MCOECN Serving Legislators

MCOECN, OECN, and DA Sites - a critical link to technology in Ohio schools
In 1979, the Ohio Department of Education (or Ohio State Assembly) established the Ohio Education Computer Network to provide comprehensive educational computer services to Ohio's schools.

To provide best value, customized technology services to the districts, 23 Data Acquisition Sites (DA Sites) were formed to serve districts on a regional basis.

In an effort to ensure consistency among the 23 DA Sites, a "board of directors" was formed to oversee all 23 of the DA Sites. The "board of directors" is known today as the Management Council of the Ohio Education Computer Network (MCOECN).

OECN's DA Sites have been a valued resource in Ohio school districts for more than two decades.

Ohio school districts rely on their DA Sites to provide core services including:

-Staff Payroll Systems
-Ohio Career Information System
-Equipment Inventory System
-Computer Services & Statistical Report System
-Grade & Attendance Reporting
-Student Fees
-INFOHIO Media Center & Library Automation

-School Accounting Systems
-Education Management Information System (EMIS)
-Electronic Mail (Email)
-Special Education Child Information Management System
-Scheduling
-Discipline Tracking

In addition, DA Sites provide a variety of ancillary services, based on funding and goals established by the districts' local "governing boards." Governing boards often include Superintendents, Treasurers and other School Board members.

These services include:

-Technology Planning Services
-Desktop Instructional Solutions
-Lesson Plan Ideas
-Local Area Network (LAN) Wide Area Network (WAN)
-Training & Professional Development

-Technology Consulting Services
-Office Automation Services for Administrative Offices
-Network Servers for LAN/WAN and Internet Connection
-Video Conferencing for Distance Education

Funding for the OECN, a Smart Investment in Education Technology.
The OECN is a non-profit organization, dedicated to helping school districts receive the best value for their money, where technology is involved.

The OECN is funded by the State of Ohio.

Relaying appropriate funds to the OECN is in the best interest of Ohio's school districts because:
	MCOECN's mass purchasing power allows technologies to be purchased at much lower group rates. These rates are often 80 - 90 percent lower than purchasing through an outside vendor.
	MCOECN, OECN and DA Sites never profit from the services they provide. Savings are always returned to the school districts.
	DA Site representatives are experts in the school districts they serve. This added value creates a source of experts at the districts' disposal. This means, no competing with other clients, or paying for vendors' learning curves, or mistakes.
	DA Site representatives give unbiased consultation in regards to technology. School districts are never encouraged to buy something they don't need, or isn't necessary.
	OECN's philosophy is, "It isn't about the latest and greatest. It's about preserving what works and applying the right technology to achieve improved results."
State and district funding are critical to OECN's success. Continued funding allows for:
	A commitment to technology in all Ohio's school districts
	Increased, yet efficient, technology services
	Further career development for students, technology staff in the schools, teachers and administrators
	Enhanced communication between districts and DA Sites
	District networking, through technology and communication
	Highly trained DA Site staffing
Reinforce Ohio's commitment to technology in schools. Remember OECN.

8050 North High Street, Suite 150, Columbus, OH. 43235 ph:614/840-9810 fax:614/846-4081 wilcox@mcoecn.org