Open Source Software - Education

Texas Principals,

I'm often captivated by the idiosyncrasies of comic book lines...great stories...and the gamble of prophesying the future of technology...guess I'll submit my tag line for the district action-figure techs, "Never mind your archaic pc...I brought my phone."

All joking aside, I think a colleague of mine really brought up a great concept...BYOD

BRING YOUR OWN DEVICE - BYOD

What does this mean to technology, to the classroom, to schools?

Exactly what it states: Bring Your Own Device.

A common mistake in today's time is the idea that students are without access to the Internet...the rising trend of mobile access through cell phones outshines anyone's claim that someone might be missing out: http://pewresearch.org/pubs/2296/mobile-cell-internet-web-access-phone

As this rise leads to less device control for districts...the mobile platform lends itself to being embraced by budget ravaged ISD's. The previous paradigm of computer purchases have given rise to technologies that run on the cloud...you bring your device (BYOD) and connect to the school's BYOD wifi...and that's the extent of the districts investment. Servers now crunch the data and send to laptops, phones, smart boards...with much of the CPU and RAM needs being met on the server side.

We still provide computer labs, we still have smart boards...but you will see an increase of students who, although they have issues at home due to poverty, will find a way to have a cell phone that they can easily look up a question and answer. The other day I went to go my laptop for something and a friend just pulled the info up on their phone...how silly of me to waste time booting up!

Subsidizing the computer procurement is also another avenue with Google systems and IBM offering districts the ability to "Lease" equipment that is turned over for new equipment on a schedule (also educational grants). Warranties and servicing are worked into these agreements, freeing schools from costly personnel and equipment procedures.

The "Network" is really the next playground for districts...the "Cloud" and information protection. A balancing act will begin to unfold where not just websites are housed on a server thousands of miles away from the school, but school data, email...etc. Wait, those things are already happening...

I had always thought of going paperless...but device-less...that's a new concept...

The other day, I left my laptop at work...I had been working on a website the night before and wanted to finish up...I picked up my wife's laptop and picked up right where I had left off...then it died...so I switched to my daughter's laptop...then had to give it up to the kids...so I switched to the kindle...mind you I'm still working on a website...then while laying in bed I remembered something else I had to add...I picked up my Blackberry, finished my site...BYOD at its finest.

I see a future where you access the data at the school anywhere you are...on any device...in districts where they can focus on speed and network...rather than antiquated equipment.

One last thought...if you could drop a % of your budget from purchasing equipment that will be antiquated in less than a year and invest in technology that will be current as it progresses...would you...you still have to provide computer labs...but there is a smarter way to it...imagine how cool you will look when your plan is adopted by the district...I will have your secret ring and cape ready!

Update:

Read this article on BYOD: Network Safety and Hacking BYOD - 

http://smallbusiness.foxbusiness.com/technology-web/2012/09/28/red-flags-raised-by-hackers/?intcmp=obnetwork

Mike- "With Great Job Performance - Comes More Responsibility..." MHT - 

Texas Principals,

I had the experience within the last week of going to use my tablet and finding a "Spider-Web" fracture of the glass...I was not amused as it was a clear and utter shock...the Galaxy Tablet resided in my briefcase...inside its own case. Nonetheless it had broken.

I run nothing short of being an overly cautious insane parent with my equipment...plugging things in...placing them in safe places (several years ago I had a laptop dropped at the wrong time)...and taking time to ensure they are never left in hot cars, or unsafe places.

This event encouraged me to research every brand of protection out today for Tablets...after typing "Military Grade" into my laptop, I found this company, "GumDrop." Impressed is not the word...WOW!

The case took an extreme amount of punishment, but it was the reviews from a parent of a child with autism who said their child could safely use the equipment without it breaking...that got my attention.

I don't like to pick certain products over others (unless it's a beef I have with Apple...LOL)...but I will recommend: http://www.gumdropcases.com

Take a look at the video (paintballs start flying at second 50): 

Mike-

Texas Principals,

I feel blessed to be in a district that believes in technology...and uses it. The last two years have seen a savings of almost 2 million dollars in energy savings, at the hands of a great Energy Specialist in our district...that has been so awesome to see in action...I see the jobs it has saved, and how this forethought has added to an already great ISD.

Which got me thinking about the companies that implement technology they know will cost schools...I remember those days as a boy...wondering if my school would ever get a computer...Oregon Trail...or better yet! Frogger!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2189174/First-pictures-Apples-new-mini-connector-iPad-Mini-iPhone-5-leaked.html

Apple is at it...as I said they would be weeks before it hit the mainstream press.

What does this mean? "It's innovative technology you say...surely they need to update...only it's not an update...it's a power grab...a money grab..."

"It's just adding requirements..." Which ='s "Money."

http://gizmodo.com/5933315/whats-really-going-on-with-apples-new-dock-connector

When choosing software...or hardware for school districts, or even energy services: choose wisely.

One connector becomes two, then three...etc. Imagine a district that uses only apple products...they will have to replace their entire technological fleet...even the tires so to speak...things like ear buds, down to every attachable device for their apple gadget.

I always touted Android, but I was very surprised when all my connectors for Android worked with the new Blackberry I was issued...I have a Kindle, 2 Android phones, and a Blackberry...I can use every cord...with each device...no hidden cost...my ear buds work on them all...the technology is interchangeable...and useful.

Soon, as an administrator I will be making large purchases to add enrichment and quality to the program(s) I am entrusted with...my decisions will be driven by what I know the future holds for my current equipment and how it will intertwine with coming technological needs.

Standards do change, but the bastion of tethered charging, listening, loading, data...are gone...it seems to be the large companies who cannot understand that wireless is here to stay. 

I'll end my tirade against apple, only because I remember a little boy...at Goings Elementary School in Cheyenne Wyoming...age 8...in 1983 who had an opportunity to use an Apple computer in his classroom for one day...it changed my dreams...I wish Apple would inspire me again...

Mike-

Texas Principals,

When setting up the initial meeting for my team this year I analyzed the notes from last year: needs, wants, wishes, and the dreams of my staff. Taking into consideration their desires and what is in my actual powers to remedy. I planned for the tools I know they needed, as well as a few things I knew I could provide that would show that I cared.

The school year is a giant game of chess...however great your skill level is...one can miss a move...or forget to provide one thing that, "Was the most important thing in the world for a staff member." And they will let you know it...and that you FAILED...

I bring archery equipment to my chess meetings.

I try to forsee the tools needed down the road. There is much to be said about proper planning before you start a project...unlike chess, my version of the game blesses the prepared. What does this look like...

• Foster relationships...especially with those individuals who are tough to work with...find their currency. There is no relationship too small...one of my best relationships when teaching was with the custodial staff. I had such a rapport with them they normally setup things for me without my asking...it taught me a lot about the running of a school.
• You may not be able to solve, provide, or "get" everything your staff wants...but show them that you have their list, and actively check items off as you provide them. Show you are working on their needs. Actively check off items you can't provide, but let them know why...explaining goes miles with trust.
• Like my father told me once when I was young and lazy, "Don't use your teeth for that...go get a bottle opener." The same being said...if you can take things out from afar, or at the beginning...do it...it will save you much stress and pain later on.
• No matter what...have integrity at work, home, and the community. Respect in our line of work transcends the district. As a mentor told me...you never know who your boss might be years down the road.
• If you run into a destoyer, and all districts have them, Shift the Monkey - Don't accept their stress, poor work ethic, or allow your people to be mistreated. Nip it immediately...let them know you brought more to the game than they did...
• Document...document...document.

Tools are for sanity, because without them you are a reed in the wind...blowing back and forth with each little wind that assails your school...and sometimes...skill outweighs logic...use your Spider-Sense, pilot your starship, and be a winner.

Texas Principals,

For 17 years I've been in a wheelchair...it's a tough road sometimes...but it pushes me to be better at what I do. I work in a great district that pushes for excellence, but also knows that their employees have to take care of themselves. They remind us constantly that they appreciate us and to let them know our needs.

I've been putting off carpal-tunnel surgery in my hands for the simple fact there was never a right time...there was never going to be a right time. I was worried about adding more to my plate with the months it takes to recover.

Two months ago the pain got to a point where I couldn't sleep. It was time, and you can imagine that being a wheelchair user I was apprehensive. 

Nine days ago I took the leap with the first of two surgeries, starting with my left hand. The tingles...and pain were instantly gone; but other than the comedy of pushing in circles, I had to rely on my children to push me around, my wife to help me dress, and I had to take stock of even more of my surroundings. Being very left handed since my wreck...I was learning day-to-day things over again...

This led me to thinking about staff, they need to be encouraged to take care of themselves...not that I hadn't taken care of myself. I had spent too much time believing I could put off something another year. MY hand surgeon was so worried he immediately scheduled surgery and told me if I waited a few more months I would have lost the ability to use my left hand.

With my staff I have always taken care to encourage them to get help, take care of their life and families; but rest assured I will always take more care and direct more focus on needs.

On a positive note...stiches come out tomorrow!

Mike-