EDUCATION COUNCIL
of the
NEBRASKA INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY COMMISSION

Monday, November 2, 2009, 1:00-4:00 p.m. (CT)

Host site: Lincoln Executive Building #103, 521 S. 14th
Remote #1: Wayne State College, Lindahl Drive, NATS Building Conference Room
Remote #2: Scottsbluff Panhandle Education Center, 4502 Avenue I, High Plains Room
Remote #3: Kearney Public Library, 2020 1st Ave., 2nd Floor
MINUTES

 

VOTING MEMBERS/ALTERNATES PRESENT:

 

Mr. Arnold Bateman, University of Nebraska (Lincoln site)

Dr. Wayne Bell, Alt. for Bob Uhing, Educational Service Unit 1 (Kearney site)

Mr. Clark Chandler, Nebraska Wesleyan University (Lincoln site)

Dr. Michael Chipps, Mid-Plains Community College (Lincoln site)

Mr. Ron Cone, ESU 10 (Kearney site)

Dr. Eileen Ely, Western Nebraska Community College (Lincoln site)

Dr. Terry Haack, Bennington Public Schools (Lincoln site)

Mr. Stephen Hamersky, Daniel J. Gross Catholic High School (Lincoln site)

Mr. Leonard Hartman, Alliance Public Schools (Scottsbluff site)

Ms. Yvette Holly, University of Nebraska Medical Center (Lincoln site)

Mr. Chuck Lenosky, Creighton University (Lincoln site)

Mr. Dennis Linster, Wayne State College (Wayne site)

Mr. Craig Pease, Ashland-Greenwood Public Schools (Lincoln site)

Mr. Jeff Stanley, Alt. for Kent Gydesen (Lincoln site)

 

LIAISONS/ALTERNATE MEMBERS PRESENT: Ken Clipperton, Alt. for Chuck Lenosky; Dr. Kathleen Fimple, Alt. for Dr. Marshall Hill, Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education; Ms. SuAnn Witt, Nebraska Dept. of Education, Alt. for Mike Kozak; and Steven Stortz, Norfolk Lutheran Schools, Alt. for Steve Hamersky

 

MEMBERS/LIAISONS ABSENT: Mr. Ed Hoffman, Nebraska State College System; Mr. Jeff Johnson, Centennial Public Schools; Ms. Brenda Decker, DAS-CIO; and Mr. Michael Winkle, NET

 

CALL TO ORDER, ELECTRONIC POSTING, LOCATION OF OPEN MEETING LAW DOCUMENTS, ROLL CALL, INTRODUCTIONS

 

Co-Chair Dr. Chipps called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. There were 12 voting members present at the time of roll call.  A quorum was present to conduct official business.  The public meeting notice was posted to the NITC and the Nebraska Public Meeting Calendar Web sites on September 16, 2009. The meeting agenda was posted to the NITC Web site October 29, 2009.

 

The following individuals introduced themselves from the video conference sites: Steve Henderson, Gordon Roethemeyer, Rob Sistek, Roger Adams, Gail Gilliam, and Rhonda Winn.

 

Mr. Bateman and Mr. Pease arrived.

 

CONSIDER APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA FOR THE NOVEMBER 2, 2009 MEETING

 

Ms. Holly moved approval of the November 2, 2009 agenda.  Mr. Lenosky seconded.  Roll call:  Bateman-Yes, Chandler-Yes, Chipps-Yes, Cone-Yes, Ely-Yes, Stanley-Yes, Haack-Yes, Hamersky-Yes, Hartman-Yes, Holly-Yes, Lenosky-Yes, Linster-Yes, Pease-Yes, and Bell-Yes. Results:  14-Yes, No-0, Abstain-0.  Motion carried.

 

CONSIDER APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE JUNE 6, 2009 MEETING

 

Mr. Bateman moved approval of the June 6, 2009 minutes as presented.  Mr. Hamersky seconded.  Roll call:  Bell-Yes, Pease-Yes, Linster-Yes, Lenosky-Yes, Holly-Yes, Hartman-Yes, Hamersky-Yes, Haack-Yes, Stanley-Yes, Ely-Yes, Cone-Yes, Chipps-Yes, Chandler-Yes, and Bateman-Yes. Results:  14-Yes, No-0, Abstain-0.  Motion carried.

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

 

There was no public comment.

 

NETWORK NEBRASKA PHASE III-IV UPDATE

 

Results of the Office of the CIO K-12 Letter of Agency Response are as followed:

·         ESU 03: 5-Yes (Bennington, Elmwood-Murdock, Gretna, Millard, Ralston), 4-No, 9-Not responding

·         ESU 04: 1-Yes (Johnson-Brock), 3-No, 8-Not responding

·         ESU 05: 2-Yes (Daniel Freeman, Fairbury), 5-No, 4-Not responding

·         ESU 06: 2-Yes (Fillmore Central, Norris Dist 160), 0-No, 15-Not responding

·         ESU 16: 1-Yes (South Platte Public Schools @ Big Springs)

 

Other possible Network Nebraska--Education Phase IV New Members include the following:

·         K-12 Entities -  South Platte Public Schools, Millard Public Schools, Diocese of Lincoln, Diocese of Omaha

·         Public and Nonpublic colleges/universities - Bellevue University, Clarkson College, College of St. Mary,  Creighton University, Dana College, Doane College, Metro Community College, Nebraska Wesleyan University, and Union College

·         Tribal Colleges - Little Priest Tribal College @ Winnebago, and Nebraska Indian Community College @ Macy, Niobrara, and South Sioux City

·         Public Libraries - Grand Island and Lincoln

·         Science Centers/Museums - Durham Museum, Joslyn Art Museum, Sheldon Museum of Art and Others

 

Prior to the Office of the CIO committing to backbone capacities, doing the backbone e-rate filing on or before February 5, 2010, and setting the 2010-2011 Interregional Transport fees, the following information is needed:

·         New Internet access rates from the state contract

·         How many new entities that will be joining Network Nebraska—Education in 2010-11

·         Current peak Internet bandwidth demands reaching PKI from GNENC, NNNC, LPS, OPS, ESU 9 & higher education partners

·         Actual Internet2 K-20 traffic graphs between UNL and the Kansas City Gigapop

·         Receptivity of ESU and school tech staff to the cautious “opening up” of blocked applications

·         Anticipated Internet purchases for July 1, 2010 from GNENC, NNNC, LPS, OPS, ESU 9 & higher education partners

·         Projected inter-regional exchange of synchronous video classes for 2010-11

 

Network Nebraska—Education Membership & Fees.  Membership fees have dropped since Phase I began the 2007-2008 academic year.  The membership has grown from 94 entities to 231 entities.  Rates for 2010-11 are still undetermined until further information is received.

 

Internet2 Commodity Internet Peering.  There are currently over 60,000 companies that are available to Network Nebraska participants through Internet2's Commodity Peering Service. While these same companies can be reached through normal Internet routes, the ability to rely upon Internet2 has the following benefits:

·         Cheaper - any traffic sent this way eliminates the need for an institution to purchase additional Internet capacity through their internet provider. Typically, higher education institutions usually see about 1/3 of their internet traffic flowing over to this service, saving 1/3 the bandwidth of their Internet connection.

·         Faster - due to the nature of how the Internet2 network was built, traffic flowing across Internet2 usually arrives faster than "normal" internet traffic, providing a better end-user experience. FYI - UNL has a 10G (that is - 10 gigabit, or 10,000 megabit) network connection into the heart of the Internet2 backbone, and from there we ride a 10Gb network connection right to the door of these companies.

 

Some of the companies and services that can be reached through Internet2's Commodity Peering Service include: Yahoo, Cisco, Microsoft, Google, Facebook, YouTube, Hulu, iTunes, Twitter, ESPN, Disney, and Myspace.

 

NETWORK NEBRASKA ADVISORY GROUP


Dennis Linster, Co-Chair, reviewed the minutes (July 10, 2009 Meeting Notes and September 18, 2009 Meeting Notes) of the Network Nebraska Advisory Group’s first meetings.  All but two members were present.  The first meeting primarily focused on discussion regarding commonalities and differences. The second meeting was held by videconference.  Meeting topics included a Network Nebraska update on Phase 3 and 4, Network Nebraska Advisory Council Draft Charter, and election of co-chairs occurred.  Co-Chairs elected were Dennis Linster, representing higher education, and John Stritt, representing K12.  For the first six months, the Advisory Group will be meeting once monthly. The Advisory Group would like the Education Council to provide input on the draft charter (NNAG Charter). Members were asked to send their recommendations and input to Mr. Rolfes. 

 

The question was raised whether the Advisory Group discussed rural versus urban membership.  At this point, it has not been discussed.  The Draft Charter does state that the advisory group will be re-evaluated by the Education Council regarding dissolution or continuation of the group.  The Education Council members agreed that the Network Nebraska Advisory Group should provide regular reports at the Education Council meetings.

 

Dr. Ely stated that the Education Council should clearly state the council’s expectations of the Network Nebraska Advisory Group (Website).


TASK GROUP UPDATES - FUNDING/ERATE

 

Steve Hamersky reported that the responsibility for action item D.4. under Digital Education Strategic initiative has been assumed by the Nebraska Department of Education.  They have developed an E-rate cost allocation calculator on their web site that will be available for the next funding year.  SuAnn Witt was acknowledged and thanked for her worked with this effort.  For action item N4F regarding federal E-rate policies, the task group agreed that sending letters in late December or early January, as individuals or as the Education Council, would be beneficial.  If the Council is interested, Ms. Witt stated that there is a national advocacy group called ETAN (Ed Tech Action Network) that has form letters that can be modified.


TASK GROUP UPDATES - SERVICES TASK GROUP

 

Ron Cone and Gordon Roethemeyer provided the report. For action item N4A, the task group developed a document of current “catalog of services and fees”.  This was forwarded to CAP to post on the website. There has been no official follow-up taken for action item N4B.  Due to lack of interest across the state, the Task Group thought this might be possibly accommodated through a survey. ESU10 purchased a videoconference bridge which takes advantage of software and programs already on a PC. The Task Group agreed that D3 regarding an affordable plan to provide access to learning management system software should be continued.  The task group acknowledged that the Distance Education Council is developing and writing papers to present to Educational Service Unit Administrators.


TASK GROUP UPDATES - MARKETING TASK GROUP

 

Arnold Bateman reported that the Task Group has not met since the survey was done but plans to meet soon.  The survey is an annual survey so the Task Group will be working on getting it ready for redistribution.  The Network Nebraska Website will be reviewed, evaluated and input provided.  The Task Group has also been discussing the concept of an online newsletter to address current issues or new information. 

 

The Network Nebraska membership committee will be its own Task Group.  Bob Uhing and Craig Pease volunteered to serve on the Task Group.  There are action items in the Marketing Plan specific to membership.


TASK GROUP UPDATES - GOVERNANCE TASK GROUP

 

Yvette Holly reported that the Governance Task Group has not met since the last meeting due to the creation of the new Advisory Group which has met twice since then.  The Council and the Governance Task Group will need to discuss and determine the purpose and continuation of the Work Group.

 

As a future agenda item, it was recommended to review the purpose and membership of all the Task Groups.

 

STATEWIDE TECHNOLOGY PLAN - CONSIDER APPROVAL AND FORWARDING OF THE NETWORK NEBRASKA ACTION ITEMS TO THE NITC

 

Following are the results of the review and discussion of the current Network Nebraska action items as well as proposed new action items:

 

1.     Identify Tier II communities that offer opportunities for aggregation for services onto the network.

 

N1aAction: The CAP will work with communities that express an interest in aggregating their public sector transport.

Lead: Network Nebraska (CAP)

Participating Entities: Specific communities, NITC Community Council, Nebraska

League of Municipalities, Nebraska Association of County Officials, and public libraries

Timeframe: 2010-2011

Funding: No funding requested for this action item at this time.

Status: Continuation as is

 

N1bAction: The CAP will use the Network Nebraska website to showcase examples of successful public sector network and/or Internet service cooperation. CAP will encourage interaction and sharing between public entities.

Status: Discontinuation

 

2.     The Chief Information Officer will continue the LB 1208 implementation by annually bidding infrastructure and connectivity for new regions of participants and developing the most cost-effective and efficient support structure possible for the statewide network.

 

N2aAction: The Network Nebraska network design/support team will develop a memorandum of agreement with local and regional education entities in order to develop a cooperative support system for the statewide education network that will mitigate data transport and synchronous video problems.

Lead: Network Nebraska (CAP)

Participating Entities: Network Nebraska—Education Advisory Group, ESU-NOC, Higher education entities, NITC Education Council

Timeframe: 2010-2011

Funding: No funding requested for this action item at this time.

Status: Continuation as is

 

N2bAction: The Chief Information Officer will annually update the State master purchase contracts for edge devices and monitor the local site purchases of such equipment in order to promote and encourage network equipment standardization.

Lead: Chief Information Officer

Participating Entities: Network Nebraska (CAP), ESU-NOC

Timeframe: 2010-2011

Funding: No funding requested for this action item at this time.

Status: Continuation with minor revisions

 

3.     Offer Internet I services to eligible network participants.

 

N3aAction: The CAP will accept new orders for Internet service and continue to aggregate purchasing demand to secure a more economical price for statewide Internet service.

Lead: Network Nebraska (CAP)

Participating Entities: NITC Education Council, ESU-NOC, Higher Education Entities

Timeframe: 2010-2011

Funding: No funding requested for this action item at this time.

Status: Continuation as is

 

4.     Prepare for the future of Network Nebraska as a statewide, multipurpose network.

 

N4aAction: Develop appropriate participation criteria (e.g. type of entity, bandwidth expectations) and a differential catalog of services and fees for Network Nebraska to serve all network participants (i.e. public/nonpublic K-12, public/nonpublic higher education, museums, science centers, libraries, others).

Lead: Network Nebraska (CAP)

Participating Entities: NITC Education Council, Network Nebraska—Education Advisory Group

Timeframe: 2010-2011

Funding: No funding requested for this action item at this time.

Status: Continuation with minor revisions

 

N4bAction: Charter a work group to research advanced network services for Network Nebraska participants.

Lead: Network Nebraska (CAP)

Participating Entities: Network Nebraska—Education Advisory Group, NITC Education Council

Timeframe: 2010-2011

Funding: No funding requested for this action item at this time.

Status: Continuation as is

 

N4cAction: Implement a statewide on-line presentation and meeting software solution.

Status: Discontinuation

 

N4dAction: Develop an online E-rate cost allocation calculator that will enable K-12 and non-K-12 entities to estimate the ineligible telecommunications costs resulting from offering non-K-12 services in a K-12 facility.

Lead: Education Council Funding/E-rate Task Group

Participating Entities: Distance Education Council

Timeframe: 2010-2011

Funding: No funding requested for this action item at this time.

Status:  Continuation with minor revisions

 

N4eAction: Work to amend Nebraska Department of Education policies to include Pre-K as an eligible population for Universal Service Fund (E-rate) purposes.

Status: Discontinuation

 

N4fAction: Work to change the federal E-rate policies that create impediments and financial disincentives for collaborative usage of networks and videoconferencing by ineligible populations (Pre-K, adults, telehealth, etc…).

Lead: Nebraska E-rate Coordinator

Participating Entities: Educational Service Units, NITC Education Council

Timeframe: 2010-2011

Funding: No funding requested for this action item at this time.

Status: Continue as is

 

N4gAction: Create a Network Advisory Group and meeting structure for education entities to provide input to Network Nebraska (CAP).

Status: Completed

 

N4hAction: Review the Network Nebraska governance and leadership structure.

Status: Completed

 

N4iAction: Annually reissue the Network Nebraska Marketing Survey and subsequent Report to help steer the strategic direction of Network Nebraska—Education.

Lead: Education Council Marketing Task Group

Participating Entities: Network Nebraska—Education Advisory Group.

Timeframe: 2010-2011

Funding: No funding requested for this action item at this time.

Status: New

 

N4jAction: Annually update the Network Nebraska Marketing Plan.

Lead: Education Council Marketing Task Group

Participating Entities: Network Nebraska—Education Advisory Group.

Timeframe: 2010-2011

Funding: No funding requested for this action item at this time.

Status: New

 

N4kAction: Research and pursue grant writing that would assist with the deployment of statewide technology services.

Lead: Education Council Marketing Task Group

Participating Entities: Network Nebraska—Education Advisory Group, ESU Coordinating Council.

Timeframe: 2010-2011

Funding: No funding requested for this action item at this time.

Status: New

 

N4lAction: Review the viability and effectiveness of the Network Nebraska—Education Advisory Group and make appropriate changes to affect its structure, membership and meeting frequency.

Lead: Education Council

Participating Entities: Chief Information Officer

Timeframe: 2010-2011

Funding: No funding requested for this action item at this time.

Status: New

 

N4mAction: Develop a business plan for Network Nebraska—Education.

Lead: Education Council Marketing Task Group

Participating Entities: CAP, Network Nebraska Advisory Group, ESU Coordinating Council, ESUs

Timeframe: 2010-2011

Funding: No funding requested for this action item at this time.

Status: New

 

Mr. Linster moved approval of the Network Nebraska action items as modified. Mr. Bateman seconded. Roll call:  Hamersky-Yes, Hartman-Yes, Holly-Yes, Lenosky-Yes, Linster-Yes, Pease-Yes, Bell-Yes, Bateman-Yes, Chandler-Yes, Chipps-Yes, Cone-Yes, Ely-Yes, Stanley-Yes, and Haack-Yes. Results:  14-Yes, No-0, Abstain-0.  Motion carried. 


STATEWIDE TECHNOLOGY PLAN - CONSIDER APPROVAL AND FORWARDING OF THE DIGITAL EDUCATION ACTION ITEMS TO THE NITC

 

Following are the results of the review and discussion of the current Network Nebraska action items as well as proposed new action items:

 

D1.  Set a deadline, and establish standard(s) related to the administration and maintenance of content management systems by K-12 schools.

Lead: NITC Technical Panel

Participating Entities: Learning Management Systems Work Group, ESU Coordinating Council, Distance Education Council

Timeframe: 2010-2011

Funding: No funding is requested for this action item at this time.

Status: Continuation with minor revisions

 

D2. Promote the availability, distribution, and use of digital media throughout the Nebraska educational community.

 

D2aAction: Negotiate a statewide purchase of the National Repository for Online Courses

Status: Completed

 

D2bAction: Promote the usage of the National Repository for Online Courses (NROC) content by Nebraska educators

Lead: Partnership For Innovation (PFI)

Participating Entities: ESU Coordinating Council, NITC Education Council Services Task Group

Timeframe: 2010-2011

Funding: No funding is requested for this action item at this time.

Status: New

 

D3. Develop an affordable plan to provide access to learning management system software and a digital content management system for every teacher and learner and to also train teachers in effective instructional design to integrate synchronous and asynchronous technologies.

Lead: ESU Coordinating Council

Participating Entities: Technical Panel’s Learning Management System Work Group, NITC Education Council, ESU Technology Affiliate Group

Timeframe: 2010-2011

Funding: No funding is requested for this action item at this time.

Status: Continuation with minor revisions

 

D4. Provide training and encourage all education providers to list all dual enrollment and concurrent enrollment courses, and all enrichment opportunities on the statewide clearinghouse and scheduling software system.

Lead: ESU Coordinating Council

Participating Entities: NITC Education Council, Higher education entities

Timeframe: 2010-2011

Funding: No funding is requested for this action item at this time.

Status: Continuation with minor revisions

 

D6. Develop and deploy a statewide digital content repository that allows the assignment of digital property rights and the uploading, cataloguing, metatagging, searching, and downloading of digital learning objects by Nebraska educators.

Lead: Nebraska Educational Telecommunications (NET) & ESU Coordinating Council

Participating Entities: Nebraska Department of Education, Education Council Services Task Group, ESU Instructional Materials Committee, Distance Education Council, Partnership for Innovation (PFI)

Timeframe: 2010-2011

Funding: Considerable funding will be required for this action item

Status: New

 

D7. Monitor the Nebraska Statewide Assessment System (NeSAS) and develop strategies that will assure its continued success and use of the most efficient and scalable technology infrastructure.

Lead: Technical Panel

Participating Entities: Education Council Services Task Group, ESU-NOC

Timeframe: 2010-2011

Funding: No funding is requested for this action item at this time.

Status: New

 

D8: Develop a business plan for Network Nebraska—Education to provide Digital Education resources statewide.

Lead: Education Council Marketing Task Group

Participating Entities: CAP, Network Nebraska Advisory Group, ESU Coordinating Council, ESUs

Timeframe: 2010-2011

Funding: No funding requested for this action item at this time.

Status: New

 

Mr. Bateman moved to approve all the Digital Education action items with the exception of D5 along with the modifications of D1-4, and new action items D6-8 with appropriate leads as indicated.  Mr. Linster seconded.  Roll call:  Stanley-Yes, Ely-Yes, Cone-Yes, Chipps-Yes, Chandler-Yes, Bateman-Yes, Bell-Yes, Pease-Yes, Linster-Yes, Lenosky-Yes, Holly-Yes, Hartman-Yes, Hamersky-Yes, and Haack-Yes. Results:  14-Yes, No-0, Abstain-0.  Motion carried.

 

STATEWIDE TECHNOLOGY PLAN - CONSIDER APPROVAL AND FORWARDING OF THE eGOVERNMENT ACTION ITEM TO THE NITC

 

Following are the results of the review and discussion of a new eGovernment action item:

 

1.  Maintain the Education Portal on the State of Nebraska website.

Lead:  Nebraska.gov (Nebraska Interactive LLC)

Participating Entities:  Education Council

Timeframe:  2010-2011

Funding:  No funding requested for this action item at this time

Status: New

 

Mr. Pease moved approval of the eGovernment action item as modified. Ms. Holly seconded.  Roll call:  Lenosky-Yes, Linster-Yes, Pease-Yes, Bell-Yes, Bateman-Yes, Chandler-Yes, Chipps-Yes, Cone-Yes, Ely-Yes, Stanley-Yes, Haack-Yes, Hamersky-Yes, Hartman-Yes, and Holly-Yes. Results:  14-Yes, No-0, Abstain-0.  Motion carried.

 

OTHER/ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

The Nebraska Digital Government Summit will be held on November 17th. All NITC Commissioners and its Advisory Council members are invited to attend.  Mr. Rolfes will send the conference link to members.

 

AGENDA ITEMS, DATE AND LOCATION FOR THE DECEMBER 2009 MEETING

 

The next NITC Education Council will be held on December 3 beginning at 1 p.m.  Videoconferencing will be available.  A topic members would like on the agenda is a discussion on potential sources of revenue for Network Nebraska and a report on the Midwest Higher Education Consortium by Dennis Linster.

 

Mr. Chandler moved to adjourn.  Mr. Stanley seconded. All were in favor. Motion carried.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 3:00 p.m.