Work on Bond 2020 projects is well underway, including the rolling out of extensive technology upgrades. As part of the Bond, schools are receiving upgraded infrastructure for improved Wi-Fi throughout their campuses. 

Seven campuses received the upgrades in March, including Cooper Academy at Navarro, Estrada Achievement Center, Nelson Early Childhood Education Center, Ogden Elementary, Rodriguez Montessori, Sarah King Elementary, and Travis Early College High School, part of 53 that are scheduled to be completed during the 2022-2023 year. 

Schools have received upgraded infrastructure which allows better Wi-Fi signal throughout the campus, including courtyards, gyms, JROTC areas, music halls, cafeterias, libraries, and auditoriums. 

“There has been a significant difference in the speed and consistency of Wi-Fi coverage across our campus,” Travis principal Twila Guajardo said. “We find that we spend less time waiting for content to load and the connectivity between our laptops and SMART boards is no longer a difficulty.”

Once upgrades are complete across the district, every classroom will have an interactive flat panel on a mobile cart to make spaces flexible, and device storage or charging solutions. Upgraded devices were purchased for students, front office staff and administrators. 

Since campuses have offered one-to-one technology for several years, it has been a welcome boost in connectivity as students connect campuswide.

“Our school has had one to one technology since 2017,” Ogden principal Nicanora Martinez said. “With the new upgrades, we have felt the difference of having less interruptions. Our students have been able to use the different applications at the same time all across the school.”

For teachers, the upgrades have meant being able to be more mobile as they teach and monitor students. 

“We see more teachers using their SMART boards and iPads throughout the school,” Martinez said. “We have one teacher that carries his iPad so that he can monitor the class online while they are working. He also uses his iPad to screen share to the SMART board, which has enabled him to move around.”

Ogden’s connectivity has also allowed them to offer more services to families. 

“We have been able to provide parents with more access by having them use iPads to complete things like surveys, registration, and enroll them in programs that they need,” Martinez added. “It has made it more efficient to support and serve the whole community.”

Before the end of the month, Tynan Early Childhood Education Center, Fenwick Academy, and Gonzales Early Childhood Education Center will join the list of campuses receiving updated Wi-Fi, while most other high schools will receive their upgrades this summer, or as their Bond 2020 construction is completed. As part of the package, CTE computer labs for programs that require high-end specialized devices are also being upgraded.

“The technology team is always striving to provide the best connectivity and access to resources possible for all students and staff, regardless of which campus or program they are pursuing,” Jeffrey Eagen, Director of Network Infrastructure for Information Technology, said. 

The impacts are being noticed, as each upgrade is creating additional opportunities for students as they prepare to become leaders in a highly connected world.

“Scholars can collaborate with communities from around the globe as a result of having fast and reliable internet,” Guajardo said. “From virtual demonstrations to connecting with content or industry experts, the speedy and reliable internet access supports scholar development of problem solving, collaboration, critical thinking and digital literacy skills that are foundational to 21st century learners.”