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| A Chromebook Pixel computer (credit: Getty Images) |
GUHSD continues to
improve and increase its use of technology throughout the District for both instruction
and operational management. Ongoing efforts have resulted in significantly
increased student access to technology through the use of Chromebooks and the
suite of Google tools. In addition, the district has significantly increased internet
access, provided teachers with updated computers and given guidance in making
the best use of these new tools.
Along with these
increases in the use of technology in instruction, GUHSD has deployed a new
Student Data Management System, Infinite Campus. This
modern, feature-rich system is transforming the way student data is collected,
maintained, utilized and reported within the district. Infinite Campus also provides
for increased communication with parents and students and gives them improved
access to information.
In the first month of the
school year, students, teachers, administrators, and staff have been finding
new and exciting ways to make use of Infinite Campus. Each day brings new
discoveries, process changes, efficiencies, and ideas for making use of the
system and data managed within.
GUHSD embarked on the
process of acquiring and implementing a new Student Data Management System in
the summer of 2013. Our former data management system was a collection of
systems from different eras and vendors that were able to share data on a
limited and delayed basis. Lacking was a system-wide, real-time connection
between all components. Infinite Campus consolidates all functionality into a
single system that can directly connect students, parents, teachers, school
staff, and administrators to the same information at the same time. This
interconnectedness opens the door for increased and improved communication
between schools, students, and parents.
District staff and
teachers were trained on Infinite Campus throughout the month of August. As
school started, students were enrolled in the proper schools, students’
schedules were available, and teachers had access to the system and were able
to take attendance.
Students were issued
accounts and access to the Campus Portal during the first week of school. Parents
are in the process of being issued accounts. Parents and students use the same
tool and thus are able to see the same information. Campus Portal provides an
integrated view of attendance, posted grades, assignments, transcript
information and progress reports. Over the course of the school year additional
functionality will be activated including updates to contact information. Also, students will be able to request
courses and confirm information for continuing enrollment. Campus Portal
operates on any web browser and has a free mobile version, which is available
in the Google Play and Apple iTunes stores.
By mid-school year, new students
will be able to enroll using the Infinite Campus Online Registration tool.
Students are welcoming
the opportunity to take a more active role in managing their education through
the use of Campus tools, while at the same time making greater use of
technology in their classrooms through the use of Chromebooks and Google tools.
This truly is an exciting time for the Grossmont Union High School District as we continue to prepare students for success.
