WISD Technology

Facelift for Elementary Computer Lab

2011-11-01T09:05:00.000-07:00

The new PC computers have arrived at WES. The computer lab will have 25 new computers to access the Internet and educational software. These new computers are replacing the eMacs which are approaching seven (7) years old. They run a dual-OS of 9.2 and OS X.

These new machines will sport a large hard disk drive for storage, a 19" digital monitor, and speeds on the Internet of up to 1000 mbps.

To install these new computers, we configured one to our liking including updated anti-virus software, updates to windows, and installed lab printers. We then cloned the image and are applying it to all others. We then will activate Windows OEM key and provide the proper IP address.

Once we are finished, we should have a very nice looking and much more modern computer lab.

Work Continues

2011-09-19T17:40:00.000-07:00

The four algebra readiness smartboards are almost ready for distribution. The setup contains a 77" smartboard mounted on a mobile, height-adjustable floor stand. Each has its own projector mounted on the stand which helps in alleviating some shadows. We've configured it so that the units are standalone in the sense that a computer is mounted on back so there are no cords to run along the floor. These are truly 'nice' smartboards and should add quite a bit of functionality to the classroom.

We are also in the midst of taking out some of the older computers from teachers classrooms and retiring them completely. We have some units that are approaching eight to nine years old. We will be exploring options on disposal.

Our network bandwidth seems to be saturated lately and we are monitoring traffic to find patterns of use. We encourage all our staff to use all available resources at their disposal, but we also ask that when it comes to streaming media such as United Streaming (now DiscoveryMedia) that you download the evening before while at home so that the video will play from your local hard drive and run smoothly. If you have experienced lags in your video while trying to stream it during school hours it is because you are competing not only with all other users in WISD, but also for those in Region III.

Be patient with the implementation of new technologies and the disposal of some of the older computers in your classrooms. We are working as fast as we can.

Technology Upgrades Coming

2011-08-21T17:25:00.000-07:00

The order has been made and soon our jr. and sr. high school teachers will have a new laptop for school use. This is the first of several technology upgrades planned for the next two to three years. Wireless connectivity is provided in each hall and more is planned this year.

Laptop use should aide in planning enriched lessons, showcasing student work, and enable staff to input grades on a more timely fashion.

It's A Shame, But Summer Is....

2011-07-26T06:29:00.000-07:00

It's almost over. NO!! Say it isn't so. Wasn't that long ago when we were gearing down the school year and planning our relaxing summer vacations. But alas, time marches on and we must start thinking about August 16th (teacher start) and certainly August 22nd (happy and eager to learn students show up).

Your classroom technology has been sitting idle all summer and should be one of the first things you address when you return.

Your classroom computers should be turned on and checked for any trouble areas (such as bad screen, won't boot up, won't connect to internet, etc). If you have a projector, please turn it on and make sure it is working and aligned properly.

Chances are good that your antivirus program is out of date. Most of you probably are running Avast. The beginning of the school year is a good time to upgrade the program and insert the new registration number. Please navigate to http://moodle.wisd.net/~jimmy/aim.html There you will find a link for Avast (disregard that it refers to Vista). If you click on the link, it will ask if you wish to save or run the program (in Internet Explorer, other browsers will want you to save it). Run the program and it will install a new version of Avast. Once completed, copy and paste the registration number by right-clicking on the Avast icon in the bottom-right corner of screen (system tray) and selecting registration information. You should see the option to insert license key (not for the upgrade though).

If you have a windows machine, you definitely need to update the operating system. In the system tray (bottom right of screen) you will see a yellow looking shield. Click that shield and it will prompt you to update your system. Do this prior to students returning since it eats a great deal of bandwidth and slows our network.

As always, if there are issues that you are not able to address, please contact me and we will get them resolved.

Jimmy