RP #11: Troubleshooting Hardware, Software, And Connectivity Problems

The website, “Computer Troubleshooting For Teachers And Students”  is an organized guide to solving hardware and software problems independently.  Since most schools can’t afford the amount of technology support they need, grad school students and teachers at Pace University compiled this website to accommodate educator’s needs.  The website is divided into five categories of issues: Input and output devices, internet and networking issues, interactive whiteboards and projectors, Microsoft Office applications, and printing and scanning problems.  Each category is then broken up into subtopics describing possible scenarios that are seemingly unfixable.  Each scenario is accompanied with step by step instructions to help the teacher or student attempt to fix the problem without the help of an IT consultant.  The solutions often include labeled diagrams and pictures to encourage comprehension. 

In the article, “A Computer For Every Student And Teacher: Lessons Learned About Planning And Implementing A Successful 1:1 Learning Initiative In Schools”, the authors describe trials and suggestions of 12 public high schools in North Caroline who started implementing 1:1 laptop use for their students and teachers.  The program was started in an effort to increase student achievement and hone 21st Century Skills.  After compiling data from teacher and student interviews, observations, and surveys, valuable feedback surfaced.  Teachers recommended that at least 6 months of financial and logistical planning should be arranged before giving students and teachers laptops.  Short term and longterm goals for updates and technology maintenance should be addressed.  It is helpful for teachers to receive laptops first so they are familiar enough to help students learn to use them.  The preparation time before implementing 1:1 technology is important because schools need to make sure they can properly accommodate wifi signals for the school population.  Schools need to consider the amount of electrical outlets, the safety issues cords may pose, and the possibility of charging stations for student use.  Hardware and software accessories that would be useful with the laptops should also be considered.  Teachers in the study suggest that the IT department buys 5-10% more laptops than needed to use as loaners for students who cannot afford them or who have broken laptops.  They stress the importance of acceptable use policies and orientations for parent and student computer use.  In an effort to help teachers and students efficiently with computer related issues, the survey responders suggest that each school have a designated IT employee and student helpers to assist with technology issues. 

After reading through the website and article, I wonder what regrets and suggestions for future improvement our own district would have for our 1:1 technology program.  It would have been nice for the students to have the same computers that teachers have so we could help them with issues.  It also would have been nice for parents, teachers, and staff to attend identical orientations for the computers so we all know the policies and procedures for use.  There does not seem to be any clear consequences for misuse of the computer within school hours or beyond.  Publicizing offenses and consequences would help computers to be used more efficiently during class time.

Teachers are not required to have their students use the 1:1 laptops at our school.  Because of this, the students have a broad spectrum of comfort levels with technology.  Many of them do not even know how to write an email.  There needs to be a clear expectation stated for how teachers will require students to use technology.  So far, it does not seem to me that they are acquiring adequate 21st Century Skills.

Rubric Evaluation

Summary Paragraphs: Good, 5 points

There is one well-developed summary paragraph per reading. 

Reflection Paragraph: Good, 5 points

There are two reflection paragraphs that connects the readings to my own experiences at school and in the classroom. 

Quality of Writing: Good, 5 points

Writing is clear and contains no spelling or grammar mistakes.  

Connection To Readings: Good, 5 points

Reflection paragraph make a strong and coherent connection to each reading.