts, prayers, and emails are great tidbits of support.

Do you really know where the money goes? How do you know?

Every year people question the funding about their school, system, district, organization, or agency and every state provides the information differently. Georgia has the Georgia Department of Audits and Accounting (DOAA) where Internet users can access various reports. 

Every year someone in an authoritative position tries to have the GA DOAA site and/or information blocked or strongly discourages individuals from viewing the information available. The RCSS website states, "The Mission of the Richmond County School System is to educate students to become lifelong learners and productive citizens".

1. Every person has the right to a quality education.

2. Education is the shared responsibility of the individual, home, school, and community.

3. Every person can learn.

4. Respect and acceptance are essential for learning and personal development.

5. A safe, healthy and orderly environment is essential to learning.

6. Communication is the key to understanding among people.

7. Excellence cannot be compromised.

The Augusta Chronicle has a section for the local (Richmond, Columbia County [GA] and Aiken, SC) boards of education, which links associated articles about schools and events for the district.

RCSS has the eBoard site. 

Richmond County tax information can be found here and selecting the county.

Augusta, GA Government provides access to GIS online where you can view properties and associated taxes with that property.

Georgia property tax information.

So here is the Open Georgia about us description:

Open Georgia is a gateway for obtaining information and key documents about how the State of Georgia spends tax dollars and other revenues to provide services to Georgians. The information maintained on this site comes from various state agencies and is updated annually.

Here is a screen shot of the search for Richmond County Board of Education, where Internet users can view, sort columns of data, and download annual reports in csv or pdf formats based on the determined fiscal year dates.  Here is the link for the pdf shared in Google Docs for the Richmond County Board of Education, July 1, 2009 - June 30, 2010.

Options are available to create reports for: State Agencies, Boards, Authorities and Commissions, Units of the University System and Georgia Military College, Regional Educational Service Agencies (RESA), Technical Colleges, Local Boards of Education. Go ahead and learn about your local board of education, community and technical colleges and/or RESAs by creating your own report.

Are you quick to jump on the hype presented by media or do you conduct some type of analysis before jumping into the blame game of educational funding? How do you know where the educational funds are being spent for your local educational organization? Do you really know how and where the money is being spent? How much of the state, local, and/or property taxes that you pay are dedicated to education?

I know we did not learn this in school, but how do you learn where your pennies go whatever your role in the community may be?

JMHO...comments are always welcome.

July 2008 RCSS Superintendent Dr. Bedden warns of tech crisis...

On July 11, 2008, the Augusta Chronicle featured an article, "Bedden warns of technology crisis" and "According to the school system, about $3.85 million is allocated in the general fund for technology, including personnel. Another $1.4 million comes from sales tax revenue". 


In my last post, I shared information about the Department of Defense Computers for Learning program. One issue I have with all Richmond County schools is their disconnect with Fort Gordon, Georgia, home of the Signal Corps, even though many of us are parents, tax payers, volunteers, educators, administrators, and supporters of RCSS in countless ways. 


As a Signal Soldier, one of the numerous mottos we live with is, "They can talk about us but not without us" regardless of the type (analog, digital, or IP) of communications we are working with. One of many things that has been a frustrating to me is the disconnect and the lack of technology in the schools of Richmond County. So for $chieße and giggles, I wanted to see how many of the RC schools were approved in the DoD Computers for Learning program. The results (school, year approved):

Academy of Richmond County, 2010

Diamond Lakes Elementary, 2009
Freedom Park School, 2008

Hephzibah Middle School, 2006

Jamestown Elementary School, 2009

Mcbean Elementary School, 2009

Morgan Road Middle School, 2010

Spirit Creek Middle School, 2009

Barton Chapel Elementary, 2004

Glenn Hills Middle School, 2004

Goshen Elementary School, 2008

Terrace Manor Elementary, 2008

Tobacco Road Elementary, 2008

Tutt Middle School, 2004

Wheeless Road Elementary School, 2010

Collins Elementary, 2005

East Augusta Middle School, 2004

Laney High School, 2010 ( 1 of 3 schools receiving of $1.5 million federal grant in 2010)

Willis Foreman Elementary School, 2009
Wheeless Road Elementary, 2010

Why aren't all Richmond County schools participating in this program? Why isn't being registered in the DoD Computers for Learning program a prerequisite before receiving federal funds, whether Title 1, grants, and other sources of funding? 

While former RCSS Superintendent Dr. Dana Bedden is quoted, "I basically went crawling and begging to the Signal Corps and the county for help because of the number of employees we lost". We asked each other if he stopped at the front gate.

Fast forward 2.5 years later...now what?

Google Apps Education Edition? Educate community members? Eradicate the us vs. them mentality? Read the multiple resources available through the Georgia Department of Education Keys to Quality School Improvement and resources for School Keys, GAPSS Analysis, and Implementation Resource and the Richmond County School System 2010 AYP ?

What happened to the recommendations presented by MGT of America when they conducted the Performance Review of RCSS (2008, 10 chapters, 328 pages) at a cost of $250,000 and approved by the RCBoEd? When is the last time you reviewed the RCSS Technology Plan, System Technology Inventory by School, System Technology & Media committee? 

When the F2F communication doesn't work take it to the net...or even academic research. How many times have we heard the reference to the infamous quote from Cool Hand Luke...What we have here is a failure to communicate.

If identifying the problem puts you 50% closer to finding the solution how do move towards a solution if the decision makers aren't listening?

DOD Computers for Learning

Updated links that changed due to the We Are DLA Initiative.

The DOD CFL program was created to provide useful IT equipment to schools and educational nonprofit organizations serving grades pre-K through 12. The DOD CFL program is designed to streamline the transfer of excess and surplus DOD IT equipment to schools.


The application process is simple, apply online and submit a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA). In addition, Private/Parochial Schools and Non-Profit Educational Entities need to complete and submit an End Use Certificate (EUC) and be approved through the Trade Security Control (TSC) Office.


Registration for Public Schools
Registration for Private/Parochial Schools
Registration for Non-Profit educational entities serving K-12
Is your school/entity already approved?
Search by state or zip code
Search approved Non-profit educational entities
Executive Order 12999 Computers for Learning (signed 1996)

"In order to ensure that American children have the skills they need to succeed in the information- intensive 21st century, the Federal Government is committed to working with the private sector to promote 4 major developments in American education: making modern computer technology an integral part of every classroom; providing teachers with the professional development they need to use new technologies effectively; connecting classrooms to the National Information Infrastructure; and encouraging the creation of excellent educational software. This Executive Order streamlines the transfer of excess and surplus Federal computer equipment to our Nation's classrooms and encourages Federal employees to volunteer their time and expertise to assist teachers and to connect classrooms".


Sec. 1. Protection of Educationally Useful Federal Equipment
Sec. 2. Efficient Transfer of Educationally Useful Federal Equipment to Schools and Nonprofit Organizations.
Sec. 3. Assisting Teachers' Professional Development: Connecting Classrooms.
Sec. 4. Definitions For the purposes of this order:
Sec. 5. This order shall supersede Executive Order No. 12821 of November 16, 1992.
Sec. 6. Judicial Review