Our Technology Services

Technology Director:

The technology director is available for technology leadership such as vision, planning, support coordination, and other technology administration needs.  The director meets with designated administrative or building level staff on a regular basis to develop goals, project action plans, and ensure effective support.

Network Administrator:

The network administrator will evaluate, implement, and maintain technology infrastructures including WAN/LAN connectivity, network switching, and wiring services. The network administrator manages virtualized server implementations, storage services, and backup and data retention. The network administrator supports and provides guidance for administrative and instructional data systems such as PowerSchool. The network administrator monitors infrastructure and data systems performance.

Assistive Technology:

The MAISD's AT Consultant works with a team of Special Education and technology staff to assist children with disabilities in the selection, acquisition, and or use of an assistive technology device by the means of following the MAISD AT Process.

What is Assistive Technology?

"Wikipedia" definition - Assistive technology is an umbrella term that includes assistive, adaptive, and rehabilitative devices for people with disabilities and also includes the process used in selecting, locating, and using them.

Assistive Technology Process:

The Montcalm Area ISD Special Education Assistive Technology Team has adopted the following process, based on the SETT Framework, by Joy Zabula, to be used as a template to help the Individual student teams that wish to start an effective AT process.

Process for Consideration of Assistive Technology

Alt+Shift Rethink the possible. Realize potential.

For additional information on MAISD's AT process please contact our AT Consultant:
Kory Stevens
AT Consultant
616-225-4754
kstevens@maisd.com

Support Technicians:

The technical support crew is an essential part of the MAISD Technology Services Team. Technicians are available to meet each district’s daily and specialized technology needs including hardware and software installation, troubleshooting, repair, maintenance, and teacher training.  The support technicians are the friendly faces a district’s staff will encounter on a regular basis to resolve most technology issues.  They are on the front lines in the buildings, hallways, data rooms, libraries, lunchrooms and classrooms as needed.  The most effective allocation of support resources comes from a district having access to a team as needed and not specifically allocating an individual to a building.  Technicians cross train between buildings to know and understand all supported facilities to minimize the impact of staff vacations and illness.  However, depending on the level of district need, a specific technician may either be assigned to a specific district or be one of several qualified technicians dispatched based on qualifications to efficiently resolve an issue. Support technicians have access to a team of knowledge and can escalate issues as needed for efficient support.

Timelines - We're There When You Need Us:

A district is welcome to utilize our services team for daily technical support, large projects such as a system refresh, events, or emergency services.  We can be there for a few days to cover a staff illness, provide additional support for projects, or long term to address staff turnover, improve technical support services, and provide collaborative cost reduction. Please contact us so we can tailor a solution to best meet the needs of your district.

Needs Assessment:

The MAISD technology team, in cooperation with key district staff, typically perform an initial needs assessment to evaluate the needs of the district.  The level of assessment depends on the needs of the district.

1. The team reviews the district’s technology plan for current infrastructure, resource information, and instructional goals. Overall needs are defined by the district’s ability to meet planned goals.
2. Staff are surveyed for their needs and concerns.
3. Building walk-throughs for infrastructure, technical requirements, and security access.
4. Review or create technology inventory.
5. Document needs and recommendations.

Technology Ticket System and Help Desk:

MAISD utilizes an online help desk including a ticketing system and knowledgebase allowing  staff to find answers to questions and request assistance with technology. 
It’s imperative all stakeholders submit tickets for technology requests no matter how large or small.  The ticketing system allows for efficient issue tracking, feedback, escalation, completion and monitoring of technology requests.
Each staff member is equipped with a mobile device for easy access to the ticketing system, cross district communication, and emergency monitoring alerts.

Help Desk

Communication - Annual Review and Meetings:

Members of the technology team and district administration meet annually to discuss the state of technology for district concerns, goals, and planning.

Members of the technology team attend district staff meetings, events, and board meetings as needed and directed by the administration of the districts we are supporting.  Building staff meetings are a great avenue to inform staff of technology changes, perform mini trainings, and receive feedback directly from staff.

Our team encourages all stakeholders to to be involved in providing feedback to facilitate continuous improvement. We often receive feedback through our online ticketing system and we constantly monitor feedback received through the our anonymous online survey.

Technology Feedback Survey

Financial Commitment:

A district’s financial commitment depends on the level of contracted support. The team-based method of support provides the district with the valuable and broad resources of a team for much less than hiring their own dedicated staff.

Services are available to meet district needs ranging from daily emergency coverage, annual contracted coverage for technical support services, to complete technology refresh services including break/fix, upgrade, and replacement options.

We welcome the opportunity to discuss our service model and costs.