Technology & Learning November 2007 - (Page 37) Strategies for K–12 Technology Leaders IN A FIERCELY COMPETITIVE FUNDING ENVIRONMENT, PROVIDERS MUST CONSTANTLY DEFINE A CLEAR VALUE PROPOSITION. are big enough that they cannot “SIF is gaining manually manipulate the data momentum but in ways that efficiently meet has not yet their needs, but Scarce dollars to support investreached critical they may not ments in enterprise management enjoy the systems typically are in compemass.” resources of tition not only with other enterlarger districts, prise systems but also with which can often every other strategic initiative afford custom under consideration by the disintegration of best-of-breed “point” trict. This reinforces the importance solutions. for providers to clearly and continually demonstrate to district officials the value of an enterprise management EDUVENTURES PREDICTS approach in terms of increased effiSIGNIFICANT GROWTH ciency, productivity, and effectiveness. 3 The Cyberbullying Challenge The following is an excerpt from “Terror in the Classroom: What Can Be Done?” by Ryan E. Winter and Dr. Robert J. Leneway DISTRICTS PREFER VENDOR RELATIONSHIPS THAT BALANCE DISTRICT CONTROL WITH SUPPORT. 4 OPPORTUNITIES FOR THOSE COMPANIES THAT CAN HELP DISTRICTS TRANSLATE ENTERPRISE DATA INTO MORE EFFECTIVE INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES. 6 I Nearly two-thirds (63 percent) of districts prefer to assume greater responsibility in exchange for greater control but expect to rely on the vendor partner to play a significant role. In a forced-choice scenario, districts are five times more likely to opt for greater control over a fully outsourced solution. Because school districts exist for the sole purpose of educating students, the link between investments in an enterprise approach and evidence of student success is paramount. The industry is still very early in an evolutionary process in which enterprise management systems are expected to play an increasingly critical role in the continuing transformation of the K–12 sector. For further information about Eduventures, go to www.eduventures .com. To contact Jay Delaune, director of Industry Solutions at Eduventures, call (617) 532-6094, or e-mail him at jdelaune@eduventures.com. magine coming home from school and sitting at the computer to get away from the stress of the day. Within a few minutes you’re bombarded with messages like, “You’re ugly…We hate you…Why don’t you make us all happy and end your miserable life.” Welcome to a world too many teenagers are facing. A world where bullying no longer takes place in the hallways. Bullying is now more likely to take place in the murky, often anonymous world of the Internet. About one-third (31 percent) of all students ages 12–14 have been bullied online according to a 2006 study by Opinion Research Corporation. WHAT IS CYBERBULLYING? Bill Belsey, president of Bullying.org, says, “Cyberbullying involves the use of information and communication technologies such as e-mail, cell phone and pager text messages, instant messaging, defamatory personal Web sites, and defamatory online personal polling Web sites, to support deliberate, repeated, and hostile behavior by an individual or group that is intended to harm others.” For the full article, go to www.school cio.com. MEDIUM-SIZED DISTRICTS MAY BE BEST POSITIONED TO BENEFIT FROM INTEROPERABILITY STANDARDS. 5 SIF is gaining momentum but has not yet reached critical mass. In the meantime, medium-sized districts may realize benefits sooner. These districts www.schoolcio.com A Technology & Learning Publication | 37 http://www.schoolcio.com http://www.schoolcio.com http://www.schoolcio.com
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