Technology
In Orono Public Schools, technology plays a vital role in ensuring that all stakeholders are able to maximize their potential in life. We believe in providing all stakeholders with learning environments that provide access to a wide variety of resources, both digital and physical. Current research supports the integration of technology into the classroom in order for learners to engage in more rigorous and deeper learning. A robust technology platform allows for students to expand their learning environment and engage with diverse cultures and communities across the globe. Digital resources can enhance and accelerate learning outcomes for all students. Our goal is to provide students with digital experiences that focus on engaging students in new learning that enables them to create and innovate, collaborate with others, communicate effectively and think critically when presented with new information.
Technology Support
Email: technology@orono.k12.mn.us
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
- Four Core Strategies
- Technology Staff
- Our Environment
- Technology Guide for Families
- Devices
- Digital Tools
- System Status
Four Core Strategies
In order to achieve our vision, there are four core strategies that we will utilize to achieve this vision: Instructional Technology, Access, Customer Service, and Safety and Security. Each strategy will focus on the knowledge, actions and values of all stakeholders as we work collaboratively toward these outcomes.
Instructional Technology
Advances in educational technology have provided stakeholders with new ways to engage in learning through learning management systems, and the establishment of new relationships by connecting people all over the world through communication platforms that allow students to access tools and information faster than ever. To ensure the success of all stakeholders, it is important that we emphasize the professional development of our staff so that they are able to continue offering students an unparalleled learning experience.
Our stakeholders will:
Know
- How to use various methods of assessment to determine student needs and respond accordingly
- How to utilize technology as a way to enhance instructional practices and engage students
- The impact of their actions online and what it means to be a positive digital citizen within a diverse global community
Believe
- That learning environments are ever changing and students access learning in a variety of formats so they are prepared for opportunities after graduation
- That technology creates authentic and real-world learning experiences that cannot be replicated in a traditional educational setting
- In a culture of growth, learning and purposeful innovation
Access
A robust technology program provides all stakeholders with simple, easy and complete access to the available applications, professional development, resources and tools. In our department, access has two different components: the ability to easily connect to our network to access the global community and provide the tools necessary for all students to succeed both in and out of the classroom.
Our stakeholders will:
Know
- The purpose of our infrastructure and the various systems that make it run successfully
- How accessibility options eliminate barriers, creating an inclusive environment
- How to find and utilize available resources
- What the Orono P.L.U.S. program is and how it supports each member of the community
Believe
-
That technology eliminates barriers and opens the door to collaboration and communication on a global scale
-
That an infrastructure that supports our stakeholders is equipped with the necessary resources in order to provide a consistent, safe environment for learning
-
That access to resources should not be a barrier for any stakeholder
Customer Service
A critical component to the seamless operation of a complex technology network is the service that each stakeholder is provided. Customer service is not just about the resolution of the problem, but it incorporates the support, conversations, speed and manners throughout the process. Our department strives to provide quality, professional customer service.
Our stakeholders will:
Know
- How to connect with various members of the technology department in order to resolve questions
- How to use their provided tools and resources in order to support stakeholder learning
- Where they can find on-demand support articles, videos and information
Believe
- That they have the capacity to grow in their technical knowledge
- Prompt and professional support is key to providing access to various educational resources
Safety and Security
In today’s world, safety and security are paramount in all environments, physical and digital. A safe and secure digital environment protects stakeholders from inappropriate content, internal and external threats and provides the education and training to limit risks across all platforms.
Our stakeholders will:
Know
- The best practices associated with cyber security, such as: device security, data privacy, digital footprints, etc…
- How to analyze various resources, communications and websites for credibility and know the process to report suspicious activity
- That Orono Public Schools will provide the highest levels of digital security possible
Believe
- That safety and security is as important as the instruction that takes place in the classroom
- Each stakeholder plays an important role in protecting the assets of the school district
- That all stakeholders have the right to data privacy
Technology Staff
Operations & Management
Joel Mellor
Cloud Systems Specialist
Joel.Mellor@orono.k12.mn.us
Jason Woyak
Network and Security Specialist
Jason.Woyak@orono.k12.mn.us
Lia Staples
Operations Specialist
Lia.Staples@orono.k12.mn.us
Instructional Support
Bailey Nett
Digital Learning Specialist
Bailey.Nett@orono.k12.mn.us
Paul Ivers
Digital Learning Specialist
Paul.Ivers@orono.k12.mn.us
Support
Jason Banks K-5
Technology Support Specialist
Jason.Banks@orono.k12.mn.us
Emily Zakashefski 6-8
Technology Support Specialist
Emily.Zakashefski@orono.k12.mn.us
Josh Header 9-12
Technology Support Specialist
Joshua.Header@orono.k12.mn.us
Our Environment
Our Environment
We have had some changes over the past few years, and want to provide a quick overview of our tools and approach for school-based accounts and technology. Included below is information about the platforms, accounts and devices we use during the school year.
Appropriate Student Accounts and Access
We provide user accounts for students from Kindergarten through their Senior year. These accounts are intended to be used for school-based activities. All school-provided accounts are managed and monitored for security and safety of our students and staff.
Digital Classroom
Another element of our district’s approach is inclusion of a standard digital classroom space. We use two different platforms based on the appropriateness of the platform to support student learning.
K-2 - Seesaw
A very popular platform for elementary aged students, Seesaw is a digital portfolio in which teachers can create and share activities and students then respond to and interact with the content using a touch screen device (iPad). The tactile nature of the platform is friendly to our littlest learners as they navigate and is easy to share with families so that you can actually see and hear what students are creating and completing.
3-12 Schoology
The purpose of Schoology is to provide a platform for teachers to organize digital content in a way that makes it easy for students to navigate and find any number of items related to a specific content area. This platform includes curriculum, resources, assignments, assessments and feedback tools so that students are able to submit digital artifacts and receive feedback from teachers in a way that is familiar to the modern workplace.
Technology Guide for Families
The Orono Tech Department is excited to welcome students back to school each fall. With the back to school season comes some useful steps and updates that can be completed before return to make the transition back even easier. Please use the information included below to support your students return to school for the new year.
Click the arrows at the bottom of the frame, below, to view the slideshow.
Contact
Quick Links
Technology in our Schools
Schumann Elementary, Grades K-2
- 1:1 School provided Ipads
- Devices stay at school
- Digital Classroom: Seesaw
- SE Tech Overview 2022
Intermediate School, Grades 3-5
-
1:1 School provided Chromebooks
-
Devices stay at school
-
Digital Classroom: Schoology
Middle School, Grades 6-8 | High School, Grades 9-12
-
1:1 Choice of; a School Issued Chromebook for yearly check out, or (BYOD) bring your own device
-
Optional Family Insurance for purchase for incidentals related to School Issued Chromebook accidental breakage
-
Students expected to charge their device at home and bring to school everyday.
-
Digital Classroom: Schoology
Devices
Right Tool for the Right Learning
In order to ensure equal access to the various digital platforms and tools we have a device program that is designed to the right approach developmentally for all students.
- Elementary - District-Provided Devices
- Secondary - Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) or Annual Check-Out Program
Elementary - District-Provided Devices
Elementary - District-Provided Devices
Orono Schumann Elementary:
For our youngest learners, the district provides managed iPads for each classroom. These iPads are equipped with a variety of age-appropriate apps including Seesaw. This year we will be keeping iPads in the classroom and will not be asking students to bring them back and forth from home to school.
Intermediate School:
For grades 3-5 the district provides a school issued Chromebook. These devices will remain at school this year, unless the teacher team determines a need for the device to go home which would be communicated in advance.
Secondary - Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) or Annual Check-Out Program
Secondary - Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) or Annual Check-Out Program
At our secondary level families are provided two options to support classroom technology. The first option is our BYOD program which allows students to bring a personal device from home. For families that choose the BYOD option we request that you complete the Technology Support Consent form (available in ParentVUE) if you would like for our department to provide onsite troubleshooting or incidental repairs.
Bring Your Own Device - Orono Technology Support Consent -
Orono has trained staff members that are able to offer diagnostic and troubleshoot advice to support students who run into issues with their device. By providing consent, you are allowing members of the Orono Technology Department to provide troubleshooting steps and support on your child’s device. If a member of the Orono Technology Department is unable to resolve the issue, they will recommend next steps. This consent only needs to be completed once during your enrollment in Orono Public Schools. In addition to providing consent, you are also releasing Orono Public Schools from any liability while working on the device.
Without consent, families will be responsible for solving personal device issues with a vendor of their choice.
Annual Check-Out Program -
Thanks to the support of our community Orono Schools is pleased to offer families the option to check out a managed Chromebook for their student this school year. These Chromebooks are pre-configured for the school environment and provide a secure learning experience both at school and home. Check out of the annual devices if facilitated at the school site during back to school events in August.
Device Recommendations (6-12):
Below is a list of potential devices that are all suitable for daily learning in Orono Public Schools. Please note that these are recommended devices based on technical requirements for student success in our digital environment. Any questions or need further assistance, please contact the Orono Tech Department at technology@orono.k12.mn.us.
Recommendations and Definitions
Device Models
*Prices may fluctuate
| Model | Price | Value |
|---|---|---|
|
|
$205 |
Intel Celeron N4120 Processor, 8GB of RAM, 128GB of eMMC storage, 14-inch HD display, and a backlit keyboard. |
|
$356 |
Convertible 2-in-1 Chromebook, Intel Pentium N6000 Processor, 8GB of RAM, 128GB of eMMC storage, 14-inch gorilla glass display. |
|
|
$487-509 |
AMD Ryzen 5 5500U processor, 16GB of RAM, 512-1TB of SSD storage, 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display, Windows 11 Pro. |
|
|
$779-$949 |
AMD Ryzen 7 7730U, 16 - 40GB of RAM, 512GB - 2TB of SSD storage, 14-inch FHD+ Display, Fingerprint Reader, Windows 11 Pro. |
|
|
$899-$1,199 |
Apple M2 or M3 chip, 8GB of RAM, 256-512GB of SSD storage, 13.6-inch Retina display, MagSafe 3 Charging, Two USB 4 Ports, Magic Keyboard with Touch ID sensor. |
|
|
$1,040 |
Intel Evo 10 Core i7-1355U, 16GB of DDR5 RAM, 512GB of PCI-E SSD storage, 14-inch 2.2k 16:10 Touchscreen Display w/ Stylus Pen, Windows 11. |
|
|
$1,499-$1,899 |
Apple M3 chip, 8-16GB of RAM, 512GB-1TB of SSD storage, 14-inch Retina XDR display, Two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports, MagSafe 3 Charging, Magic Keyboard with Touch ID, Force Touch trackpad. |
Hardware Glossary
| Hardware | Description |
|---|---|
|
Processor |
The processor is the brain of your laptop. It is responsible for carrying out all of the instructions that the computer needs to run. The more powerful the processor, the faster your laptop will be. We recommend a minimum of Intel Core i5, AMD Ryzen 5, or Apple M processor for most students. |
|
RAM |
Random Access Memory (RAM) is a type of computer memory that stores data that the CPU is actively using. The more RAM a laptop has, the more programs it can run at the same time without slowing down. We recommend 8GB of RAM for most students, as this will allow them to run multiple programs at once without any problems. |
|
Storage |
SSD stands for solid-state drive. It is a type of storage device that uses flash memory to store data. |
System Requirements
Minimum Requirements:
| Requirement | Windows | Mac | Chrome |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Processor |
Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 |
Apple M1 or M2 |
Intel Celeron or Pentium |
|
RAM |
8GB |
8GB |
4GB |
|
Storage |
256GB (SSD) |
256GB (SSD) |
32GB (eMMC) |
|
Operating System |
Windows 10 or 11 |
macOS Monterey or Ventura |
Chrome OS |
*Please note that these are just minimum requirements. If you are planning on doing more demanding tasks, such as video editing or graphic design, you may need a more powerful laptop.
Recommended Specs:
| Requirement | Windows | Mac | Chrome |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Processor |
Intel Core i5 or i7 |
Apple M1 or M2 |
Intel Core i3 , AMD Ryzen 3, Snapdragon |
|
RAM |
8GB-16GB |
8GB-16GB |
8GB |
|
Storage |
256GB-512GB (SSD) |
256GB-512GB (SSD) |
64gb-128gb (eMMC) |
|
Operating System |
Windows 10 or 11 |
macOS Monterey or Ventura |
Chrome OS |
Digital Tools
Federal and State Statute Compliance
Orono Schools remained dedicated to the appropriate use of digital tools. This includes compliance with state and federal laws designed to protect students' privacy, access to appropriate content and limiting cyber-bullying and creating safe environments for digital work.
Federal Laws:
State Statutes:
Annual Notice: Protection and Privacy of Student Data
Orono Schools is committed to the protection and privacy of student data. Private student data is only accessible to the student, to the biological parents or legal guardians of that student, and to staff with an educational need to know. The school district also classifies some information as “directory information,” which is information contained in a student’s education record that would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed.
The district considers the following information to be directory information: Student name, address, telephone listing, photograph, date and place of birth, major field of study, dates of attendance, grade level, enrollment status (i.e., full-time or part-time), participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, degrees, honors and awards received, and the most recent educational agency or institution attended. It also includes the name, address, electronic mail address and telephone number of the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s).
Directory information is available upon request and is sought by community organizations including the Orono parent organizations (PTO, OMSPA and SPA), youth sports teams, the Orono Foundation for Education, local newspapers, businesses, and other organizations that work with youth and families in our community. You have the right to opt out and not allow your information to be included in directory information. This option is available the next time you login to the ParentVUE portal. Your decision will be in effect until you request to reverse it.
System Status
Technology System Status Dashboard
To report an outage, please email technology@orono.k12.mn.us
Scroll down to see Incident History and Upcoming Maintenance.