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GAT Meeting - 2020-09-17

GAT Meeting - 2020-09-17

Sep 21, 2020

Agenda

  1. Show & Tell:  Wisconsin DPI’s Google Classroom Integration using Ed-Fi

  2. Discussion Topic: Vendor Rating System

  3. GAT Membership Rotation

  4. Updates

    1. Ed-Fi Exchange Live event

    2. Community and Ed-Fi Covid-19 priorities and status

Link to meeting PPT

Participation

Members:

  • @dean.folkers

  • @Happy Miller (Unlicensed)

  • @Monica Hogan

  • @John Raub

  • @jennifer.downey (Deactivated)

  • @dougquinton

  • @Eric Miller (Deactivated)

  • @Chris Moffatt (Deactivated)

  • @Maureen Wentworth

  • @Jami O'Toole (Deactivated)

  • @Troy Wheeler (Deactivated)

Support:

  • @nwilson (Unlicensed)

Meeting Minutes

Refer to the meeting PPT for additional details on the meeting minutes and discussions.

When available, meeting minutes should be read, and any corrections sent to Chris.

Wisconsin DPI’s Google Classroom Integration using Ed-Fi

John Raub and his colleagues at Wisconsin DPI shared their Google Classroom Integration Approach using Ed-Fi. This provides LEAs a mechanism for them to get all data in using the Google Suite. Users need to be familiar with Google Classroom.

A demonstration was given which showed syncing and activating a variety of course data to teachers’ Google classroom account. The use cases include provisioning courses, creating notifications and provisioning by teachers.

Wisconsin DPI is gathering beta candidates and expect the beta test to be initiated in late October becoming most useful for the second semester.

After testing and clean-up, it will be made available to the Ed-Fi Community. It is a great use case for leveraging interoperability.

Discussion Topic: Vendor Rating System

John Raub presented a GAT topic on a vendor rating system. The draft document can be found here. A rich discussion followed with the following key points:

  • There have been multiple conversations that districts need “something” to help them determine the best path to success for Ed-Fi implementations.

  • There are other entities that have such vendor rating tools that may be used in lieu of developing something new. See potential resources such as the Ed Surge approach posted below from “chat” during webex.

  • Also, some vendors currently have tools in place to get customer feedback. There was a concern expressed for creating extra or duplicative work.

  • It would be good to focus on the positive (rather than the negative) feedback received from such tools – end goal is to provide districts with a registry of products and vendors who have successfully implemented Ed-Fi.

  • A particular vendor may offer a host of products and there is a need to differentiate not just by vendor but by vendor’s product.

  • Is there a way to rate publicly and provide vendor comments privately? Would this be beneficial?

  • This idea has merit and needs more studying and engagement with vendors and districts. Could be tied to implementation KPIs and/or connect with a vendor work group to address different issues.

  • It is helpful to have information on where vendors are in process of interoperability – this would be especially useful when changing a system/going out with a new RFP.

  • Often districts talk to each other to get this information now.

The following resources related to Ed-tech reviews and rating were posted in chat:

Action item: Ed-Fi will work with Wisconsin DPI to catalog what is out there – how accessible and useful is it to the purpose stated. Look at what they are getting rated on. Examine what would work and have follow-up discussion.

GAT Membership Rotation

The following approach was discussed and approved by GAT membership for membership rotation

  • Step 1: Members are invited to indicate that they would like to rotate off the GAT for 2021

  • Step 2: Of the remaining members, we will draw straws for members that have served longer than 12 months

  • Plan to have rotation completed by Exchange Live event (November)

More details can be found at GAT Membership Rotation Process.

Updates: Ed-Fi Exchange Live event

The Ed-Fi Exchange Live – has been scheduled for November 11 and 12, 2020

  • The keynote, live roundtable, sessions and virtual hangout have been carefully planned to maximize participation and ensure a productive, exciting event for all

  • Additional information can be found at: https://www.ed-fi.org/event/ed-fi-exchange-live/

  • Registration is open and the cost for GAT members is covered - Caroline will send out a code for GAT members to use

  • Everyone is asked to complete their online profile to encourage virtual interaction

  • Contact Caroline at caroline.kazmierski@ed-fi.org with any questions

Action Items

Ed-Fi will work with Wisconsin DPI to catalog what is out there – how accessible and useful is it to the purpose stated. Look at what they are getting rated on. Examine what would work and have follow-up discussion.
Follow up on GAT membership rotation

Next meeting: October 15, 2020 at 11:00 AM CST