Thursday, January 10, 2013

Need information on San Diego's schools? There's an app for that.

San Diego Unified app
running on an Android
phone.
San Diego Unified's new smart phone app, giving parents and the community quick access to locations of district schools, up-to-date news and other features, is now online.

Available for the Apple iPhone, as well as phones and pads running the Google Android system, the app was co-developed by the district and its web content management system contractor, Schoolwires Inc.

"This new mobile app will give on-the-go access to district news and information" said Bernie Rhinerson, Chief of Staff, "for all of our parents and the community at large who need timely information about our schools and who want to keep up with what is happening in our district.“

The app is available for download from the iTunes app store for Apple products, or from the Google Play app store for devices running the Google Android system. There is no charge for the app, however the end-user may have to pay for data usage depending on his or her phone plan.

"San Diego Unified School District now will be able to effectively deliver its rich district experience powered by Schoolwires to community stakeholders using mobile devices," said Jason Coudriet, vice president of Product Design and Innovation, Schoolwires, Inc. "We are excited and pleased with the success of the project. "

Current features include access to the district's News section, which provides daily stories on student achievement, new programs and innovative school programs, an address and telephone number listing of all district schools, staff directory and links to the district's Facebook and Twitter pages. Additional features will be added to the app in the coming months, including an iPad version and Spanish-language support.

“As one of the first large urban school districts in the country to offer a mobile information application," said Rhinerson, "San Diego Unified continues to be on the leading edge in using new technologies to stay connected with our stakeholders.”

For more information on the app, contact District Webmaster Geoff Smith at webmaster@sandi.net.