2010 will usher in some changes to the technology scene.  A major project over the Christmas break was the installation of a new wireless infrastructure in the entire district.  This is a scalable system that should provide good wireless connectivity to all computers, regardless of age or platform, for years to come.  With that change, improvements to printing, wireless projectors, student desktop supervision, connectivity to servers and other aspects of the network should be seen in all buildings.  The Tech department has also been working hard behind the scenes to get all warranty issues on the HS 1:1 laptops repaired.  We have enjoyed working with the custodial staffs as they wax the floors and prep the buildings for the return of staff and students.  Welcome back!

Tech Notes Oct 19, 2009

Student Covers:  students have been requesting covers for their computers, similar to what staff have.  They are available for sale at the school store in room 510 at the HS, colors are red, green, orange and blue.  Cost for each will be $25, and students will be the owners of the covers.  These are an option for students interested in a little color in their lives.  Teachers have been sent the guidelines for purchasing and owning these covers.

The Tech Department is once again setting up the LightSpeed Total Traffic Control filter for Internet filtering.  In the near future, it will also be filtering student Internet use at home on student computers. 

New printers for the library have been ordered.  We hope to have the printing congestion for students cleared up soon.

Students:  a reminder:  no software is to be downloaded and added to your computer other than that which the school and tech department install or place there.  To add anything on your own is a violation.  Please do not change the software on the computer from the original installation.  This includes games.

Tech Notes September 4, 2009

   Wow.  Our first full week with the new MacBooks.  We have had some really nice success stories with student use.  Podcasts published from the classrooms, videos produced and imported into iMovie, collaborative chat for homework and classroom discussions through the computer are among a few.  Students have many questions and exploration is always an adventure for them.  With any new technology come speed bumps, and we are experiencing some of them as well.  Apple has been very supportive and is helping solve hardware issues that arise.  The Tech Department has opened a new Help Desk facility in room 709 of the HS building and is working to make that room a productive work area as well.  All the changes in curriculum, hardware and maintenance will take time, but everyone is working together to make this a successful effort.  Well done WHS!