Week 10- Technology Troubleshooting

Many Library Media Specialists are also the School Technology Coordinators for their schools. This involves some basic technology knowledge and skills beyond Microsoft Office and using web 2.0 tools. I gained many of my outside hours during this Practicum troubleshooting various issues around the school. I learned a lot about basic software, intelligent classroom equipment, processing of new technology purchases, and how to escalate issues that I couldn't solve.

The first step in the technology troubleshooting is gaining access to the Bullitt County online work order system. Every teacher in each school can submit a work order to the system. It will automatically email the STC or LMS. I was able to gain access for my Practicum. As each work order is submitted, I can try to solve the problem or escalate what I don't know how to solve. It's a brilliant system put into place several years ago in my district.

So what kinds of issues do I solve? I worked MANY hours on processing new mini laptops for student use. Teachers can now check out 2 full class size of mobile labs. I had to install all software from the network 6 computers at a time using extra ethernet cables. Then, each laptop had to be entered into the catalog and issued barcodes and other labels. Finally, they were put into carts for teacher portability. 

I also deal with a lot of SmartBoard issues, projector bulbs, and other intelligent software equipment. This is one example of an issue in a Special Education classroom. The projector was emitting a yellow tone to the image. I had to readjust the color settings on the projector. I still wasn't able to fix it so I did have to escalate the work order to the district technology department at the Board. Usually, the guys will come fix any issues in a few days. 

I am so glad I gained the experience of technology troubleshooting as a temporary STC!