Technology & Information Services at AISD: A Brief History

Data Processing (DP) is responsible for the effective communication of electronic information for Andrews ISD. Its objective is "Providing a Link for the Education of Tomorrow's Leaders." In 1992, it was determined AISD would move away from the mini-computer based processing used in the district for twenty-two years to a PC network. At that time DP was located at Andrews High School and started in this new direction with one file server. Each main campus and the Administration Building were connected to DP via fiber optic cables. There were thirty computers on the WAN.

By March of 1993, DP had outgrown the HS location and moved to the Administration Building. Today DP has ten file servers located in the office. There are over 900 computers on the current WAN. In addition, there are 25-station LANs at the Middle School and the High School. The WAN is used for student management, business/accounting, and educational software. All of the libraries in the district are automated for easy check-in and checkout services and administering the total collection. In addition, each library has Internet access for the teachers and students.

The primary responsibilities of DP include troubleshooting and assistance to the business office, campus secretaries, and nurses as they perform the computer-related duties of their offices. DP is a liaison between them and the software providers and specialists. In addition, DP coordinates all computer-related purchases, installs these systems and software, and performs minor service, upgrades, and part replacements on computer equipment and printers. Network services and the pulling of Ethernet cables are performed and overseen. Training on various software packages and the Internet have also been performed and coordinated by this staff. The administration and board of trustees recognize the need to train our personnel to use the various software packages. This training is an ongoing process. In addition to the above services provided, DP is the main consultant for the district and it's employees for hardware and software.

Internet access is a very hot item at this time. In addition to the libraries having access, most offices have access to the World Wide Web. The District Technology Committee has set a goal to have five Internet-ready computers in each classroom by August 2003. Currently, every classroom in the main buildings has this access on at least one computer. All classrooms in these buildings have been wired to have at least five Ethernet connections. This has been in place since August 1998. The goal is to add one computer per year to the classrooms. The plan is also to provide connections to various remote campuses.

In May of 1999, the district completed the addition of a Technology Center for the High School. This building has six classrooms and is wired with thirty-one Ethernet connections per room. Beginning with the 1999-2000 school year, all computer classes will be taught in this building. Also, this facility will be used to train district personnel as well as house district-based adult continuing education computer classes, and Odessa College classes requiring computers for instruction. One room is assigned for Distance Learning.

To protect our district from material we feel is questionable or unsuitable for access, internet-filtering software is used. These areas include sexual related, violence, occult, and gambling materials. While this does not guarantee complete protection from objectionable material, it does greatly reduce the chances. It is still the responsibility of the staff and the students to monitor Internet access.

AISD is a member of the Region 18 Technology Consortium called EdLink18. This body is composed of all members of the Region 18 Educational Service Center. The consortium is the Internet service provider for its members. The staff members of the member districts are also provided e-mail addresses. This consortium service has proved to be invaluable to AISD through technical knowledge and support.

In the Spring of 1999, the name of Data Processing was officially changed by the Board of Trustees to reflect the expanded responsibilities of this department. The Department of Technology and Information Services will continue to serve and grow with the district.