Blog Assignment 3 - Desktop Support

Prior to reading the chapter, whenever I thought of desktop support I always thought of a help desk that you can call into for help when something goes wrong. I was surprised to find it is so much more! Some of the things that are included in desktop support and that are important for me to know are things such as the purchasing and allocation of equipment, ergonomics and the process of equipment repairs and work orders. There are a great many details that go into a tech coordinator's job that I was very unaware of or simply overlooked. As a teacher, I guess I am a bit greedy and get excited at new technologies. I now find myself very selfish and demanding. This chapter has given me the insight to truly understand my tech coordinator's thinking a lot more than I did!

There were three things I chose that to me were important to learn. First, the purchasing and allocation of equipment. I was unaware of what the bid process looked like so to see an example was eye opening. The ideas of pre-installing software, factory-refurbished equipment, off-lease equipment will help a district save money. I was unaware that there were so many ways to save and how detailed the process was. The second topic that is important to me is ergonomics. I know that I myself want to be comfortable and safe when using equipment but never thought of it as the tech coordinator's job. Close attention to the details of ergonomics will allow your staff and students to work and learn more effectively. The third topic is the process of equipment repairs and work orders. The most important part of this I found to be the tracking and documentation systems. I was unaware of how important this information is. It can be used to determine the efficiency of a department as well as during the process of purchasing new equipment.

The proper licensing of software is very important for any district. I was aware of the need for proper use and application of software but unaware that there were so many options for the purchase of the software. Having the same basic software available on all computers in the district is important so that you can go to any computer and be able to utilize the same basic programs. However, each department may need additional programs that will allow them to perform their job more efficiently. Another important aspect of this is the updating of software versions. I was interested in the ZENworks software program that eases the time consuming task of software updates. I feel that this type of program would allow a tech coordinator the eyes to see the immediate needs of the updates in one report rather than having to go to each lab/computer separately.

As far as security threats goes, I was not surprised by anything in this section. I am well aware of the need for a first line defense and the need for monitoring and updating this defense system. I feel that one of the most important things in this section is the training of the users in following proper procedures. This will give the tech coordinator an extra set of eyes should something start to go wrong. It is important for users to be aware of the threats and procedures for dealing with these threats so that they better understand what to look for. In addition, it will help them better understand the job of the tech coordinator and reduce tension that sometimes arises.

In my current position as CFF Coach and math teacher, I will be able to explain the job and responsibilities of the tech coordinator to other staff. This may reduce the tension that occurs with a one person, K to 12, part time tech department. I feel that many teachers don't even bother anymore because there is such tension between the two. It is important for them to understand the overwhelming tasks of the tech coordinator and the need to follow procedures that are in place. I feel that this chapter has given me a more informed position as both a teacher and a CFF Coach. I can now sit down with the tech coordinator when I find a software to purchase or an educational site to unblock and I will be prepared to properly state my case as to why it is important to purchase or unblock a specific educational site. I am now aware of the need for bids and can have the cost information already available. I am also aware of the need to identify the use of the software and its value in our setting. I feel that this chapter has given me much more insight into the tasks preformed by our tech coordinator and will ultimately give me more understanding and patience with her procedures.