Each year, the Department of Technology and Innovation in Barrington 220 shares a Department Update with our Board of Education. This article provides a summary of the key areas that define our department’s work.
About the Department
Dr. Matt Fuller, Assistant Superintendent of Technology and Innovation, oversees the Department of Technology and Innovation in Barrington 220. Our department’s three primary areas include:
- Instructional Technology and Innovation—Mr. Joe Robinson, Director of Innovation
- Technology Services and Infrastructure—Mr. Russ Vander Mey, Director of Technology Services
- Student Information Systems—Ms. Tracy Harper, Director of Student Information
In addition, our department supports the district’s Teacher Librarians, elementary STEM teachers, Transportation services, and our district Print Center (located at Barrington High School). Our department is highly collaborative and works with other district departments to support all technology and innovation needs across the district. Our department is responsible for implementing all Future Readiness objectives, supports all other Framework 220 objectives, and maintains strong ties to the Health and Well-being and Personalized Learning objectives.
Barrington 220 One to World Program
The Barrington 220 One to World program is a district-wide initiative that integrates technology into teaching and learning. Since its introduction in 2013–14, the program has expanded to all grade levels, providing 24/7 device access with iPads as the primary learning tool for PK–12+ students.
The Department of Technology and Innovation collaborates with the Teaching and Learning Department to provide training for staff through Summer University, featuring topics like Apple Teacher Certification, blended learning, AI tools, and classroom technology management. Resources for families are available through the One to World for Families website, and instructional technology team members regularly join PTO meetings to share updates and gather feedback.
Technology Support & Device Management
Technology support in Barrington 220 follows a tiered model, starting with Library Technology Assistants (LTAs) at schools, escalating to the district Technology Support Team led by Technology Support Supervisor Mark Polzin (housed at Barrington High School serving the entire district). Device management includes app distribution, software updates, lost device recovery, incident tracking, security enhancements, inventory control, and other features.
Recent infrastructure upgrade projects include:
- VoIP Telephone System Upgrade, enhancing communication, safety, and security.
- Classroom Display Upgrades, replacing aging projectors with flat-panel displays and Apple TV for wireless sharing.
- Wi-Fi Equipment Upgrades, ensuring reliable network access among our 700+ wireless access points.
Barrington 220 prioritizes cybersecurity awareness, implementing monthly phishing training and using 24/7 endpoint security for threat detection. The district participates in MS-ISAC, a national cybersecurity collaboration.
Student Information
The district uses Infinite Campus as its Student Information System (SIS). Director of Student Information Services Tracy Harper leads the student information team, along with Assistant Director Tim Woomert. This department offers Infinite Campus professional development, is working to improve online registration (OLR), and worked with the district administration to develop a comprehensive Attendance page for our families. New Point-of-Sale machines were also introduced in food service areas this year.
Digital Citizenship & Social Media Awareness
The Social Media Awareness and Digital Citizenship Advisory Committee (comprised of over 60 members, including students, staff, parents, and community members) collaborates to promote responsible technology use. The district has worked with Dr. Devorah Heitner to study social media impacts and align digital citizenship curriculum with AASL National School Library Standards.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Integration
Barrington 220 has been actively exploring AI tools to support learning. The AI Task Force that includes over 25 educators is evaluating AI applications, including Brisk, MagicSchool, SchoolAI, Khanmigo, and Snorkl, ensuring tools align with iPad compatibility, teacher autonomy, and student engagement monitoring.
If you are interested in reading the full Board of Education Update, please access it here.
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