July 7, 2009
E-mail: communications@cde.ca.gov
Phone: 916-319-0818
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undefined undefinedState Schools Chief Jack O'Connell to Hold Office Hours
Via Twitter; CDE Launches Mobile Version of Web Site
SACRAMENTO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today announced that he is now accessible via Twitter and will be holding periodic online office hours using the social networking Web site. O'Connell also announced the California Department of Education (CDE) has created a simplified mobile version of the CDE Web site.
"Technology is helping break down the barriers between government and the people," said O'Connell. "I hope that these Web-based tools will make information from the CDE more accessible to Californians."
Twitter is a Web site designed to help people communicate and share information through the exchange of quick, texted messages that are a maximum of 140 characters long. This is a useful tool for citizens and journalists to keep updated on O'Connell's and the CDE's activities, ask him questions, and follow the latest developments about education. O'Connell will hold his first online office hours today. To follow O'Connell on Twitter, please visit Jack O'Connell (SSPIJack) on Twitter [http://twitter.com/sspijack] (Outside Source).
CDE is also launching a simplified version of its Web site for handheld or mobile devices, and cellular telephones. Users also may access the regular Web site through these devices.
"The CDE Web site provides access to tremendous amounts of information about public education, but it can be overwhelming to look at it through a tiny screen on a handheld device," added O'Connell. "We are launching a simplified version so users may access the latest developments and certain resources at the CDE much more quickly and easily through today's mobile technology tools."
Because most mobile devices have slower Internet connectivity and smaller screen displays, graphics were removed from the CDE mobile Web site, and text-based links are used that deliver information more quickly to the user. The mobile Web site is designed to provide easy access to information that is most likely to be requested in a format that is suitable for a mobile device. For example, the home page includes:
- Links to the 10 most recent "What's New" items found on the regular CDE Web site;
- A search interface to the School Directory where users may get phone numbers, addresses, and maps to schools in California;
- A search interface to CDE's Staff Phone Directory;
- A link to information on CDE locations, visitor information, and Frequently Asked Questions;
- A link to a list of Available Funding for grants, allocations, and entitlements; and
- A link to the latest State Board of Education agenda.
To access the CDE mobile Web site, please visit CA Dept of Education Mobile . The mobile site links to the regular CDE Web site at California Department of Education .