Digital systems need to work together to meet your district’s needs, but today’s digital learning environment is disjointed.
The ever-growing number of tools do not seamlessly integrate into the learning environment, thus making it time consuming for teachers to innovate and personalize instruction. Luckily, there is a way to greatly reduce the time spent manually uploading rosters so that teachers can access digital learning tools and content, search multiple platforms to find the right resources, link them in the learning platform, and automate the pass back of grades from various digital tools into their gradebook system.
How does a school district make these things possible? One way is by using Data Interoperability Tool to achieve a successfully integrated digital ecosystem.
What is data interoperability?
Data Interoperability refers to the notion of different digital software systems, like a student information system, a learning management system, and digital content from a publisher, all working together automatically without any need for custom coding or complicated manual processes to get data from one system into another system.
Does my district have to stop using the software we already have to achieve this digital ecosystem?
FCS understands that K-12 districts and states have already made a significant investment in tools and applications and that any change must match the overall strategic plan. The roadmap your district adopts for developing an interoperable digital ecosystem must include strategies, plans, and processes for building a plug-and-play ecosystem with your strategic plan and for having the conversations with all stakeholders to develop a shared vision.
How does a district figure all this out?
For instance, The K-12 Digital Learning rEvolution Program is the work of more than 60 member districts and state departments of education, including 40 percent of the largest 25 districts and 23 percent of the top 100 districts in the US. These members have substantive experience and knowledge about what it takes to implement and scale integrated learning technologies.
“I’ve been able to gain insight into strategies for evolving our digital ecosystem based on those who have already been there and done that”, says Darlene Rankin, director of instructional technology for Katy Independent School District in Texas.
Your district can contact FCS directly to be a part of the digital learning revolution. For example, the School District of Lee County in Florida had to change its procurement practices to achieve a seamless plug-and-play ecosystem. Over the years, the district has been able to get almost all of its vendors.
5 steps to evolve your digital-learning ecosystem
1. Determine a shared vision with your IT and curriculum and instructional leaders.
2. Develop an implementation road map that’s aligned with your district’s strategic plan.
3. Understand which standards to ask for.
4. Ask FCS to make sure if your systems are interoperable so our team can develop a strategy, plans, and processes to phase in the adoption of tools that meet your district needs.
5. Do not hesitate to contact FCS to learn more.
By using FCS’ Data Interoperability Tool, school districts can simplify workflows for educators and students, reduce costs and implementation times, minimize risk when designing systems architecture for digital learning, and streamline the gathering of analytics to improve learning outcomes.
Barbara Nesbitt, executive director of technology for the School District of Pickens County in South Carolina, says, “Districts who want to improve the usability of their educational technology should consider data interoperability. It is customized to the needs of a district and the tool continues to evolve as a district becomes more advanced in its use of open standards. The opportunity to network with other districts is also highly beneficial.” Thus, this tool is helping districts of all sizes transition to digital by connecting disparate systems, provider content, and digital curriculum resources through data interoperability to create an open educational technology ecosystem that will enable teachers and learners to engage in ways never before imagined.
Is your school still struggling with data interoperability? Check out how FCS can bring it all together for you to achieve seamless data integration. Our amazing team can help you achieve the path to true interoperability, leading towards happier and productive students, teachers and staff. Send us a message for a free consultation.