Tech Office Update

I thought I would type up a short update with the goings on in the Technology Office, since I have been neglectful in my Technology Tips posts that I usually do on Tuesdays.

Chromebook Mobile Lab - Has been up and functioning.  Students really seem to enjoy using them.  We had one chromebook that the mousepad started malfunctioning on(it just stopped working, for no real reason....it worked when I set it up, but stopped working VERY early on in the school year)...this has been returned to Samsung, and they will be either repairing or replacing it.

Windows 7 Lab - The Windows 7 lab is also up and running.  Keep in mind that the machines in this lab are 4 years old, and have been re-imaged multiple times.  So far, the machines that have "had troubles" have been able to start running again.  It's VERY Important, that students who use these machines take care of them and shut them down correctly.  (2 of the 3 that "had troubles" were NOT shut down correctly)

Broken Screens  - We have had our first 4 broken screens of the school year already.  One of them was cause by a student dropping their machine.  Another was stepped on.  The other 2 did not know why their screen broke....but I DO see students often walking around with the screen open on their laptops.  This doesn't cause the screen to break...but if they are holding it open by putting pressure on the screen (thumb on the front...hand kind of on the back of the screen), it just makes it possible....the screens aren't very strong.

Broken Screen Repairs- Instead of returning the screens for repairs this year, I have found a business that sends me the appropriate part (replacement screen), and they send it to me and I do the repair here at the school.  This is a much more cost efficient solution (screens so far have been $67, in comparison to the $100 to have it repaired).

School Podcast - So far, I have completed 4 podcasts... although haven't done one since Homecoming week.  We had a few issues with guests who didn't want to be on the podcast, and/or trouble arranging a time to get an interview.  If you have an event or activity coming up that you would like to discuss on the podcast please let me know...  It does not take long to put one together, and I really enjoy doing them.  I record the interviews on my phone, so no special equipment needed, just some time set aside.

Forticlient/Symantec Issues - earlier in the year we had some issues with some student computers not being able to access sites at home.  This was a state issue with the Forticlient software that was installed on the student computers.  I believe this issue has been solved.  If a student is having trouble getting on a website that they need, they should contact me and I'll see what I can do.  Also, if a teacher has a site they need opened up for students...please contact me and I'll work with the DDN and get it opened up.

Colony Computers - I recently completed installing 4 new machines out at Roland Colony.  These computers have internet capability (although very restricted), and have Microsoft Office installed on them.  I also ordered some external DVD Drives for them, so that they can use some programs that they have on CD ROM.  I also need to install the printer on new machines (which I neglected to do when I brought them out there).

Microsoft Surfaces in Lake Benton - The Lake Benton Elementary school just ordered a bunch of Microsoft Surfaces for their "Upper" Elementary grades... they just came in (I think yesterday).  So I will be inventorying them, and begin setting them up for their students and staff.  With the growth of the Windows 8 Apps, and also Google Apps for Education...it will be interesting to see how they can use these in their classrooms.

Teacher Computer work - Most staff computers have been doing quite well, however there are a few "problem children" out there, that we need to look at replacing their machines.  Otherwise, it has mostly been installing programs that are needed on machines.  There were a few staff machines that were not functioning well, and they had a bunch of junk programs installed on them...these usually happen as "add-ons" when people are installing other programs on their machines.... for example...one staff member had 4 different toolbars installed on their internet explorer:  google, yahoo, ask, and avg!

Office 365 - I did a presentation on Office 365 to the staff a few weeks back on our Wednesday inservice time.  As we move forward, I'm continuing to wonder at what a valuable tool this is for our staff and students, and that if the State K12 Data Center is going to continue to provide this service to us... the possiblity of moving to chromebooks for our HS students is more of a possibilty than ever.

Server Power Back-Up - Earlier this fall, we had some problems with our back up power source on our Server.  It was just old equipment, and it would "overload" and it would shut down the server.  I replaced this and we haven't had any problems since.

Projector Bulbs - We have had a few projector bulbs already go out this fall.  When this happens, I have to order a new one...we don't keep them "on hand" as they are very expensive (over $100 for each of them).  However, I do have a projector in my office that I can "loan out" while we wait for the new bulb to come in.

I'm sure I'm leaving many things out...but just wanted to "highlight" some of the things I have been doing so far this school year.

Weekend Update for September 6th, 2013

Well, it's been another busy week in the Technology Office.

The new machines for Roland Colony are almost completed (I am working on the last one, right now).

The Smarter Balance Technology Readiness Tool is completed.  This is something all schools in SD have to complete as the testing moves to online this year.  It was actually quite a lengthy process and complicated...took me a long time to get it figured out.

We've had a few staff computers with some issues, I've been able to solve most of them so far, although there are a few still giving me some trouble.

The images for all the student machines have been updated for duplication.  There are a few students who had trouble with their machines in the first couple days who were issued loaners...Their machines are being imaged as I type this.

Chromebooks are off and running with grades 5-8.  All students 5-8 have learned how to log in to the network, and into their chromebooks with their state e-mail credentials.  This is really going to benefit them down the road, especially judging by the number of Freshmen who are struggling with their logins and passwords already... they were used to just logging in with the general "student" credentials...the younger students are developing skills at an earlier age.

Completed the 2nd School Podcast yesterday... that link is available HERE.  These have been pretty fun to do, and really...now that I have the program set up, and the intro and outtro music done...they don't take very long to put together.  I have also been in talks with Mr. Farnham about his communications class doing their own podcast... a student version, I guess you would call it.  Still working out the details, but that could be a really cool opportunity for our students

The WEEKEND:

Good Luck to the Elk Football Team tonight as they take on the O-R-R Raiders in Rutland.

Go Elks!

First Cross Country Meet of the season tomorrow at White.  I'm excited to see what the Elks and Lady Elks can do.  Could be the start of a special season.

Saturday afternoon the SDSU Jackrabbits Football team will take the field against the University of North Dakota.  The game will be broadcast on Midco Sports Net and Fox College Sports Pacific.

Go Big, Go Blue, Go Jacks!

Sunday, the NFL season kicks off for most of the teams.  Hope it is a fun and exciting season for all the fans.

Today's Friday Video is from 3 Doors Down... Enjoy "Kryptonite"!

Happy Thanksgiving Week!

Hope everyone has a Great Thanksgiving Week!

Technology Office is busy as ever... working on some of the following problems:
1.  Re-imaging all the computers on the laptop cart.
2.  Getting Mr. Farnham's Mac onto the domain server.
3.  Helping Mrs. Blake get her iPads to connect to iCloud.
4.  Install Type to Learn software at Roland Colony, (hopefully do that today).

In addition, I'm very excited to start Girls Basketball Practice today.  It will be a very interesting season for me.  I have not been an assistant basketball coach since 2001.  Also, starting out at a new school and getting to know new players and what they can do.  And, on top of all that... the Varsity girls team graduated 6 players from last year's team, so this year will be a whole different crew out there, from the past few years.

I actually think the team will surprise some people.  My daughter and I were able to join them for a couple team camps in Madison this past summer, and I didn't think they looked too bad at all.  Just a bit inexperienced.... people will need to grow into their roles, and become their own team.

Nov. 9th: Weekend Update!

Pretty Successful Week in the Tech Office!

I was able to get the computers at Roland Colony online, finally.  In addition, I was able to get one of the "wireless" projectors to work.

Had a few computers come in this week with memory/hard drive problems.  A few of these were sophomore computers... I had a school board member come in this morning with a computer that won't run, and Principal Neill's computer decided to quit working this week.  (This was not surprising, as two other staff members who had the same make and model (bought the same year) had their computers stop working as well.

So, I've been keeping busy.

Also, this week.... the state updated the Lightspeed filter, and I received new "credentials" to manage the system.  I know of one staff member who was having trouble with students getting on facebook during class, which should be blocked.  I did hear from the state yesterday, that the update was done, and that we should be up and running correctly now.  Please let me know if you have any other issues.

And now... the Weekend Update!

Big Sports Weekend for the SDSU Jackrabbits!

Tonight the Men's Basketball Team takes on the University of Alabama Crimson Tide at Alabama.  Should be a tough test for the team, in their first game of the season.  The game will be broadcast on ESPNU.

Tomorrow the SDSU Football Team takes on the #1 Ranked, and defending National Champion NDSU Bison in Fargo.  A very big game for the football team.  Both teams are tied for the lead in the Missouri Valley Football Conference, and the winning team will take a one game lead in the Conference, with one game to play.  Very likely that the Conference Championship will be decided on Saturday in the Fargodome.

Go Big.  Go Blue.  Go Jacks!

Sunday, I plan on watching the Chargers play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Tampa.  Could be a tough game for the Bolts, but I'll be watching.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Monday, Nov. 5th.

Congratulations to the SDSU Jackrabbits Football Team, as they defeated Southern Illinois in Carbondale, Illinois this past Saturday.

This sets up a possible Missouri Valley Football Conference Championship game this coming Saturday, in Fargo, against the NDSU Bison.  Both teams are 5-1 in the conference, and would take a 1 game lead with one game to play.

This week in the Tech Office:

1. Continuing to work on projectors for a couple classroom.  Darn Epson projectors won't connect to the new HP computers, and I have to figure out why.  I've been working on this for weeks, and I'm just tired of it.
2. Need to run out to the colony to try a few ideas I have.  The new computers I installed can't connect to the internet.  I've got a few thoughts, that I'd like to try.
3. Apple Server - need to do some work with Mr. Farnham, as he is having trouble logging in with his older apple computers, and need to work on getting him Youtube access.  
4. E-rate - have to get the form 470 done and completed.
5. Wednesday - I'll be heading over to Lake Benton to work on any tech issues they have over there.
6. Regular Tech office stuff.

Monday the 15th of September

Boy I am tired today.  We moved a couple more trailers of things from our home in Chamberlain yesterday.

I got finished unloading somewhere around 10:30 pm last night, and I still have a trailer to go.

On the bright side... probably 95% of our things are moved now.  And we got to bring our dogs with us.  Dexter and Jagger are very excited to be in Elkton and they are really enjoying running around in the backyard!

I've got another trailer to unload this week, so it is going to be a very busy week at the Harmings!

We will be doing Internet safety talks in the Elementary School Monday and Tuesday this week.  We'll be going over some helpful and useful information in how to stay safe online.

I am also arranging times to meet with the JH students this week as well.

Today is "Super Hero Day" for Homecoming week.  I've heard that a very bright and talented girl thought up the idea for that.  I'm looking forward to seeing all the costumes.  I didn't really have a costume, so I wore my US Army Academy Sweatshirt.  Figured I'd wearing something from a "Real American Hero".

Things have been very busy in the Tech office.  I am continuing to load the software onto the touchscreen computers.  I have grades 6, 5, 4, and Kindergarten finished.  Need to load Grades 1-3 yet.  Also, once I have all the programs installed and the computers in the classroom, We'll be installing the projectors in the classrooms where they are needed.

Also, Karla's desktop computer in the office crashed last week, so I am attempting to recover her information from the hard drive.

Good Luck to all the teams in their activities this Homecoming week!  I plan to leave a bit early on Wednesday to attend the CC meet in Dell Rapids.

Hope everyone has a great week!