A message from Vicki Herrington, Director,
Office of Instructional Technology Integration

The Office of Instructional Technology Integration (OITI) provides training and support for district-wide instructional technology initiatives. Such initiatives include the Instructional Management System (IMS) and FCPS 24/7 Learning. OITI acts as a liaison between Instructional Services (IS) and Information Technology (IT) to implement and support these and other technology initiatives.

OITI is the curator for Abacus, the instructional component of IMS. In Abacus, the core curriculum is aligned with assessments and resources and is correlated to state standards. OITI works collaboratively with curriculum specialists and teachers to develop, identify, enter, and edit assessments and resources for the database. We also work with (IT) to deliver products to the schools and to establish policies and procedures for support. OITI provides training and materials to School-Based Technology Specialists (SBTS) to use in training their staff. This office also has developed an academy course for teachers who want to know more about Abacus and how it can help them make good instructional, data-driven decisions based on student mastery.

FCPS 24/7 Learning is used extensively by teachers and students to enhance and extend instruction beyond the normal school day. OITI creates training materials and provides training and support to SBTS who then provide training to their faculty. Online training materials and quick sheets are also provided for those teachers who prefer working and learning on their own. This office is working with others to enhance and develop this product as the district's portal solution.

OITI maintains the instructional software database and serves as the liaison between IS and IT for software evaluation. A process is now in place through Regulation 3008 that governs the evaluation of instructional technology products.

OITI is also responsible for writing and revising FCPS academy technology courses. Courses and training are provided to help teachers progress along a continuum of technology expertise and to help them meet the Technology Standards for Instructional Personnel (TSIP) requirements for state licensure. Technology academy courses are aligned to the National Educational Technology Standards for Teachers (NETS*T) and TSIP.

All the efforts of this office focus on the potential of technology and how best to use it to improve student learning.