Data Security in the Classroom

We have always been aware of security needs with regards to financial information and information about parents and alumni.   But, as technology begins to take center stage in the classroom, we may have to start giving thought to security concerns there as well.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/23/business/data-security-is-a-classroom-worry-too.html

Classroom Media Carts Being Phased Out

For many years, each classroom has had a media cart at the front of the room connected to an overhead projector.   These carts usually include a full desktop computer, a sound system control, and a DVD player.  Although functional, many teachers were unhappy about the amount of space the carts took up in the front of the room.  Others felt that the setup was a little to complicated, and were frustrated when they couldn't get things to run smoothly in the middle of class.  Others disliked the bundles of cables which inevitably hung down from such a configuration.  We are working now on phasing out these carts.   Audio equipment will be shelf mounted along a wall.   Teachers will connect to the projectors wirelessly for most applications.  

Technology Asset Management

A significant amount of time each year goes into keeping track of things and planning ahead.   The technology office manages a large number desktops, laptops, wireless access points, network switches, printers, projectors, servers, computer accounts, information systems, sound systems and wiring needs across campus.   After attending a focus group on this topic at the edAccess conference this summer, we are completely revamping how we do things.   We are integrating our traditional inventory lists with our budgeting and purchase planning documents.   Tearing apart existing processes is a lot of work now, but when we are done we will be able to produce project lists, purchasing lists, and communicate with users about future plans much more efficiently.

Projector Upgrades

All of the Blair classrooms have ceiling mounted digital projectors, which support wireless connections from faculty laptops with touchscreen capabilities.  This summer we are completing the task of standardizing the hardware to a single platform.   Software is available for faculty and students to connect to the projectors using a variety of devices including Windows laptops, Mac laptops, iPads, iPhones, and Android phones

Landline Phones on the Decline

Once upon a time, every boarding student, faculty member, and office member had a school phone.  Day students were asked to dial into a switchboard to check voicemail messages.  At its peak, the Blair PBX supported over 600 campus telephones.  Now we are steadily phasing out traditional telephones, and most students and faculty rely on mobile smartphones.  This culture is a good fit for the Blair mobile website, www.blair.edu/mobile, from which directories and daily schedules are readily available.