RTC Communicator for Winter 2019

WINTER 2019 11 Baesler noted, “When we had the opportunity to scale out our broadband connectivity to all of our schools, it removed the technology deserts in our state. Without that connectivity to our rural school districts, we’d continue to have the ‘haves’ and the ‘have nots’ as far as classroom technology.” EduTech Provides Resources Creating equal access to technology in all North Dakota schools has been a collaborative effort; widespread broadband access would be of no benefit if the schools did not know how to best use it. Where BAND laid the foundation, EduTech provided the tools and materials needed to build a unique, statewide class- room technology system in North Dakota. EduTech is a state agency under the supervision of the North Dakota Information Technology department that provides tech- nological support and instruction to all of our K-12 schools. This differs from many other states’ structures, in which districts provide IT service internally. Resources offered by EduTech include day-to-day support for PowerSchool, the software utilized by schools to manage instruction, grading, attendance, and finances; cybersecurity support and training for teachers, school leaders, and students; and professional development to inform educators on how to use data to better inform their instruction. “I’ve seen first-hand how fortunate we are to have the vibrant, robust program of EduTech providing these services to all of our school districts in the state. What they’ve done, especially in a rural state like North Dakota, is help teachers leverage the tool of technology and meet students where they are in their learning journey,” Baesler said. She continued, “Without broadband, our students wouldn’t be allowed to be as curious as they need to be in order to be a 21st-century learner. We’re going far beyond just measuring test scores in reading, math, and science. We’re looking for students who are super engaged, who not only turn in their homework on time, but are actually looking for more information about the subject area. They’re watching videos on YouTube to support their curiosity about a science project or an economics lesson.” One Community Baesler believes the collaborative efforts of BAND, EduTech, and local schools to provide the highest quality of education for all students reflects what North Dakota is all about. She explained, “When I think about North Dakota, I think about one community with a really long main street. It’s all one commu- nity working together to make sure our students have what they need to prepare for their future.” To learn more about BAND, visit www.broadbandnd.com. For a glimpse at how one North Dakota school (and RTC customer) is using technology, turn to the Business Spot- light on Alexander Public School on pages 8 and 9. Without broadband, our students wouldn’t be allowed to be as curious as they need to be in order to be a 21st-century learner” — KIRSTEN BAESLER