Introduction
Welcome everyone to the bi-monthly Tech Report for November. In case you missed the memo, I will be creating these reports every other month as long as we are doing virtual learning.
While not much has happened over the last two months with regard to technology, that is not a bad thing. Things are running as they are intended to and there have not been many huge issues with virtual learning.
New Additions in October
Google Enterprise
After a few months of waiting, Google finally processed our Google Enterprise licenses. These licenses give us access to additional Google Meet settings as well as allowing us to keep all the premium features we had grown accustomed to (recorded meetings, unlimited number of users in a single session). Some additional features include polling, white board, and breakout groups. Teachers now have access to unlimited plagiarism checks within Google Classroom and I have access to additional security features in the admin console.
When our licenses were processed, I went through all HAST email accounts that ever existed, organized and categorized them so licenses could be automatically assigned to active students and teachers. This was a long process, but something that needed to be done.
Outdoor Access Points
As mentioned previously, we ordered three outdoor access points to extend our wifi signal outside the building. We installed one on each balcony as well as outside the access to the gym door (across from the new greenhouse). The goal of these access points is to encourage staff and students to utilize the outside balconies as well as to provide wifi to the greenhouse. These access points should provide students outside the building with wifi signal as well. Once school returns to “normal” teachers can utilize these spaces for class.
Logistically there was a lot of work that went into installing these access points. We ran wire from old access point ports through the ceiling and then through the wall to the outside. Many thanks to Mr. Funchion for assisting us with running cable and drilling holes through the brick on the outside.
New TV Computers
While most people will not notice because we are virtual, the TVs received an update last month. Previously we utilized Raspberry Pi’s to display our Google Slide for announcements. This worked fine for a couple years, but the Raspberry Pi’s became slow, unresponsive, and often times needed to be unplugged from the ceiling and restarted. This year we ordered three mini computers to run the announcements to each tv. They are much faster, more responsive, and work as expected.
Virtual Report Cards
Quarter 1 report cards were sent out virtually for the first time October 14th utilizing our School Messenger service. To save paper we will continue to send out report cards virtually from now on.
Tech Issues in October
There were no major issues in October. There were no minor issues in October. The month went smoothly without a hiccup.
NWEA Testing
In October we began NWEA testing by having one grade came in at a time for two days to test. Students were divided between the classroom pods and the gym to properly social distance. There have been no issues with testing this year and the process has gone smoothly. We will continue testing into the second week of November.
Support Ticket Breakdown
Support tickets were much lower in September and even lower in October. Either students are not having issues or they are not filling out support tickets.
Reminders
- Please remember to fill out support tickets for support issues.
- Take care of your devices.
- Visit HAST Tech Store for chargers, screen protectors, and to pay iPad deductible online
