Tech Troubles & Solutions

Parker, Linda

ET
CA
CO

K. Schwartz. (2013, April 11). Finding solutions for tech troubles in schools [Web log

       post]. Mindshift.  Retrieved from:

       http://blogs.kqed.org/mindshift/2013/04/finding-ways-to-boost-broadband-for-schools/

I found this article very interesting because we are experiencing these same problems at our school currently.  It becomes a matter of technology advancing so quickly, not only can we not keep up with managing devices, but managing infrastructure becomes an issue as systems are fast out-grown and quickly out-dated.  Going to  "The Cloud" is a concern to due security issues so our school has been resistant to this idea, however, Schwartz raises an excellent point: how can we ensure there's enough broadband for everyone?  Technology is a great thing, but we are being led around by it sort of like the bull with the ring in its nose.  Here's the rub: how can schools supply what's necessary with ever-shrinking budgets?  One suggestion, although it comes with concerns is: make school a BYOD (bring your own device).  It saves money, but there are management and content issues to consider as well as bandwidth availability.  Another aspect of this article the author mentions is the Designing Education Network (DEN) which is a forum to compile best practices for quickly and carefully building up one's IT infrastructure.  We'll have to be watching to get glean some solutions for our own school.