Network Infrastructure Interview by Melinda Golubski https://padlet.com/golubskim/kt109h4axger Interview with Alicia Landers By: Melinda Golubski en-us 2017-07-16 23:17:19 UTC 2023-02-18 17:15:47 UTC hello@padlet.com Introduction: Meet Alicia Landers golubskim https://padlet.com/golubskim/kt109h4axger/wish/178807796 Her official title in Mehlville School District is the Director of Curriculum Technology. I have had the privilege of getting to know Alicia since I signed up for Mehlville's three year teacher technology program. ]]> 2017-07-16 23:20:07 UTC https://padlet.com/golubskim/kt109h4axger/wish/178807796 Introduction: golubskim https://padlet.com/golubskim/kt109h4axger/wish/178809210 For this project, I interviewed both of Mehlville School District's leaders in technology. Paul Westbrook had most of the answers for questions on Mehlville's technological questions, but it was good to hear from both directors. ]]> 2017-07-16 23:51:40 UTC https://padlet.com/golubskim/kt109h4axger/wish/178809210 Question #1 (Landers): What is the vision for learning that technology will be supporting and what resources are needed? golubskim https://padlet.com/golubskim/kt109h4axger/wish/178809245 Alicia Landers truly explained Mehlville's vision. She explained that our vision for learning includes individualized learning, adaptive learning, and PBL. She continued with that technology should enhance and allow the students to dive deeper into the content they are learning, and enable them to reach outside the classroom walls and connect with experts and other learners. ]]> 2017-07-16 23:52:19 UTC https://padlet.com/golubskim/kt109h4axger/wish/178809245 Question #2 (Landers): What kind of professional development will teachers need to become proficient with digital learning? golubskim https://padlet.com/golubskim/kt109h4axger/wish/178809265 Here is what Alicia Lander's stated, "since advancements in technology are ever changing digital learning requires teachers to be life-long learners and risk takers." Our PD needs to shift from "sage on the stage" to an approach which get teachers into technology. ]]> 2017-07-16 23:52:28 UTC https://padlet.com/golubskim/kt109h4axger/wish/178809265 Question #3 (Westbrook): What are the options for high speed internet in the district and which does the district use? golubskim https://padlet.com/golubskim/kt109h4axger/wish/178809267 The district's current options for internet: Charter, ATT, and Windstream. Currently Mehlville School District is using Windstream since we pay $80,000 per year for High Speed Internet (1Gb/sec). This gives us the best speed of internet for the cost. ]]> 2017-07-16 23:52:32 UTC https://padlet.com/golubskim/kt109h4axger/wish/178809267 Question #4 (Westbrook): How are security risks to the network managed? golubskim https://padlet.com/golubskim/kt109h4axger/wish/178809274 In Mehlville School District, our System Administrators monitor each day after they scan for threats. Daily, if something is found, security updates will be applied.]]> 2017-07-16 23:52:41 UTC https://padlet.com/golubskim/kt109h4axger/wish/178809274 Question #5 (Westbrook): 11. What is Mehlville’s current network capacity? golubskim https://padlet.com/golubskim/kt109h4axger/wish/178809277 Our current network capacity sits at 1Gb/sec between buildings and 6Gb/sec from the IT office to the server room. ]]> 2017-07-16 23:52:45 UTC https://padlet.com/golubskim/kt109h4axger/wish/178809277 Question #6 (Westbrook): How many and what type of devices does Mehlville's network support? What is planned for the future? What factors are considered when purchasing devices? golubskim https://padlet.com/golubskim/kt109h4axger/wish/178809283 In the district, there are about 7,000 devices being used. That number consists of many different types of devices: windows based, Chromebooks, Android Tablets, and iPads. For the future, the district will be moving towards Google based devices. Finally, the factors that are considered when purchasing devices are compatibility, ease of management, standardization with current equipment, durability, and total cost of ownership. ]]> 2017-07-16 23:52:55 UTC https://padlet.com/golubskim/kt109h4axger/wish/178809283 Question #7 (Westbrook): How are often are devices replaced? golubskim https://padlet.com/golubskim/kt109h4axger/wish/178809292 He made sure to let me know that this depends upon the device. He said that they are working to create a plan which will replace any devices that are no longer useful or no longer supported in the next years. Here is the specific examples he gave:
"A few common examples: Our goal is 5 years for desktop computers and Windows based laptops, 4 years for Chromebooks, 6 years for projectors, 8 years for Smart Boards, 6 years for Wireless Access Points, 6 years for printers."]]> 2017-07-16 23:53:02 UTC https://padlet.com/golubskim/kt109h4axger/wish/178809292 Question #8 (Westbrook): What is the current state of our physical infrastructure? golubskim https://padlet.com/golubskim/kt109h4axger/wish/178809297 Overall our district's infrastructure is "healthy". He stated that over the past year, many improvements have been made like creating new wireless access points.]]> 2017-07-16 23:53:07 UTC https://padlet.com/golubskim/kt109h4axger/wish/178809297 Question #9 (Westbrook): How are devices rolled out? golubskim https://padlet.com/golubskim/kt109h4axger/wish/178809305 Devices in the district first are tried out and then we collect feedback from users and stakeholders. From that data collected, we then decided if that device should be used and where is its best fit. After its destination is chosen, the district works with "teacher leaders and other resources" to help with the roll out.]]> 2017-07-16 23:53:13 UTC https://padlet.com/golubskim/kt109h4axger/wish/178809305 Question #10 (Westbrook): What is the vision for the next 5 years? golubskim https://padlet.com/golubskim/kt109h4axger/wish/178809313 Mehlville School District's vision is to move the 1:1 environment into the middle school setting. ]]> 2017-07-16 23:53:18 UTC https://padlet.com/golubskim/kt109h4axger/wish/178809313 Reflection: golubskim https://padlet.com/golubskim/kt109h4axger/wish/178809324 Overall, this assignment just got me to think. Think outside of my wants and needs, to the districts wants and needs. Every teacher would like to have the best technology inside his/her classroom, but I never quite understood the logistics behind it. Both Alicia Landers and Paul Westbrook's positions take a lot of time, dedication, and hard work. I am happy I completed this assignment, these are all responsibilities I hope to hold one day in a district. ]]> 2017-07-16 23:53:26 UTC https://padlet.com/golubskim/kt109h4axger/wish/178809324 Introduction: Meet Paul Westbrook golubskim https://padlet.com/golubskim/kt109h4axger/wish/178894014 Paul Westbrook is Mehlville School District's

Director of Technology Services.

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