Ensuring a Smooth and Fruitful Journey During System Transition
Washington Township Public Schools Embrace Google Platforms in Successful Transition
Washington Township Public Schools in New Jersey have successfully transitioned from Microsoft to Google platforms, marking a significant shift in their technological ecosystem. The change was initiated by a new superintendent who previously worked in a Google district, and Kathi Kersznowski, an educational technology specialist, was tasked with leading the transition along with a team of three others.
The switch was not without challenges. With nearly 8,000 students across six elementary schools, three middle schools, one large high school, and two preschools, the number of people who needed to be trained was daunting. This included teachers, students, secretaries, and administrative assistants. However, the district's approach to the transition ensured a smooth process.
A full day dedicated to Google (Google Day) on February 16th, 2021, was set aside for staff training. During this day, staff were required to attend at least two live sessions. The core features that every staff member needed to learn included Google Drive, Chrome OS, Google Calendar, Gmail, and the overall app suite. A sandbox environment was also provided for the staff to play, work, and learn with the Google ecosystem before the official switchover.
Despite the change from Microsoft Word to Google Docs and from Excel to Sheets, the staff was given time to adapt to the different functionalities, while still maintaining compatibility with many products. Interestingly, Gmail and Calendar were the only features not turned on during the initial Google Day.
The success of the transition demonstrates that with proper planning and time to learn the technology, a district can set itself up for success. The transition was not just about adopting new tools, but also about embracing cloud-based collaboration and AI integration inherent in Google Workspace to enhance education delivery and productivity.
Kathi Kersznowski's work in the transition has been recognised with the Innovative Leader Award and an invitation to the Regional Leadership Summit. Her team's efforts to identify and teach essential Google features for every staff member have been instrumental in the district's smooth transition.
In conclusion, Washington Township Public Schools' approach to their transition likely mirrors best practices for school districts shifting between major productivity platforms. These include staff training and support, gradual rollout, infrastructure and resource alignment, leadership and clear communication, and leveraging cloud benefits. By following these strategies, school districts can successfully navigate the challenges of transitioning to new technological ecosystems.
References:
- Washington Township Public Schools
- Kathi Kersznowski
- Kathi Kersznowski, an educational technology specialist, led the teaching of essential Google features to over 8,000 students, teachers, secretaries, and administrative assistants in Washington Township Public Schools.
- The district organized a full staff training day, known as Google Day, on February 16th, 2021, requiring attendance at least two live sessions to learn Google Drive, Chrome OS, Google Calendar, Gmail, and the app suite, with a sandbox environment provided for learning and practice.
- Beyond adopting new tools, the transition aimed to embrace cloud-based collaboration and AI integration inherent in Google Workspace, enhancing education delivery, and productivity within the district.
- Professional development and understanding Google's ecosystem have been critical components of this educational-and-self-development focus, contributing to the district's smooth transition and setting the foundation for each individual's personal growth.