Technology Initiatives and Upgrades at OLSH

OLSH Director of Technology Patricia Krueger has made great strides in achieving goals and initiatives that are detailed in the new OLSH Strategic Plan. A recent grant from the Diocese of Pittsburgh supported a three-part plan to update and increase technology tools, hardware, and software.

Thirty new MacBook Pro computers were purchased to increase technology available to classroom teachers, along with a new mobile cart to house them. The computers are used primarily for the Technology and Online Information Literacy (TOIL) course required for all freshmen, but are available to other classroom teachers for use as needed. Part two of the plan focuses on the maintenance and updating of school-wide software. A new content filter, SecURLy, has been installed and serves as a profile based content filter, allowing for reporting by user id and is linked to student (and employee) Gmail accounts. SecURLy has a variety of features, including the ability to monitor student activity and be proactivein noticing trends in search history and sites visited. It also includes an anonymous tipline that can be used by students or parents to report bullying or other concerns. The tipline and monitoring are managed by SecURLy professionals who are trained in what to look for and will notify the school of any flagged behavior. SecURLy also offers a unique component that will be rolled out in 2019, which will allow parents to track the internet activity of their children when they use their school accounts. Additionally, the school’s antivirus software was recently upgraded to a cloud-based system and licenses were renewed for WCHR (OLSH TV studio) broadcast software as well as the cashless cafeteria system software. To continue to increase physical security for students, security cameras were installed throughout the library and in the AAC.

In addition to the grant-funded initiatives detailed above, other projects included a full integration of Google for Education, as well as new computers for staff and the library. After attending a workshop on virtual reality (VR) and ways to utilize it in the classroom, 10 iPod Touch devices and 3D viewers were purchased for use by teachers who wish to incorporate VR into their lessons. “I enjoy seeing what new ideas teachers come up with now that they have access to so many different types of technology for the classroom,” commented principal Tim Plocinik. “We are also working to provide our teachers with professional development on new apps, easy to use technology enhancements for projects, and online presentation tools.” Part of a recent in-service day included a session called “Filling Your Toolbox” and was led by Patricia, librarian Bethany Cvitkovic, and teacher Kayla Madler. Time will be set aside during future in-service days to continue sharing new ideas and resources, as well as to provide training on the use of new tools. •

These projects address the strategic goal of reviewing technology in the school to ensure the school’s teaching, learning, operational, and security needs are met.