Tech Director Chat

It's been awhile since Pete and Ben have sat down to record an episode, and we're terribly sorry for your ears that we've decided to record another episode. It's been a long hard Winter for our school district, and there was a lot of time that needed to be spent away from the microphone, but we're back for the remainder of the school year...and perhaps into the summer.

This week's questions revolve around security. How secure are district issued devices and email? How secure is the email we send? And how secure is the choice that teachers have in interacting with students in an instructional capacity? We chat a bit about Google Classroom, the need to be mindful when questioning a suspicious email, and Pete is stumped!

Timestamps for this week's questions:

1:12 Where have Ben and Pete been?

2:30 Pete and Ben are no longer co-habitating in the same work space?

4:41 What are the protocols for administrators or district officials to look into our emails and district provided technology?

6:13 Google keeps a log of any access to an account?

7:12 We have had FOIA requests, but Pete has never been given any orders to look into someone’s laptop for suspicious reasons.

7:46 Are staff notified if someone would go through any of their files?

9:12 Why is it that no one can trust opening Ben’s emails anymore?

11:52 What is email spoofing?

14:15 Is our district going to be mandating the use of Google Classroom?

18:58 Stump Pete!

20:03 What reason did Jimi Hendrix give for being discharged from the army?

You can talk about the show or continue the conversations on Twitter using the hashtag #TechDirectorChat or chatting up Ben (@techsavvyed) or Pete (@ppoggione) on Twitter.

We had a tremendous amount of excellent questions this week, and we tried to work through as many as we could, balancing out questions from within district and those coming from Twitter. We touched on upgrades to laptops, installation of new interactive projectors, and Pete got to actually work with students!

We also had a thoughtful response to our discussion about cell phones in the classroom that we had in a previous episode. One of our high school teachers is taking a much more practical approach to student devices in the classroom and wanted to share his experiences. Realizing that not all learning activities will require the use of devices, but that students still wanted to have access to their music or phones while they work in groups or independently, he's devised a simple check at the end of each class to ensure that the students hit their learning targets and the devices didn't interfere with them being successful. It's an interesting take on the issue, as often many want to focus solely on the direct use of the device in as many lessons as possible, or completely restrict it as it can be too tempting. This teacher uses student devices as an incentive to work productively in a comfortable environment, and it's paid off very well for him!

It would seem those asking questions are telepathic as we had a similar question from Twitter about using personal devices in the classroom, and another question dealing with creating transformative learning experiences with technology to empower students. While we didn't quite have the time to address this fully, it's right up our alley! Both Pete and Ben completed their Master's of Education through a program that required us to design, implement, and reflect on a large project that had global reach. We could have spent hours talking about how to go about creating learning environments with technology to help students see a "bigger" picture than just the four walls of the classroom, but we focused on advising any teacher to bring their passion into the classroom first. People can recognize when you're passionate about something, and doggedly pursuing an interest that fully engages students in the learning process that amplifies your passion for teaching will have a far greater impact on learning than trying to be "innovative" with a wide range of technologies. In short, be your best self and find a way for technology to amplify that; it will serve as the best possible model for students to see how they can in turn use technology to amplify their voices and efforts for learning.

Timestamps for this week's questions:

1:02 What has Pete been up to?

1:10 Pete left his laptop at home!

3:12 Pete got to work with students!

3:40 A teacher in the district wants to know, should I upgrade to Mac OS X El Capitan?

4:52 Brian wants to know, when will the Epson interactive projectors be installed in the Middle and High School?

5:58 Nancy from Twitter wants to know, why can’t I use the device(s) I’m most comfortable with in my classroom?

10:30 @kttasch from Twitter wants to know, what have you seen that transforms classroom instruction and enhances student voice, empowerment, and global citizenship?

15:10 We revisit the conversation about cell phones in the classroom thanks to an email from one of our high school teachers.

19:38 Stump Pete!

20:56 Brian wants to know, solid state or tube amplifiers?

You can talk about the show or continue the conversations on Twitter using the hashtag #TechDirectorChat or chatting up Ben (@techsavvyed) or Pete (@ppoggione) on Twitter.

Happy New Year!

This episode was actually recorded at the end of last year, but we wanted to hold onto it until now as we address one of the long standing issues that several people have in the district with our internel classifieds email (aka, our own homegrown Craigslist just for district staff). Most staff in the district love having the ability to quickly be rid of items through district email; often many items are simply given away for free as educators are always looking for items they no longer need to be put to good use, whether it be in another classroom or not. And it's handy to be able to list big items (furniture, electronics, etc.) without the need to deal with Craigslist or another service that would require shipping and/or people that may or may not show up to actually look at or purchase an item.

But sometimes the classifieds can be a bit much, especially when people are cleaning out garages, attics, play rooms, or decluttering after New Year's Resolutions to make life simpler. So we though it might be appropriate to share give email etiquette tips for sending out classified emails alongside a few of our regular questions about Apple TVs in the classroom, and looking at alternative iPad case vendors. And we also toss in a tip for creating filters in Gmail to help manage large amounts of email that you know you want to look at eventually, but just not right now. Pete gets a turn at "stumping Ben", and we finish up with both of us being completely stumped!

Timestamps for this week's questions:

1:10 What has Pete been up to?

2:45 We explore a new iPad case vendor.

5:20 We address the etiquette of our internal district classified emails (like Craigslist just for our school employees).

7:40 Pete and Ben’s top five tips for sending classified emails.

10:47 Can Apple TVs be used in an educational environment?

14:35 Stump Pete!

16:40 Stump Ben!

16:58 Who was the original drummer for Rush?

You can talk about the show or continue the conversations on Twitter using the hashtag #TechDirectorChat or chatting up Ben (@techsavvyed) or Pete (@ppoggione) on Twitter.

In this week's episode, Ben and Pete talk a bit about the money behind technology purchases. While it's no secret that many school districts make technology purchases a regular piece of large bond projects now, often those dollars go to larger systemic technology. Interactive projects, voice enhancement, and other technology needed for security purposes are top items. However, some of the more essential technology to teaching often doesn't always make the cut. We talk about a few grant opportunities for those in our district and everyone in general, as there are always grants available for pilot and classroom projects. We address the internet outage that occured in two of our buildings before Thanksgiving, and Pete tricks Ben into reading a question that Pete submitted!

Grant resources mentioned in the podcast:

• MPEF Brainstrong - For Mattawan Teachers only
• Meemic Grants - For Educators in Michigan
• Best Buy Community Grants
• State Farm Good Neighboor Grants

Timestamps for this week's questions:

1:18 What if education success was like baseball batting averages?

2:03 What has Pete been up to?

2:53 We have 3D printers at the Later Elementary?

4:22 JW asks, how are the plans for new technology in the bond going?

6:08 Why did the High School and Middle School lose internet before Thanksgiving?

6:55 So we’re ready to send out all of the RFPs for the technology work?

7:45 What new technology will be available to teachers in the bond?

10:13 What is the quickest and easiest way to get iPads into your classroom?

12:10 Pete totally tricks Ben into reading his own question!

13:58 Stump Pete!

14:22 What is the most successful band to come out of Kalamazoo?

You can talk about the show or continue the conversations on Twitter using the hashtag #TechDirectorChat or chatting up Ben (@techsavvyed) or Pete (@ppoggione) on Twitter.

Pete is back! And he's ready to tackle the hard questions about policy review, what makes him tick as a tech administrator, and cell phones in the classroom! Well, maybe only one of this is truly a difficult question to grapple with, but Ben enjoys the banter none the less. We finish up our list of questions from our high school that were compiled at the start of the school year, and talk about the advantages...and disadvantages of the use of cell phones in the classroom for learning. In fact, Ben highly recommends checking out an interesting piece from NPR about the rampant use, or rather misuse, of cell phones in college courses. We finish up the episode with Pete's philosophy on being a tech admin, and a question from JW that proves Pete truly has no regrets in life.

Timestamps for this week's questions:

2:25 What has Pete been up to?

3:17 Ben is curious how much time a Tech Director spends reviewing policy.

4:46 JW asks, has the final decision been made on the “teacher tech control stations”?

10:04 What are the best methods of handling cell phone use in the classroom?

15:15 Chris from Twitter wants to know, what’s important to you as an admin?

16:34 Stump Pete!

17:00 JW wants to know, what do you wish you had learned when you were younger?

You can talk about the show or continue the conversations on Twitter using the hashtag #TechDirectorChat or chatting up Ben (@techsavvyed) or Pete (@ppoggione) on Twitter.

After a couple of weeks off, Ben is back....with another Ben! That's right! Pete has the episode off, so I had the opportunity to ask Ben Tomlinson, a former teacher in the district, a few pointed questions dealing with laptops, 1 to 1 computing, and how to bring more collaborative work into a high school classroom. We bounce through a few questions left over from our beginning of the year list from our high school teachers, question Ben about his thoughts on smart watches, and spend a good deal of time discussing the significance of every student having a device vs. every student having access to a device through shared or collaborative models for learning.

Timestamps for this week's questions:

0:41 Pete isn’t here!

3:05 Someone asks Ben Tomlinson about creative ways to manage laptop carts at the high school.

6:55 It sounds like a party going on in the Tech Department

7:30 What happens if we guarantee every high school teacher a specific number of computers, rather than a full cart?

9:30 Is the model of 1:1 technology use in education a gimmick?

13:07 Does Ben Tomlinson have an example of getting students started down the collaborative path of technology use?

17:00 Stump Not Pete!

18:00 Will Ben Tomlinson be getting a Smart Watch?

Special thanks to Ben Tomlinson, the brand new Curriculum Coordinator for the Van Buren ISD, for stopping by to chat! You can talk about the show or continue the conversations on Twitter using the hashtag #TechDirectorChat or chatting up Ben (@techsavvyed) or Ben (@btomlinsonvbisd) on Twitter.

Well, the conversation definitely turns philosophical in this episode after a wonderful question comes our way from one of our high school teachers. It gave us pause to explore what "direct human communication" means, and whether or not technology mediates our experiences with one another in a way that affords us the same advantages of face to face conversation. Hint, we think it does, and in some ways can enhance it. The rest of the episode involves "Projector Pete" pontificating on the intimidation of the tech department, Ben arguing that we need to be more service oriented, and Pete finally admits when he'll get an iWatch.

Timestamps for this week's questions:

1:53 What has Pete been up to?

3:15 Pete gives himself a new nerdy nickname.

4:10 Are there any new initiatives to transition to a 1:1 environment?

7:00 Should someone feel guilty if they want less technology and more direct human communication?

12:10 What should someone who needs just the most basic technology questions answered do?

14:10 Ben wonders if coming to the Tech Department is too intimidating for some.

16:51 Stump Pete!

18:55 When is Pete going to get an iWatch?

You can talk about the show or continue the conversations on Twitter using the hashtag #TechDirectorChat or chatting up Ben (@techsavvyed) or Pete (@ppoggione) on Twitter.

We're Back! Sort of. It's been such a busy start to the school year that while we've recorded a few episodes, finding the time to edit and post them has been rather difficult. Ben is in a new role that has put a lot more on his plate, and Pete is still recovering from one of our busiest starts to the school yet ever! This marks the start of our weekly conversation, and it was filled with plenty of good questions! Managing Spotlight on your Macs, Speck coming through after a defective bunch of cases, Ben geeks out over an Avery label maker addon for Google Docs, and Pete gets philosophical about whether we even need to teach students how to use technology.

Timestamps for this week's questions:

1:12 What has Pete been up to?

3:50 How many help tickets do we have at the moment?

4:26 Speck cases are failing? Get your help tickets in!

6:40 How did one of the students change their school picture to a Minion?

8:30 Do we even need to teach students how to use computers? - Hole in the Wall

9:25 What’s up with the new Spotlight on the Macs?

10:55 What’s a Google add-on that we should all be using?

14:50 Stump Pete!

15:42 What is the most successful musical group of all time?

You can talk about the show or continue the conversations on Twitter using the hashtag #TechDirectorChat or chatting up Ben (@techsavvyed) or Pete (@ppoggione) on Twitter.

Technology increasingly drives the conversation in education. New laptops without DVD drives means pushing people to make the leap to video in the cloud and online. The use of collaborative tools means asking students to work on individual projects and digital worksheets risks disengaging them. Asking for help may not be a simple fix, or applying "the solution" as a torrent of them may exist for your particular problem. Pete and Ben dig into a couple of philosophical questions about the nature of teaching and learning with technology, Ben gets a bit geeky with curricular thoughts, and we answer a bunch of questions about the new laptops coming.

Timestamps for this week's questions:

0:51 What has Pete been up to today?

2:47 Todd from Twitter wants to know, what is the most important thing for teachers to know about technology?

3:55 So the most important thing about technology is to ask for help?

5:30 So what does Ben think about Todd’s question?

6:54 Michael from Twitter wants to know, how are we ensuring that thinking and learning drive our use of technology?

10:20 What does Pete think about Michael’s question?

13:00 Wait, are we really getting new laptops?

14:00 Will the new laptops be in before the end of the school year?

15:42 Why didn’t we order the laptops earlier in the year?

16:40 So, what are the specs on the new laptops? Are Macbook Airs slower?

18:26 Stump Pete!

18:43 The “Artist” wants to know who is Ronnie Tutt?

20:13 Pete wins some glitter flowers!

You can talk about the show or continue the conversations on Twitter using the hashtag #TechDirectorChat or chatting up Ben (@techsavvyed) or Pete (@ppoggione) on Twitter.

This week's episode takes Pete and Ben down a few conversations from past episodes, rekindles the "off again, on again" relationship with web filters, and explores Ben's lack of interest in music. Along the way we talk about what we think would make the ideal bare minimum device for students to be successful in a "21st century" classroom, with some disagreement over iPads, Chromebooks, and the traditional laptop. And Pete gets a software question for "Stump Pete!"

Timestamps for this week's questions:

1:00 What has Pete been up to today?

2:47 Wanda from Twitter wants to know, can teachers have access to the web filter?

4:29 Could you see a special group of individuals that have the same web filter rights as the Tech Director?

7:10 Will teachers have the option to purchase their old laptops that are being replaced?

9:24 Elvis wants to know, is Pete moving because he just got married?

10:45 Jason from Twitter wanted to know, what should the bare minimum device be for a student to be successful in a 21st century classroom?

13:50 Is Chrome OS a real Operating System?

15:17 Stump Pete!

15:52 Does Ben censor Pete?

16:20 Elvis wants to know, what’s the hardest song you’ve ever tried to play?

18:35 Wait, Ben doesn’t listen to music?

You can talk about the show or continue the conversations on Twitter using the hashtag #TechDirectorChat or chatting up Ben (@techsavvyed) or Pete (@ppoggione) on Twitter.