Network Management

Network Communications

Communicating with others regarding a technology network can be difficult when not everyone knows the same technological language. Keep reading for some tips and tricks for communicating with different parties that help make school districts a success. 

Teachers - Emily

Talking to teachers about technology can be frustrating for both parties involved. Need help? Check out these tips from teachers. 

1. Use analogies - Compare it to something they already know! We use this technique for students a lot in the classroom and it is great to use it for teacher too. 

2. Keep it hands on - Allow teachers and staff to experience the technology first hand. It is super helpful to have them work through the software or tool while you are with them. This allows them to ask you any questions they have and helps avoid future frustration.

3. Create a reference sheet for later use - When teachers leave any sort of technology PD they are usually excited to use their new found tool in the classroom. After they go home and come back to work the next day, they may forget the important implementation steps you just taught them. Create a reference sheet or screen cast to send teachers home with to make sure they can implement the tool correctly. 

4. Keep it classroom applicable - Teachers, just like students, say "when are we going to use this?" when learning something new. Make sure reinforce how they can use it in the classroom and that it won't create more work for them in the future. 

5. Be respectful - As a technology professional, you can easily become frustrated with teachers who are not understanding some aspect of what you are trying to teach them. Remember that you may be great at your job, but you likely don't teach students on a daily basis. Make sure you are being respectful to the teachers and they will respect you in return. 

Administrators - Anthony

As we are learning, communication between remote partners is crucial in network communication. An administrator such as myself needs instant access to important data and electronic information. Our jobs run on the availability of information at our fingertips. Think of technology as a modernization tool that we must utilize to keep up to date with trends, learning tool, and access to important information. Also keep in mind that administrators are often the toughest parties to get a hold of, as there schedules tend to be much more rigorous (time wise) than other roles.

     1. Clear and concise time to meet and train on networks must be established early. 

     2. Creating mandatory training on systems management for admin-whether remote or in person. 

     3. I believe the benefits should be shown to administrators so they can understand the importance of technology and tech. management. 

There are whole master's programs in relation to technology management and the communication of the management. 

Vendors/IT Support - Emily

Here are some helpful hints for communicating with vendors and IT support professionals. 

• Be respectful. Tech support is there to help you with a problem you have. You have probably been trying to troubleshoot this problem already and may be feeling frustrated, but don't take it out on the support professional. Remember that respect is a two way street! If you are respectful, they will be respectful in return. 
• Use clear and specific language. Explaining your problem over the phone or through an email may prove to be difficult, but the more specific you are quicker your problem can be solved. If they are using a word you don't understand, ask for clarification before you move forward.
• Be prepared. If you are taking to a vendor, know what product you are looking to purchase. If you are calling tech support, know some important details about your problem. When does it happen? What have you tried to fix it? Is there an error message associated with it? If possible, try to take an image (using or phone or snipping tool) of the error code or problem that you are having, then send or upload to the vendor to help describe your issue.  Here is an example of a missing page error message...

• Get a name or a ticket number. Always find a way to reference the call or discussion if you would need help with the topic again in the future.  

 Terminology - Emily

When you are communicating with different school, district, or support personnel, remember that everyone may not have the same level of understanding of technology. They also may have a different level of technical computer vocabulary than you, so it is important to make sure you are all on the same page. Do not be afraid to clarify a word or ask for clarification if there is a lack of understanding. Consider making a quick reference guide for frequently used words like the one here. (adapted from ourcommunity.com.au)

Standards - Emily

In Ohio, there are two well known and used sets of standards in terms of technology and integration. 

The first of these is Ohio's Learning Standards for Technology:

These standards define what students need to do in order to be successful in a technological world and serve as a guideline for Ohio technology and general education teachers. It covers three important disciplines: Information and Communication Technology, Society and Technology, Design and Technology. These strands are further broke down by grade level, creating appropriate and engaging task for each group of students. 

The second commonly used set of standards was developed by the International Society for Technology Education (ISTE). ISTE has developed multiple sets of standards for different groups of people: Students, Educators, Education Leaders, Coaches, and Computer Science Educators. The most commonly used of these is Students and Educators and can be seen below. These standards are used worldwide to create innovative learning environments and to help rethink education. 

ISTE Student Standards:

ISTE Teacher Standards: