kingswood Posted July 11, 2005 Posted July 11, 2005 ...a network manager? I have been offered a great opportunity to become our school's network manager, and although I have signed up and committed to it (and will enjoy it), what can I expect from the position? What does it mean when you are told you are the "network manager"? Anyone got any ideas on what the position involves, or do schools seem to give the title but not the position If you want you can email me your response- that way I can give a more personal explanation of where I am going with this question. Either way, all stories, help, and warnings are appreciated! Paul
MkII Posted July 11, 2005 Posted July 11, 2005 Congratulations - well bagged! To me it means the last say in all things pertaining to the network, in conjunction with IT and Cross Curricular IT Teaching. It's good your school recognises that this isn't something the head can take responsibility [including the cash!] for just because they're paid enough to. Do you have technicians below you? email/pm me the full story
ConTheITGuy Posted July 12, 2005 Posted July 12, 2005 ...or do schools seem to give the title but not the position I believe it to be the other way around! I consider that I have the position - yet not the title I have another Technician under me and for the past week and a bit, a year 10 on work experience! Anything pertaining to the network comes through me. Curricular type things however, come from the ICT Coordinator (Deputy Head) or Head of ICT. I still walk round school with a badge that says 'ICT Technician' (/me looks down and realises he hasn't put it on today yet). Though it is in the offing to change that quite soon. Andy.
browolf Posted July 12, 2005 Posted July 12, 2005 it might alter your position in the organisation e.g., equal to head of ict instead of under him.
ConTheITGuy Posted July 12, 2005 Posted July 12, 2005 Equal to a teacher? Can't see it! Though I think I know what you mean. Andy.
ninjabeaver Posted July 12, 2005 Posted July 12, 2005 Hmmm, I don't think you will become equal to the Head of ICT but make sure that all future ICT projects include you at the meetings. I've had to stomp alot to get into them, but now they see that it's me who runs them afterwards and they get the 'I told you so' I'm now fully involved. Make sure also that you work together as a team. Life is much easier now that I'm working closely with the Head of ICT / Technology College. He / She might also be able to squeeze out more cash for you as well. Someone that high up is a useful colleague. Congrats to Kingswood as well. Well done.
mrtechsystems Posted July 12, 2005 Posted July 12, 2005 Yes just would like to say congrats kingswood Interesting points ppl making out
ICTNUT Posted July 12, 2005 Posted July 12, 2005 I would agree try to make sure that you are involved in all furture ICT related meetings so you have an idea of what is around the corner. Although this is easier said than done, it also depends on who or whom you report to. in my case the head but I believe this is not true of all. PS Congrats Kingswood, make the best of it mate ;-)
tarquel Posted July 12, 2005 Posted July 12, 2005 Indeed Ozan - it does seem to be different (although I would imagine it *should* be the same) in each school mainly. I know I havent got a clue what I am lol (see other rants in other posts ) Nath
ninjabeaver Posted July 13, 2005 Posted July 13, 2005 Indeed Ozan - it does seem to be different (although I would imagine it *should* be the same) in each school mainly. I know I havent got a clue what I am lol (see other rants in other posts ) Nath Thats because you are sooooo tired all the time being awake at silly times during the night on this forum. Do you sleep during the day??? If so how do you get away with it? 8)
tarquel Posted July 13, 2005 Posted July 13, 2005 lmao @ ninjabeaver You never fail to prodive a smile here I like the night - what can I say? My day usually consists of (sorry if it bores you but ya dont have to read it lol ): - [alarm goes off] - [i wake up later than I start work] - [especially in this heat, try to fight the temptation of sleeping again] - [fail but manage it the second time] - [rush like mad to get ready] - [get to work] - - [generally pretty good by the afternoon] - [stay late until 6pm or later to make up for how late I was - good tho as I can get more done when everyone aint here] - [possibly do a pc job for someone then or just go home if nothing on] - [cook food for me and g/f] - [fight the temptation to fall alseep - for fear of waking up at 4am wide awake] - [carry on posting on forums, reseaching IT stuff, online gaming, app packaging, web designing, watching tv,... - the usual until v. late] - [cant sleep so do the above some more] - [finally sleep about 4am or later] (this completes my cycle lol) Asleep in the day? I wish lol this heat makes it so much worse lol *yawns* Cheers y'all, Nath.
kingswood Posted July 14, 2005 Author Posted July 14, 2005 Many thanks for the responses! Having come from industry, schools seem very different politically- in terms of IT budget, who gets to commit that budget etc etc. In Kingswood we will have a Systems' Manager and a Network Manager as well as a Technician under both. So I suppose there is some kind of "chain" there! lol! But yes- I'm up for this. I'm installing the new Dell PowerEdge server for the school today, and imaging systems next week ready for testing (using RIS/RIPREP). Currently the school uses a managed solution (CSE Systems), but because we are merging with another school I am planning on using the new site (we will be split site) to test roaming profiles, redirected folders, and an "unmanaged" solution. I will bear in mind the issues raised- in fact I have copied the messages so that I can make sure I start pressing them in several directions. This is a great forum by the way!! Very addictive Thanks again for all the help, Paul
RobC Posted July 14, 2005 Posted July 14, 2005 oh no! - he mentioned publisher again Is that as bad as mentioning Jehova, or worse?
tarquel Posted July 14, 2005 Posted July 14, 2005 lol - just a small small gag from another topic:) Nath
ninjabeaver Posted July 14, 2005 Posted July 14, 2005 oh no! - he mentioned publisher again Is that as bad as mentioning Jehova, or worse? http://www.mwscomp.com/movies/brian/jpgs/blasphem.jpg 'Blasphemy!' He said Publisher, stone him, stone him. http://www.mwscomp.com/movies/brian/jpgs/whistle.jpg 'No one is to stone anyone until I blow this whistle!' Or something like that.
Ric_ Posted July 14, 2005 Posted July 14, 2005 :arrow: This topic has been split for sanity reasons! Check out 'Roaming Profiles' for the discussion on the pros and cons of the evil that is the roaming profile. :twisted:
GrumbleDook Posted July 14, 2005 Posted July 14, 2005 Paul We are just down the road and if you want to pop in for a cuppa and chat with Stephen, feel free. Is Andrew joining you? I haven't heard from him in a while ... Tony
kingswood Posted July 16, 2005 Author Posted July 16, 2005 Hi Tony. Down the road where? But yes- sounds good. Unfortunately, the expert that is Andrew won't be joining us, and that's our loss I think. I'm not new to server installations but certainly new to school server installations...seems very different kettle of fish to me. Email me if you like and we'll chat and organise something (once I know where exactly you are :? ) Take care, Paul
GrumbleDook Posted July 16, 2005 Posted July 16, 2005 Hi Tony. Down the road where? But yes- sounds good. Unfortunately, the expert that is Andrew won't be joining us, and that's our loss I think. I'm not new to server installations but certainly new to school server installations...seems very different kettle of fish to me. Email me if you like and we'll chat and organise something (once I know where exactly you are :? ) Take care, Paul PMed to most of this. I am at Lodge Park, and have reached the dizzy heights of Manglement ... I only mention this to show everyone that there is hope for us all ... I am a Director of IT, on the Senior Leadership Team, have a Network Manager, Assistant Network Manager (in some places would be equiv of Senior Tech), 2 part time Techs (one doubles up as webmaster) and a Computer Sciences student from a localish Uni on a 15 months placement (during the summer this overlaps to give me 2 ... plenty of manual labour for moving boxes etc) I work with the Head of Faculty (IT + DT are now combined ...) and the Head of IT; they plan, resource and teach the curriculum; we co-ordinate ICT across the curriculum together; I head up the ICT User Group, work with outside bodies (NAACE, Becta, SST, etc) and manage/control the MIS (sorting out assessment with those that organise the reports, exams with the exams officer, student intake ... the usual stuff ... thankfully I miss out on Timetabling!!! woohoo!!) I am 100% associate staff (non-teacher) ... never have been a teacher ... never likely to be. I started as a techie, and get frustrated because I am not meant to do hands-on support anymore ... that's why I have a support team. Lets face it ... if I can get to these lofty heights ... anyone can! Food for thought? Tony
kingswood Posted July 17, 2005 Author Posted July 17, 2005 Hey Tony. You've done well sir! It'll be good to read your experienced contributions. On a connected note: why didn't Lodge Park snap Andrew up??? 8O Take care, Paul
GrumbleDook Posted July 17, 2005 Posted July 17, 2005 On a connected note: why didn't Lodge Park snap Andrew up??? 8O When the Network Manager job came up for grabs again a few months back Andrew didn't apply ... he was pretty disillusioned about working in education and wanted to go into industry ... We've all felt that way ... I seriously just could not persuade him to apply. Thankfully, we got Stephen.
kingswood Posted July 17, 2005 Author Posted July 17, 2005 Yes. We tried everything to get personnel to retain him, but in the end I think he got a better offer from CCC. So that's where (I think) he has gone in more of a consultative role than the position he held at OLPJ. I wish Stephen all the best! Paul
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