[Year 12 IT Apps] RE: Google docs issue
Paul Drew
drew.paul.j at edumail.vic.gov.au
Sun Dec 7 12:31:06 EST 2008
Hi Ros,
I'm sorry to hear that you are having a difficult time. I cannot imagine
working in that sort of environment. I think it comes down to a few basics.
Having a supportive Principal and AP is essential to getting anything done.
You also need a technician who is there to help you. We are extremely
fortunate to have both. We have a simply brilliant technician who has
changed the way our intranet operates. Whenever we have an issue he comes up
with ideas, not reasons why it can't be done. He has a strong programming
background so he can quickly create programs to counter the issues students
throw at us. He is always one step ahead. He has a desire to learn. He is
also very big on open source - so most of what we do costs nothing.
The other really big plus is to lease all of your PC's (thanks Roland for
that advice). Now all of our tech's time is spend improving our network. We
have 100% of computers working. Virtually no time is spent messing with
hardware.
His latest toy is this one. It's the open source answer to
"netsupportschool" and allows teachers to monitor all students computers
from their computer. It's fantastic and costs nothing.
<http://italc.sourceforge.net/home.php>
http://italc.sourceforge.net/home.php
If the technicians are not finding ways to support teachers then "what are
they doing?" It is not for technicians to question "why" or to have teachers
justify the educational merit of something. A good technician is one who
just gets on with it, finds a way - and enjoys the challenge!
Regards
Paul Drew
ICT Co-Ordinator
Ashwood College
ph: 9807-1333 Fax: 9888-1441
email: drew.paul.j at edumail.vic.gov.au
web: <http://www.ashwood.vic.edu.au/> http://www.ashwood.vic.edu.au/
From: itapps-bounces at edulists.com.au [mailto:itapps-bounces at edulists.com.au]
On Behalf Of Ros Meadows
Sent: Saturday, 6 December 2008 18:55
To: Year 12 IT Applications Teachers' Mailing List
Subject: Re: [Year 12 IT Apps] RE: Google docs issue
Thanks Robert,
For years I jumped up and down, banged my head against a brick wall,
screamed insults, ranted and raved to anyone who would listen, in private
(and to my very understanding hubby) I cried because I knew there was so
much more that could be achieved for the students, if only the powers that
be would see my point of view. I used the line "the tail is wagging the
dog" to my principal early in 2007 when we had a moodle site running but the
AV tech controlled it and would not let anyone create their own courses, and
if I wanted to put a file on my course I would have to take the file to him
on a USB so he could upload it, and also our moodle would only work within
the school, not from home. The principal did not see an issue with this and
refused to change the status quo, so moodle died in my school. But I could
do nothing to make the principal and techs understand that the curriculum
and the needs of the students should come first, not budgets and issues of
"locking the system down". I had no privileges on the network, the website
was cr at p (and still is until I get a new one uploaded), the intranet was
cr at p. I was sick of PT nights where parents would come to me and complain
about the website and the "extranet/intranet" I fought against "the system",
against educache, against the rip off fees students were charged for
internet access, I investigated alternative ISPs, but who was I?? a mere
woman, to undermine the decision making power of the principal and tech who
had the power. My only agenda was to improve the educational outcomes of our
students, yet that seemed to be the lowest priority on everyone else's list.
So I privately paid for a web site and server so I could deliver an online
curriculum to my students, but the need for them to have internet credit to
access the site eventually killed this idea too. My enthusiasm for "we could
do this, we can set this up" etc was always met with answers of "it can't be
done, they would hack into the system, it would cost more money" etc....
Eventually in April of this year I broke down completely. Yes, I went
totally ga ga. I lost it completely and have had the year from hell.
What has kept me going over the last 7 months was:
1. the fact that I am totally passionate about not only ICT, but it's
potential to increase the learning outcomes of all students, in all subjects
2. the fact that I was on the VITTA Committee of Management (if any of
you read this thank you guys for your support), and the opportunity it has
given me to meet such wonderful people who share my passion for ICT
education
3. People like Paula, Roland and Maggie who have given me confidence in
my ability as an ICT educator. Thank You
So when you feel like it is a them (ie techs) vs "me/us" thing - don't give
up, fight back with Robert's words "The curriculum, the education and needs
of the students are paramount"
Don't let the tail wag the dog!!!!
Ros M
Bentleigh SC
Robert wrote:
Thanks Ros.
The curriculum, the education and needs of the students are paramount.
There may well be some things we "cannot do" on a school network. But the
whole technical "tail" needs to put its best efforts into supporting the
curriculum and make sure that the dog wags the tail.
Robert Hind (Semi-retired)
Ashwood and Traralgon
robert at yinnar.com
----- Original Message -----
From: Ros Meadows <mailto:ros.meadows at gmail.com>
To: Year 12 IT <mailto:itapps at edulists.com.au> Applications Teachers'
Mailing List
Sent: Saturday, December 06, 2008 9:19 AM
Subject: Re: [Year 12 IT Apps] RE: Google docs issue
Once again a case of the tail (ie the techs) wagging the dog (ie the
curriculum)!!
There is NO sound reason why you can't have firefox and google images,
sometimes I wonder if it is just plain laziness, lack of ability or just a
hunger for power on the part of techs.
Cheers
Ros
BentleighSC
murch at tpg.com.au wrote:
We have some issues with google docs as well. Google images are blocked at
our school so this presents problems with the appearance of google
docs. I also want firefox on our computer network but was told we cant have
it. We are supposed to be a leading 21st century school!!! I love using
google docs and use them extensively both with staff and schools in other
countries etc. Means it is difficult to use them with my students. It is
most
annoying.
Anne Mirtschin
Hawkesdale P12 College
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--
Roslyn Meadows
TONS
<mailto:ros.meadows at gmail.com> ros.meadows at gmail.com
Bentleigh Secondary College
Vivien Street, East Bentleigh, 3165
Phone 9579 1044
Mobile 0412 614 062
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- Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority and
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subscribe, unsubscribe
IT Applications Mailing List kindly supported by
http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/vce/studies/infotech/infotechindex.html
<http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/vce/studies/infotech/itapplications3-4.html%20>
- Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority and
http://www.vitta.org.au <http://www.vitta.org.au> - VITTA Victorian
Information Technology Teachers Association Inc
--
Roslyn Meadows
TONS
<mailto:ros.meadows at gmail.com> ros.meadows at gmail.com
Bentleigh Secondary College
Vivien Street, East Bentleigh, 3165
Phone 9579 1044
Mobile 0412 614 062
_______________________________________________
http://www.edulists.com.au <http://www.edulists.com.au> - FAQ, resources,
subscribe, unsubscribe
IT Applications Mailing List kindly supported by
http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/vce/studies/infotech/infotechindex.html
<http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/vce/studies/infotech/itapplications3-4.html%20>
- Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority and
http://www.vitta.org.au <http://www.vitta.org.au> - VITTA Victorian
Information Technology Teachers Association Inc
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