Tech Scout Summary 2010—Marcel Kielkucki, Secondary Programs

In this second year as a tech scout, I have focused attention again on some tools to increase communication among staff and students, increase the ability of our GED students to work online, as well as research potential screen monitoring software in collaboration with fellow tech scouts.

Handy Bits Voicemail/Google Voice

In an effort to help improve the ability to communicate with our high school distance learning students, I began to explore possible ways to send students messages electronically in ways beyond written e-mails. My rationale for this was that I felt that if we could start communicating with our students in alternative ways, we may be able to get them more engaged in their courses, and also reach out to their ways of using technology.

As a result, the HSDL program has begun to use two programs to accomplish this goal. The first is Handy Bits Voicemail. This software, with the assistance of a microphone, allows you to record .wav file messages that can be inserted as attachments into emails. When the message is received, the recipient then plays the file in their computer’s media player software. This has allowed our program to increase the personalization of monthly progress emails, with many positive comments.

The other area I wanted to explore was how to use text messaging as a means of communication with our students. The majority of students in the high school distance learning program are currently in high school, and as any parent of a teenager knows, texting is their preferred method of communication. I wanted to find a way to tap into this, but struggled at first to find a way to make this a reality.

Thanks to Matt Townsley, Kirkwood HSDL’s Algebra I facilitator, I was introduced to Google Voice, a product being offered on a limited, invitation-only basis. Google Voice has a number of different features. First, it allows you to make toll-free calls on your cell phone or land-line phone. After logging into your account online, you then type in the number you want to call. You then choose which phone of yours you want to use. Google Voice first calls you, and then connects you to the other number. Again, if it’s long distance, there are no fees for calls made in the US.

Google Voice also allows you to choose a unique phone number for your account from your local area. This number can then be given out to individuals to call you. For instructors, the benefit to this is that you would not have to give out your personal number to students, yet they still would be able to make contact with you. When someone calls your Google number, you can forward the call to your cell phone, land-line, or office. You can also set up rules to have the Google number forward to different phones at different times or days.

However, the main reason the HSDL program has begun to use Google Voice is because it allows you to send SMS (text) messages to other numbers at no charge. After logging in online, you just need to key in the number and message. Google Voice then sends your text message. When someone replies, the reply can be sent to your cell phone, email account, or is accessible online in your Google Voice account.

Because Google Voice is available in a limited fashion, its application still remains limited. While only a handful of students have signed up for text message updates, we have had promising results from that small group. When a text message is sent to them, replies are normally received within three to five minutes. This is dramatically faster than the hours or days for email replies.

GED Online

In the adult high school completion program, we have seen an increase in the demand for access to an online GED program by our students. Many have appreciated the tools available in our learning centers, but have been asking for programs they can use offsite. Fortunately for our program, this increased demand matched with a change in the delivery method of our GED preparation software.

In January, we were informed that the computer-based GED program used by our program is changing to an online-only delivery method. As a result, work has been undertaken to update and modify how we deliver GED preparation using our computer-based models. Because of my responsibilities with our online high school credit courses, I volunteered to lead the transition planning for this change.

As a result, we have established protocols and procedures to use with our GED students if they are interested in working on GED preparation in an online format. It is our long-range hope that we can eventually expand access to this program to reach beyond our Kirkwood Learning Centers, as we are not currently aware of any online GED preparation program being offered in the state of Iowa.

Screen Monitoring Software

One major tech scout project this year has been to investigate and evaluate the purchase of screen monitoring software for computer labs at Kirkwood locations. This request came from the Learning Technology Advisory Committee (LTAC) at a meeting in the fall of 2009. As a result, I led the initial search for possible products, taking my findings to the Tech Scout Committee. Based on the information provided, the Tech Scouts then narrowed down the initial product list and requested review copies of AB Tutor Control. Computers in a lab in Nielsen Hall were used to demonstrate the product to faculty and staff, and I assisted in this process.

Other Activities

I continued to be involved with the International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL) as the Midwestern Committee Co-Chair, a member of the Program Committee, and the Issues and Advocacy Committee. As Midwestern Co-Chair, I share responsibility in leading monthly meetings of individuals from 12 states as we discuss issues and challenges in our field. I am currently scheduled to pass on those responsibilities to a new co-chair at the end of this academic year. I was also invited to co-present a concurrent session on the regional iNACOL committees at the 2009 Virtual School Symposium in Austin, Texas.

I was also appointed to serve as a community college representative this year on an educational technology task force commissioned by the Iowa Department of Education and the Iowa State Board of Education. Our group met twice in the fall of 2009, and has continued its work via Google Groups, discussing where we feel education in Iowa needs to be in regards to technology in the next five to ten years. Draft versions of the final report have been completed, and it is anticipated that the final versions should be available in the spring of 2009 for review and release by the State Board of Education.

I also presented information on the State of Online Learning and Kirkwood’s High School Distance Learning Program in Iowa at the 2009 Iowa Technology Education Connection (ITEC) annual conference in Coralville, and at the 2010Iowa Association of Alternative Education (IAAE) conference in Des Moines.