Division of School Improvement - Instructional Technology

Technology Network Program (TNP)
The Governor proposed level funding of MOREnet programs and services for schools, colleges and universities. DESE and MOREnet staffs are discussing “deliverables” for next year’s TNP, with application packets expected to be mailed to districts in late April/ early May.

Safe Schools Grant Program
2003-2004 – The Department was notified last month that Governor Holden released some of the “withholding” funds. As a result, the Department is able to increase the FY04 grant awards. A letter was mailed to Safe School and Pilot School grant contacts explaining the increase and how to apply for the additional funds. The deadline for requesting the additional funding is March 31 – which is also the last date to obligate funds for the purchase of equipment and materials and supplies.

2004-2005 – Assuming that Governor Holden’s FY05 budget (that proposed level funding of Safe Schools) passes, the Department decided to renew existing programs for continued support in FY05. As such, application materials were mailed to grant contacts on February 9. The application deadline is April 1.

Title IID “Ed Tech” Program
2003-2004 – The deadline for obligating funds for the purchase of equipment and materials and supplies is March 31.

2004-2005 – Applications for the competitive Title IID grants are due March 31, 2004. These funds are earmarked to help district participation in the eMINTS professional development program. Approximately 80 people, representing 51 districts, attended the information workshop held in Jefferson City on February 23. For more information about the competitive Title IID grants, visit http://dese.mo.gov/divimprove/instrtech/federalfunded/TitleIID/index.htm.

Census of Technology / Core Data Screens 30 and 31
2004 – (Sample surveys and item explanations are posted on the Instructional Technology website.)

The 2004 Census of Technology (COT) is collected via Core Data, Screens 30 and 31, during the April Cycle. The deadline for submitting the data is April 15. The screens should become available for data entering by mid-March.

2003 – The abbreviated district reports and the state summary report of the 2003 COT are posted on the IT website at ..\statefunded\census\index.htm.

District Technology Plans
Nearly 70 districts must have their long-range education technology plans re-approved by the state this spring. New and/or substantially updated plans are to be submitted to DESE Instructional Technology section by March 31, 2004. Once the plan is developed and board-approved, attach a copy of the Department’s District Technology Plan Review/Approval form to the front of the plan. Complete the form’s district information section and mail both the plan and scoring guide to IT by March 31. A panel of readers will review the plans in Jefferson City on April 15-16, 2004. (Contact the Instructional Technology office to learn more about becoming a district tech plan reader/evaluator.) Approval status letters will be mailed to districts during the first week of May.

FYI – Article on “Drafting a Customized Tech Plan: An Up-to-the-Minute Design”
The February 15 Tech-Learning issue showcased several articles on the importance of technology planning. The lead article, written by Gwen Solomon, discusses how technology planning in context with the NCLB, budgets, and day-to-day challenges. Other articles provide tips for developing success technology programs, reports from four veteran educators on the “what, why, and how” of their tech plan designs, examples of high tech schools, and a web tour of technology planning sites.
See: http://www.techlearning.com/shared/printableArticle.jhtml?articleID=17602669

E-rate Program
Funding Year 2003 – Wave 23 for E-rate funding for funding year 2003 (July 1, 2003-June 30, 2004) will be issued on Wednesday, March 3, 2004. In this wave, the SLD will be committing nearly $385 million in 2,442 letters to school and library applicants. The funding associated with this wave included funding for priority 1 (telecommunications and Internet access) at all discount levels and for priority 2 (internal connections) at the 70% to 90% discount level. To date, the SLD has committed nearly $2.1 billion in over 32,300 letters for funding year 2003. Additional waves will be issued every other week until the process is complete. Visit the E-rate website at http://www.sl.universalservice.org/default.asp .

Recent Developments – House Commerce Committee Chairman Billy Tauzin (R-LA) announced he was stepping down from his position while he decided whether to take a new job outside of Congress. His resignation calls into question whether the current waste, fraud and abuse investigation that he launched will continue and lead to any hearings. The incoming Chair, Joe Barton (R-TX), has given no indication of whether he will continue to pursue the investigation or hold hearings. While Rep. Barton’s views on telecommunications in general and the E-rate in specific are unknown, he has agreed with Senator Ted Stevens (R-AK), who will assume the chair in the Senate Commerce Committee in 2005, that overhauling the Telecommunications Act should be a priority for the next Congress.

Just prior to Rep. Tauzin’s announcement, the OMB (Office of Management and Budget) offered a very negative review of the E-rate program as part of its ongoing review of the performance of all federal programs. Rating the E-rate as not demonstrating results, OMB assigned very low marks to the planning and management of the program and even lower marks for the program’s results and accountability. Specifically, OMB complained that while the program had been successful in promoting Internet connectivity, “it lacks long-term, outcome-oriented performance goals against which to measure this success and to improve and refine the program going forward.” OMB also noted the program for the multiple investigations into waste, fraud and abuse matters that it is enduring and for the lack of data showing the program provides educational benefits. While it is unclear what steps, if any, this review will engender, it is expected that the FCC will take the lead in efforts to address these alleged shortcomings.

In addition to handling the OMB assessment, the FCC will be fully occupied with reviewing filings from the most recent proposed rulemaking issued in late December. Among the issues on which the rulemaking seeks comments are: lowering the top level discounts for internal connections, eliminating the Form 470 posting process, redefining rural areas and Internet access, and changing the current rules on wide area networks. Initial comments on the rulemaking are due on March 11, with reply comments due April 12.

For more details on the rule changes and other E-rate news, subscribe to the list and read the email communiqués from Jeanne Sullivan at MOREnet.

Washington News / Update
FY04 Appropriations – Days before the Administration released its proposed budget for FY05, Congress finally completed work on and the President enacted the FY04 Omnibus Appropriations bill that included final funding figures for all federal education programs. While education appropriations overall ended up in the plus column, with total spending increasing by $2.5 billion over FY03 levels and major programs like Title I and IDEA receiving solid funding increases, technology programs endured another year of program eliminations and deep funding cuts. The Preparing Tomorrow’s Teachers to Use Technology (PT3) program, which barely survived de-funding efforts in FY02, received no money for FY04. The Star Schools and Community Technology Centers (CTC) programs sustained major budget cuts in FY04, possibly setting up each program for elimination in FY05. Below is a summary of the final numbers for FY04 education funding that includes the 0.59% across-the-board reduction that Congress inserted into the bill to pay for funding increases:

Program	FY03	Budget Request	FY04 Omnibus
Title I	$11.684 billion	$12.35 billion	$12.34 billion
Professional Dev.	2.93 billion	2.85 billion	2.93 billion
21^st Century	994 million	600 million	999.1 million
Reading First	994 million	1.150 billion	1.024 billion
Literacy through School Libraries	12 million	28 million	19.8 million
Ed Tech	695.5 million	700.5 million	691.8 million
PT3	62.1 million	0	0
Star Schools	27.3 million	0	20.4 million
CTC	32.3 million	0	9.9 million
Title V, Part A	382.5 million	385 million	296.5 million

FY05 Appropriations – The administration released its proposed FY05 budget request on February 2. Facing continuing costs from military operations abroad, mounting costs for security at home, and a $500 billion federal deficit, the Administration offered a budget request that seeks only a 0.5% increase overall in non-defense and non-homeland security spending. Below is a snapshot of the FY05 Administration’s budget proposal.

Program	FY04 Omnibus	FY05 Admin. Budget Request
Title I	$12.34 billion	$13.3 billion
Professional Dev.	2.93 billion	2.93 billion
21^st Century	999.1 million	999 million
Reading First	1.024 billion	1.1 billion
Literacy through School Libraries	19.8 million	19.8 million
Ed Tech	691.8 million	692 million
PT3	0	0
Star Schools	20.4 million	0
CTC	9.9 million	0
Title V, Part A	296.5 million	296.5million

St. Louis to Host National Leadership Summit – (Reminder) The U.S. Department of Education (ED) is sponsoring three "No Child Left Behind Leadership Summits" intended to provide technical assistance to state and local education leaders on how technology can assist the implementation of NCLB. To be held during the spring and summer of 2004, the goals of the summits are to provide states and districts with the foundational knowledge and tools to implement NCLB; allow state and district-level team participants an opportunity to work together to develop an understanding of effective ways to implement NCLB using technology solutions; build state and districts' capacity for promoting and sustaining effective professional development in the selection and effective use of technology tools; and engage states and large school districts in a national movement to improve academic achievement for all students through the appropriate and effective use of technology. The first Summit, "Empowering Accountability and Assessment Using Technology," will be held at the Millennium Hotel in St. Louis on March 10-12, 2004. See: http://www.nclbtechsummits.org/

SETDA to release National Trends: Enhancing Education Through Technology: No Child Left Behind Title II D – Year One in Review
In early March, the State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA ) will release the report, "National Trends: Enhancing Education Through Technology." The report is based upon the State Profile Survey completed by 46 states and the District of Columbia, documenting trends in the use of Title II D funds among the states and highlighting several programs and initiatives within the states. See: http://setda.org

Federal Funding for Educational Technology and How It Is Used in the Classroom: A Summary of Findings from the Integrated Studies of Educational Technology
The U.S. Education Department (ED) contracted with SRI International, the American Institutes for Research (AIR), and the Urban Institute to conduct the Integrated Studies of Educational Technology (ISET). ISET consisted of a set of state, district, schools, and teacher surveys designed to provide nationally representative information on federal funding for, and uses of, educational technology (TLCF and E-rate). This issue briefly summarizes major findings from the three final reports that ISET produced. See: http://www.ed.gov/rschstat/eval/tech/iset/summary2003.pdf

New Website Addresses The Essential Digital Literacy Skills for the 21st Century Global Citizen
This Website is the "public face" of a fast growing international movement focused on promoting information and communication technologies (ICT) digital literacy. The resources are intended to build awareness, encourage debate, and promote the importance of digital literacy. They provide practical information for business, government, and educational leaders, and encourage communication by employing technology tools in the most collaborative sense. See: http://www.ictliteracy.info/

Research on a Laptop/Wireless School District
The report “Quaker Valley Digital School District: Early Effects and Plans for Future Education” presents a limited evaluation of the implementation and impact of a district-wide educational technology initiative involving provision of laptop computers to children in grades 3-13 and wireless Internet connections at schools and homes. The findings lead to a set of recommendations for future implementation and a conceptual framework and research design for use in conducting a more comprehensive future evaluation. When students have laptops and access to wireless Internet services, they develop technical skills and are more engaged in learning activities. However, this study finds negative consequences, including inappropriate and excessive use of the technology and, surprisingly, an increased workload on the part of teachers and administrators. For an online copy, see: http://www.rand.org/publications/TR/TR107/

Guide to Successful Public-Private Partnerships Released
The Center for Digital Government and Center for Digital Education, national research and advisory institutes on information technology, issued a report, called "Essential Partnerships: A Guide to the Successful Creation of Public-Private Partnerships” that includes case studies, best practices and management techniques in government and education. Written by Rhonda Wilson.

NCLB School Information Partnership (SIP) Launches Website
A new website displays results from testing required by NCLB. Data include statistics about the percentage of students who are economically disadvantage and the numbers of students who are not making AYP progress in reading and math. Data are currently available for six states: Delaware, Florida, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington. ED officials hope to publish data from all 50 states, with the majority having their data online by summer. SIP is supported by the federal government and the Broad Foundation. See: http://www.schoolresults.org/

Pew Survey on Rural Access to the Internet
The Pew Internet and American Life Project released results of its recent survey findings on Internet Penetration. They found that 52% of rural Americans are now using the Internet but the gap between rural and suburban and urban communities has remained constant over time. Internet penetration rates have been lower in rural areas, remaining 10 percentage points behind the nation average in each of the last four years. Living in rural areas in itself has little or no influence as to whether one goes online, but low-income residents in rural areas are less likely to be online than low-income people living in urban and suburban areas. Also, significant increases in Internet penetration accompany increasing levels of educational attainment until leveling off after completion of a four-year degree. Once exposed to some education, the likelihood of a rural resident going online is more or less equal to the likelihood of a similarly education suburban resident. See: http://www.pewinternet.org/index.asp

National Survey of Teachers, Principals, and Parents on School Leadership
MetLife released results of its annual survey that examines the attitudes and opinions of teachers, principals, parents and students regarding school leadership. Secretary of Education Rod Paige made the keynote speech at its release at the national Press Club. “The MetLife Survey of the American Teacher: An Examination of School Leadership” finds that principals, teachers, and parents agree that the primary goal of school leadership is motivating students and teachers to achieve. The survey also reveals a disconnect between this goal and reality. Principals have a more positive view of school atmosphere and relationships than do parents, teachers, and students. The survey examines these differences in perception. See: http://www.metlife.com/teachersurvey/

METPA Forum: No Child Left Behind and Technology
--Submitted by Traci Ingram, METPA President, Technology Director, Monett R-1 Schools
http://www.metpa.org

If you’re not a new or returning member to the Missouri Educational Technology Professionals’ Association (METPA) , there’s still time to join for the low annual fee of only $25! You can see the METPA Web site for a membership form (http://www.metpa.org). Or, better yet, stop by the METPA table at the spring technical conference, Tan-Tar-A, on March 24-25.

In addition to having an informational table at the spring technical conference, METPA is planning a general meeting for all members, and we’re going to try to turn this into a fun event as well. Details to follow via e-mail to members and the METPA Web page.

Don’t forget to apply for one or both of METPA’s two annual awards: Outstanding District, School, or Classroom Web Page and Best Practices in Technology Professional Development. Application forms will be available at the METPA table at the conference or available from the METPA Web site beginning March 24 (http://www.metpa.org). You can view information concerning previous award winners as well on the METPA site.

METPA is sponsoring an informational forum that will be repeated as a session at the spring technical conference. The title of the presentation is “Technology and No Child Left Behind.” The Forum will broadcast over ITV from the MOREnet building in Columbia, Missouri on March 10, 2004. The Forum will run from 9:30 AM till 12:00 noon. The session will assist schools in using their federal funds to best meet the demands the new law is placing on them. There will be an overview of the NCLB law as it pertains to technology provided by Randy Rook, Director of Federal Grants Management, DESE, and examples of how to use federal funds for technology presented by David Dillard, Federal Programs Coordinator for Arcadia Valley R-II Schools. Melanie Dillard from Central R-III will also be presenting.

Southeast RPDC in Cape Girardeau 800-401-6680 or 573-651-5161
South-Central RPDC in Rolla 573-341-6473 or 800-667-0665
Northeast RPDC in Kirksville 888-878-7732
Northwest RPDC in Maryville 800-663-3348 or 660-562-1995
Webb City High School (contact Traci Ingram at Monett Schools, 417-235-0646)
Southwest RPDC in Springfield 417-836-8888 or 800-735-3702
Cooperating School District (CSD) in St. Louis 800-835-8282

News From MOREnet
--Submitted by Eric Nicklas, Program Manager, K-12 Technology Network Program, MOREnet
MOREnet Spring Technical Conference: Connections 2004
The Spring Technical Conference is scheduled for March 24-25, 2004, at Tan-Tar-A in Osage Beach, Mo. Online registration closes March 12.

This conference is open to all staff from MOREnet organizations. You do not have to be a “MOREnet Contact” to attend Connections 2004.

Security of computers and networks is the primary focus of this year’s conference. Session topics include, but are not limited to, Linux, NetWare, firewalls, wireless networking and network traffic analysis. See the complete schedule of presentations at the conference website: http://www.more.net/conferences/spring2004/.

MOREnet Computer Security Tip of the Month: Anti-virus is Your Best Friend
Over 50 percent of DESE security events handled in the last six months by MOREnet Security were virus related. A single virus in your school can cause damage to outside computers and slow down the statewide MOREnet network. While nearly all customers follow the best practice of running anti-virus, keeping anti-virus levels current is critical. Customers should strongly consider using anti-virus products that have a central management console that permits one person to update all anti-virus installations in the school with a few clicks. Anti-virus updates should be downloaded automatically from the central management console rather than directly from the vendor, since downloading anti-virus updates from the vendor to all computers in the school at the same time can cause significant network slow downs.

Sunday, April 4, 2004 is National Cyber Security Day. Set some time aside to update your anti-virus software and scan your computer for viruses. This is also a good opportunity for schools to incorporate cyber security into school curricula. Check out the Web site for resources on the following:

“Having a great time, wish you were here!” were the sentiments of those attending the third annual Show-Me TechKnowledge Day. Well over 200 exhibitors and guests mingled in the Rotunda of the State Capitol on February 18^th as twenty-one student groups (and their teachers) from across the state, grades 1 – 12, exhibited and explained their classroom projects. Guests visiting the exhibits included a large number of elected representatives. Students enjoyed being introduced to the legislature, and tours of the capitol. Several student groups lunched with their respective legislators. Exhibitors and guests enjoyed a continental breakfast served onsite. A professional videographer was present to document the day’s activities. At the end of the day, each group of exhibitors was presented with a plaque for their participation in the event to take back to their school.

The mission of Show-Me TechKnowledge is to establish one day each year in which to celebrate and showcase student learning that is facilitated, improved, or accelerated through the use of education technologies. A grassroots organization, Show-Me TechKnowledge helps identify and support students as they exhibit effective and innovative uses of technology. State leaders, policy-makers and others are invited to the Capitol Rotunda to view the exhibits, talk to the students, and learn how education technology positively impacts teaching and learning.

Governor Holden issued a proclamation acknowledging the accomplishments of Missouri students. He declared February 15 through February 21, 2004 as Missouri Technology in Education Week.

Congratulations to all our student exhibitors and their teachers. Thanks to all committee members for their time and efforts. They did an outstanding job in making this an event to remember. Thanks to event sponsors for making the student technology showcase possible.

For those of you who missed out on the fun and excitement this year, consider submitting an application to exhibit in 2005.

Award Honors Outstanding Teachers
The annual All-USA Teacher Team, sponsored by USA TODAY, honors 20 outstanding teachers, including both individuals and instructional teams. Full-time, certificated teachers and instructional teams actively teaching kindergarten to twelfth grade at a public or private school in the United States or its territories, as well as Department of Defense schools overseas, are eligible for the award. Teachers must be nominated by someone willing to put in writing why the nominee is outstanding. Individual nominees must have at least four years of full-time teaching experience, counting the 2003-2004 school year. Each All-USA Teacher first team member will receive $500, with the balance of the $2,500 award going to the school. The deadline for submitting nominations is April 19, 2004. Visit the website for more information and to access the nomination instructions.

Online Resource - Special Education and Diverse Learners

Check out the Missouri Innovations in Education, January 2004. It is now available online at http://www.cise.missouri.edu/publications/innovations/january-2004/index.html. This issue focuses on using research-based strategies to improve student achievement. Teaching choice making and self determination, evaluating and implementing strategies, graphing and analyzing behavioral data to guide strategy selection, and preparing students for competitive employment are some of the topics addressed in this month’s issue. Formerly provided in print, this newsletter is now available in a web-based format only. Missouri Innovations in Education is published by the Center for Innovations in Education four times each year: September, November, January and April. Innovations is acknowledged throughout Missouri as a valuable source of information about educating diverse learners.

2004: An Odyssey of Learning

The Missouri Distance Learning Association (MoDLA) will host 2004: An Odyssey of Learning, the annual summer distance learning conference, July 15-16, 2004, at the Clarion Hotel, in Springfield, MO. The conference is designed to provide educators, administrators, technology coordinators and others interested in distance education, information on current trends in instruction, and information on the latest instructional technologies along with a multitude of exemplary presentations of distance learning strategies in action.

Conference Location
2004: An Odyssey of Learning will be held at the Clarion Hotel, Springfield, MO. Participants may reserve rooms at the special conference rate of $64.95 until July 1. For information or reservations, contact Clarion Hotel at (417) 883-6550.

Thursday, July 15 - "Educational Evolution: The One-Room School House meets the Virtual Classroom"
Dr. Jim Baker, Assistant to the President, Southwest Missouri State University

Friday, July 16 - "Thriving or Surviving in Difficult Economic Times"
Dr. Ed Gould, Department Chair, Higher Education Leadership, School of Education Capella University
President, Beacon Resource Group, Higher Education Consultants

Vendor Fair
The vendors will be available from 1:30 PM - 6:30 PM on Thursday, July 15 and 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM on Friday, July 16 to give attendees the opportunity to view and discuss the latest distance learning technologies. The Vendors will help kick off the conference with a Vendor Reception from 4:30 PM- 6:30 PM, Thursday, July 15.

Virtual Field Trips
Throughout the day, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of live videoconferences with a variety of presenters at different locations around the world.

Silent Auction
Visit the Silent Auction and browse through the donations and take the opportunity to enter a bid on one or more items. The Auction will continue for the duration of the conference so you will have the opportunity to return often to see if someone has upped the ante. The Silent Auction will close at 1:00 PM, July 16.

Cyber Cafe
The Cyber Cafe will be open for the duration of the conference for attendees to have the opportunity to check email and web sites.

More Information
For more information, contact the MoDLA Office at 417-836-6150 or by email through the MoDLA director MichelleNorgren@smsu.edu

Orbital Data Net spends considerable time in researching the technologies that an organization can tap in order to efficiently communicate. Our satellite based VSAT technology allows us to extend our services virtually anywhere, but that was only the beginning. One means of gaining additional Internet flexibility and ease of use is already right in front of you; actually it lays within your walls. It’s your existing electrical wiring.

Powerline Communications Deliver the Internet
The concept is called Powerline Communications (PLC), a remarkable networking technology that is poised to change the way we access the Internet in large structures, and the way your organization can invest in networking technologies to provide Internet access. PLC isn’t brand new; it has been in various stages of development for over a decade. What is new is the use of PLC technology to deliver the Internet in large structures, including schools and other large commercial buildings.The basic concept behind PLC is the use of existing electrical wiring, present in almost all buildings today regardless of usage, to carry high-speed data communications signals. Essentially, this technology turns ordinary electrical receptacles into network access ports. A special device called a “gateway” helps distribute the Internet signal through the building’s electrical wiring. Portable PLC modems that connect to desktop or laptop computers feature an ordinary electrical plug on one end. The user gains instant Internet access by simply plugging the special modem into any electrical outlet in the room and plugging the modem’s Ethernet connection into their laptop or desktop.

Initial attempts at utilizing the electric lines for communications were focused outside the buildings over the high voltage power lines. These early attempts were unsuccessful due largely to roadblocks, such as transformers and noise interferences as well as legislative hurdles. This concept has been successful however in large commercial buildings and homes.

An Internet Access Strategy
The greatest challenge since the development of PLC technology is the tendency for signal distortion or interference over larger distances. This is why this technology has been easier to implement in buildings. Orbital Data is offering a product that solves this signal distortion problem. The PlugPlus Internet system uses a patent-pending technology to transmit Internet signals inside very large commercial structures – such as hotels, schools, and office buildings – without distortion or interference, putting practical, easy-to-use PLC solutions within reach of businesses for the very first time. These days, students in particular require Internet access during a portion of the school day, sometimes in rooms or areas not reached by traditional network wiring, if there is any at all. PLC can solve the traditional problem of the Internet not being accessible in a flexible manner. Convenience, flexibility, and portability are the watchwords for providing an Internet access strategy in buildings today. Fortunately, products like the PlugPlus Internet systems are built on such key benefits. And it isn’t only the users that stands to benefit.

Offering a Flexible Advantage
High-speed access to the Internet in any room, resource center or computer lab is a distinct advantage. Many organizations today still lack a totally comprehensive Internet access strategy for their users, so organizations that offer systems such as Orbital Data’s PLC solution are ahead of the game.

Another benefit of installing a PLC system lies with the installation process itself. Unlike the other available options, installing the PlugPlus Internet system involves the installation of a gateway, which is coupled to the buildings electrical service panel and connected to a circuit breaker. No additional wires or cabling need to be strung through the building – a boon to older structures where damage could easily result from installation of wiring. Organizations can simply pre-equip rooms with the special PLC modems or place them on transportable A/V carts along with a small network router. Installation can generally be accomplished in less than one day for most 75 to 150-room buildings, representing a significant advantage when compared with other Internet access solutions. The best part: no disruption to the staff.

Wireless Connectivity Issues
One of PLC’s main competitors is wireless connectivity. Orbital Data designs and distributes wireless solutions to many businesses but, while wireless, at first glance, looks quite useful as a connection technology for schools, comparisons between wireless and PLC reveal striking differences. A big difference is that wireless systems are not as secure; users using wireless connections risk having their data co-opted by others in the vicinity with wireless devices. In addition, wireless options do involve some installation of wiring; the “wireless” part relates only to the freedom from a wire at the laptop or desktop level. In fact, wireless systems do require the installation of wires within the buildings walls to create a Wi-Fi network infrastructure. This could be a problem for organizations where disruption could result in lost classroom time, or where a historic building designation creates obstacles to installation. Also, wireless signals are also subject to inference. Metal and concrete, which make up a significant percentage of the construction mass of most school buildings, tend to cause interference with wireless signals and a subsequent degradation in connection quality for the students and staff.

PLC Benefits Schools
Given these considerations, PLC systems measure up nicely compared to wireless options for use within education. And there is no comparison with traditional wired systems that require dedicated wiring and dedicated network ports in the walls unless a new building is being constructed. The balance of features and benefits offered by PLC is truly unique.

Now Orbital Data has added this technology to our offerings and can supply everything you need in one package. We do the installation; you can then move modems wherever you need them as long as a power outlet is available. We can lease the entire package and provide it on a 36 month low cost term. This also can qualify as internal network wiring through our E-rate program. Call us and we will assist you in filling out the necessary paperwork.

With so many benefits to schools, it’s clear that PLC technology has truly come of age. It has the potential to transform the old electrical wiring in your buildings walls into a new source of rich resources. The PLC unique technology allows, for the first time, schools to delivery distortion-free Internet service over existing infrastructure with the convenience, flexibility and portability required by today’s educators.

Orbital Data Net has formed new relationships in order to better serve our client base
First news is that we have added Globalstar satellite phones to our mix. In providing solutions for continuity of business operations, it is a natural addition. We can lease or sell fixed as well as portable phones that all operate off of low earth orbiting satellites, anywhere.

Second news is that we have formed a relationship with a new VSAT provider that gives us new flexibility and service levels we have not been able to achieve with other satellite vendors. Voice over IP and video streaming are both built into this offer as native and we have begun to test this service with a military customer of ours. We are very excited about this exclusive arrangement and believe we now will be able to support projects that have been difficult or impossible to support in the past. We are still maintaining our role with Spacenet, but believe that this decision will better support some of the exotic needs we have been challenged with.

Thirdly, we are now deploying power line connectivity equipment in a number of locations. This remarkable technology uses the existing power structure to send and receive very high speed IP data both ways. Since it works well with teleconferencing gear and standard Internet access, we are beginning to test it with Polycom.

We will be offering the new Wild Blue Ka-band service once it is launched this summer. While this very low cost service is designed for residential customers, we are negotiating a commercial package to offer as well.

We now offer a complete line of engineering and product support for video systems, both in security and cable television operations. Under this group we also offer DSL, Voip and cable modem design and equipment distribution. This group also does agile C and Ku-band receive only systems and SMATV, such as the systems we are currently supplying the State of Missouri.

We have upgraded our web site and now offer our own ISP services at an incredibly good price. And finally, we have developed a joint venture with a leading manufacturer of DVR (Digital Video Recording) surveillance gear that is being used by the federal government. We will be offering this state-of-the-art technology to schools and other entities that require a high grade monitoring and recording capability remotely. Of course, we have designed it to inter-operate with our VSAT and power line technologies. For example, using our power line technology provides an Internet connection and power connection to the same AC plug for a camera monitoring site. Imagine cameras in the parking lot without any other wiring than the power connection?

Missouri Schools and Programs in the News

Popular Bluffs School District
Congratulations to Pam Lowe--Popular Bluffs eMINTS Teacher! Pam Lowe received notification from USA Today that her classroom websites was selected as an “Educator’s Best Bets” website. This honor is accorded to only about 150 websites per year. You can see the page that names Pam’s website at http://www.usatoday.com/educate/home.htm scroll down to the lower left-hand side, and see her site listed in the gray sidebar.

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