Standard 1E
In the 2019-2020 school year, I began my first full year as technology director of Wyncote Academy. Due to the coronavirus pandemic and our school going fully virtual in a matter of weeks, my role as technology director became suddenly very important and critical to keep the school running. Before the pandemic, I was enrolled in the class LLT 525 Computer Networking for Educators. I chose to explore Agile, a company that Wyncote works with closely as they handle our networking and phones system.
For my assignment I was asked to interview a person who is connected to the technology department and discuss what it takes to manage a school network and provide support for a school. I have a direct connection to the head of Agile with whom I have worked in the past to resolve technology issues at Wyncote Academy.
I chose to interview Jordan Hullman and below is the transcript of the interview.
Introduction:
Jordan Hullman works for Agile networks which is business technology solutions provider. (phone connections, networking infrastructure for servers, tech support for desktops, and laptops. Agile also provides security installations such as cameras and door controls.
What made you get into the field of networking and technology?
Originally, I did not attend school for networking. My field of study was Electrical Engineering. I wanted to get into the manufacturing of circuits and development.
Where did you attend school? What was your field of study?
University of Alabama Electrical Engineering. The Networking field was based on having prior knowledge and no formal degree was needed to pursue a career in the field of Networking. Some manufacturers provide training and programs needed to work in certain industries.
When did you begin working at Agile? What was your first job in the field of Networking?
I worked at other companies before working for Agile Networks and have been working there for 16 years. My past work history was working for small companies, but some are now larger companies. I worked for some small software companies. My first real career job was at Siemens Company as a sales engineer.
Does Agile work strictly with schools or other businesses? What is the major difference when working to set up a network for a school versus a business?
Schools may require more security requirements and most want to restrict apps or websites that students may try to access. With schools it is important to create a separate network for teachers and students. In some schools, the administration will also require a different network for administration only. Schools will also have a need for stricter device control than a business might require. (follow up question) Can you name a major challenge you came across working with a school?
Education is the key to success and as we continue to integrate more technology in the classroom, do you feel that your job has become more challenging since you must work with clients who may need a lot of support due to the lack of education in technology?
Everything in this industry is a challenge as client’s skill and background vary in the field of technology. Our goal is to guide and provide the right solutions for the client based on their needs. We need to better educate our clients on how the technology can be used to best meet their needs. (Example: some schools may want a smartboard that is portable and easy to move for use in multiple rooms. Some schools may want to use a screen to project like a TV and some may want a whiteboard where information can be recorded.) Educating our clients about the products available and how to meet their needs while staying within the school budget is another area to discuss with the client.
As a teacher I believe that more education is needed within the field of technology in the classroom. Students need to learn how to safely use internet resources. Teaches need more professional development to learn how to successfully incorporate new technologies in the classroom.
What do you think?
Agreed. There is a need for more education for staff. Also, private schools may struggle since they are not receiving state funds like public school to help provide PD for the staff. It comes down to the school coming up with the funds.
Schools differ on the PD or training they provide, and it depends on how the school will be using technology.
It is hard for schools to standardize a model since all schools will have different needs and the use of the technology may not be the same from one school to another.
Teachers need to have a course either required by the school or something done on their own. This will help them stay updated on new products, learn how to properly use these products, and understand the product’s application. It would be best to allow teachers to choose a PD that best meets their needs and subject area rather than a general all school PD.
Continuing education is the key for teachers especially in the field of technology.
Self-based training is also key.
A Masters in Instructional Technology is a great field to be in. Gaining knowledge will be critical for educators as well as the schools moving forward.
For my assignment I was asked to interview a person who is connected to the technology department and discuss what it takes to manage a school network and provide support for a school. I have a direct connection to the head of Agile with whom I have worked in the past to resolve technology issues at Wyncote Academy.
I chose to interview Jordan Hullman and below is the transcript of the interview.
Introduction:
Jordan Hullman works for Agile networks which is business technology solutions provider. (phone connections, networking infrastructure for servers, tech support for desktops, and laptops. Agile also provides security installations such as cameras and door controls.
What made you get into the field of networking and technology?
Originally, I did not attend school for networking. My field of study was Electrical Engineering. I wanted to get into the manufacturing of circuits and development.
Where did you attend school? What was your field of study?
University of Alabama Electrical Engineering. The Networking field was based on having prior knowledge and no formal degree was needed to pursue a career in the field of Networking. Some manufacturers provide training and programs needed to work in certain industries.
When did you begin working at Agile? What was your first job in the field of Networking?
I worked at other companies before working for Agile Networks and have been working there for 16 years. My past work history was working for small companies, but some are now larger companies. I worked for some small software companies. My first real career job was at Siemens Company as a sales engineer.
Does Agile work strictly with schools or other businesses? What is the major difference when working to set up a network for a school versus a business?
Schools may require more security requirements and most want to restrict apps or websites that students may try to access. With schools it is important to create a separate network for teachers and students. In some schools, the administration will also require a different network for administration only. Schools will also have a need for stricter device control than a business might require. (follow up question) Can you name a major challenge you came across working with a school?
Education is the key to success and as we continue to integrate more technology in the classroom, do you feel that your job has become more challenging since you must work with clients who may need a lot of support due to the lack of education in technology?
Everything in this industry is a challenge as client’s skill and background vary in the field of technology. Our goal is to guide and provide the right solutions for the client based on their needs. We need to better educate our clients on how the technology can be used to best meet their needs. (Example: some schools may want a smartboard that is portable and easy to move for use in multiple rooms. Some schools may want to use a screen to project like a TV and some may want a whiteboard where information can be recorded.) Educating our clients about the products available and how to meet their needs while staying within the school budget is another area to discuss with the client.
As a teacher I believe that more education is needed within the field of technology in the classroom. Students need to learn how to safely use internet resources. Teaches need more professional development to learn how to successfully incorporate new technologies in the classroom.
What do you think?
Agreed. There is a need for more education for staff. Also, private schools may struggle since they are not receiving state funds like public school to help provide PD for the staff. It comes down to the school coming up with the funds.
Schools differ on the PD or training they provide, and it depends on how the school will be using technology.
It is hard for schools to standardize a model since all schools will have different needs and the use of the technology may not be the same from one school to another.
Teachers need to have a course either required by the school or something done on their own. This will help them stay updated on new products, learn how to properly use these products, and understand the product’s application. It would be best to allow teachers to choose a PD that best meets their needs and subject area rather than a general all school PD.
Continuing education is the key for teachers especially in the field of technology.
Self-based training is also key.
A Masters in Instructional Technology is a great field to be in. Gaining knowledge will be critical for educators as well as the schools moving forward.