Microsoft shoutout for techie v teachers

[Face-Man]

It would appear Microsoft have noticed that there can be differences between techies and teachers

 

Microsoft UK Schools : Network Managers and Teachers have a relationship problem

[leco]

One wonders just how big their research sample was and the breakdown between Secondary/Primary - Teacher/Techie. It seems a bit too lightweight.

[featured_spectre]

As above. Perhaps they need to dig a bit deeper rather than scratch the surface.

[elsiegee40]

Someone look for those quotes on here.. actually it was probably TES where some of us answered back.

[jamesb]

I notice Edugeek's in there. Anywhere it's not turning up these days?

[enjay]

I'd be interested to speak to the tech(s) who said that software installation is a low priority for them, I'd just like to know what they view as more important. Obviously, if half the network has just crashed, then you fix that before installing %educational_game, but installs come before other developments such as investigating a more cost-effective printer, or whatever.

 

As for the school where the techie is "bluffing the teacher", or possibly where the teacher just thinks they are, I think these two people need to sit down and have a cup of coffee together. There are sometimes legitimate reasons for saying "no, I won't install that" (I've done it here before), but we should explain these, not just refuse.

 

I can recognise some of the other points in there though.

[rayfleming]

As I said in the blog post, it definitely wasn't a representative sample (it was based on a researcher interviewing a small number of individual teachers and network managers, rather than searching through EduGeek or elsewhere). The reason for publishing it was to share a bit of the insight that we've seen at this early stage (we've got another couple of phases to come) and perhaps stimulate a discussion. We've definitely not rushed to any conclusions from it!

[enjay]

Only a minority see training, such as making sure everyone knows how to use ICT, as a critical part of their role.

 

To be fair, training does not always fall within the remit of the NMs. It is our ICT Co-Ord who decides what topics are included in the Twilight training sessions, not me. Also, we have just bought some digital recorders for MFL (exam boards stopping accepting cassette recordings of orals); I am more than happy to help the teachers get to grips with the new equipment, but would expect any new teachers coming into that department in the future to be trained by the other teachers, not me.

[Flakes]

Maybe they've just been messed about too many times?

 

I've lost count at the number of times I've been handed software that needs installing "for next lesson", or software that doesn't work, or software which is "essential" but turns out to never be used.

 

This happens to us too even though our policy is a minimum of a month, we are far too busy to test/make MSI/deploy/debug all in an hour or two, the teachers don't understand this, they think because it took two minutes to install on there personal machine, it will take just as long on our network. No amount of explaining the process seems to get this across to them. in the current financial situation installation of software is of low priority, its more important to us to work out ways to save money through printers and equipment, then to install newer software where there is already software they can use.

[StewartKnight]

Maybe they've just been messed about too many times?

 

I've lost count at the number of times I've been handed software that needs installing "for next lesson", or software that doesn't work, or software which is "essential" but turns out to never be used.

 

Thats so true!!!

[enjay]

in the current financial situation installation of software is of low priority, its more important to us to work out ways to save money through printers and equipment, then to install newer software where there is already software they can use.

 

I think it depends on the specifics of each request. A better printer for the IT Suite to save hundreds of pounds per year is more important than a little educational game or another application which does something very similar to what they have already, but the software accompanying the new spec syllabus for a whole department/subject is more important than replacing the classroom printer in year 1.

[36Degrees]

A small sample of requests for software installation which I'm sure many on here have encountered - 1) Software is licensed for 1 computer / user but request is for installation on all computers for all users. 2) Software only works properly if you have full admin rights on the local machine so request is made for that to be done 3) Software purchased 2nd week of September and then teacher says it needs to be on all computers in time for some important thing the following week - you have never seen software before, some older computers won't run it and it is one of the worst you have encountered for installation / configuration / stability issues.

 

As to training, I have offered on many occasions to do CPD sessions on anything they want but have had no takers and even the Head of ICT has seen 1 person turn up for CPD on something they *must* all know how to do. On INSET days I have done workshops with an easy to follow user guide (colour pictures, simple language, etc.) and them still claim they have never been given any help.

[enjay]

A small sample of requests for software installation which I'm sure many on here have encountered

 

4) Software is given you by a new teacher whose previous school bought it.