Troubleshoot

Computer Troubleshooting for Teachers and Students
This website is a very useful site for teachers and students to use when something does not go right when they are using computers, printers, scanners, interactive whiteboards and Microsoft products.  It picked out common difficulties teachers and students face, broke down the area where the difficulty is happening and walks them through the troubleshooting process so that the Technology Coordinator does not have to be bothered every few minutes by something so minor that the teacher and/or student can remedy the situation themselves.  This saves time, money, and stress and allows the teachers to become more familiar with the technology they are using.

My thoughts regarding this website:  I like the way this website displays the most common difficulties and puts them into an easy-to-follow, clear format.  This is a website that I would share with other teachers, especially those who do not feel so comfortable with technology.

A Computer for Every Student and Teacher
This article was describing the planning and implementation of a learning initiative where students and teachers from twelve high schools in North Carolina received laptops or tablets to use for class.  Much data was collected and compiled from surveys, interest groups, interviews and classroom observations.  The analysis of the data was shared to give other groups and school districts what types of items need to be reviewed/decided upon before doing a 1:1 computer initiative.  The following items were some of the key items mentioned.
1.  Teachers should receive the computers in the spring in order to be trained and have time to adjust to them; students should then receive theirs in the fall.
2.  "Schools need to ensure that wireless Internet access, server access and bandwidth are appropriate given the substantial demands of student usage."  (p.2)  School should be evaluated for sufficient technology connectivity within the school(s) and determine the costs regarding ample electrical circuitry.
3.  Evaluate the type of computer being purchased with regard to how it will be used and will any peripheral devices be used with it.  Also consider the operating system and what can/will be installed.
4.  Consider the life of the battery and the number/placement of outlets to recharge.
5.  "School staff recommended that students receive USB drives or that teachers receive external hard drives to store student work in lieu of a more robust school network for backing up student documents."  (p.5)  Teachers were also interested in other devices such as interactive white boards, projectors, and printers.  Other science-specific peripheral devices were mentioned such as a digital microscope and a digital thermometer.)
6.  Other interests of teachers were applications such as Microsoft Office and the Internet to support lessons, as well as classroom monitoring applications.
7.  Many other learning software and applications were listed such as note-taking, presentation tools, and utilities.  Teachers also felt that email would be helpful so that teachers and students can communicate regarding any questions and concerns about classwork.
8.  Rules and regulations regarding computer borrowing and usage responsibility are important to for the school to create and communicate with all who are involved, including parents.  The acceptable use policy (aup) must be clearly written and understood.  Schools may wish to collect an insurance fee from students and a permission slip from the parents allowing students to participate in this laptop/tablet program.
9.  In order to avoid teachers from creating two lesson plans for the day due to the anticipation of students forgetting the computers at home, some not participating in the program due to the cost or some computers may be getting fixed, keep loaner laptops/tablets on hand.  (Purchase 5 - 10% extra computers.)
10.  Theft and loss was not a major issue, but it still should be addressed.  Maybe there could be a special shelf where computers could be stored when not in use.  Also, a reliable and easy-to-use tracking system should be in place.
11.  "Many schools found they could successfully prevent most viruses by routing Internet access through school/district server whether a laptop is used on- or off-campus."  (p.9)
12.  Many teachers during this initiative felt that it was important for them to have administrative access in order to download and upgrade educational software and access blocked sites they feel would be beneficial to their lessons.
13.  Rules in the classroom must be adjusted to include inappropriate use of computers such as checking e-mail during a lesson.
14.  Teachers felt that a central shared drive is very important in order to save work and backup important data.
15.  Evidence showed that cheating and cyberbullying was not an issue.    
16.  Monitoring software had mixed reviews.  The bottom line was that just the threat of being monitored kept students on task.
17.  Teachers reported positively having a Technology Facilitator who performed professional development, troubleshooting, modeling technology use and co-teaching.
18.  On-site technicians also proved positive for schools in that technical issues were resolved within the school much faster than having to send computers away.  On-site technicians also allowed Technology Facilitators the opportunity to remain focused on the learning side of technology instead of the fixing part.
19.  Student technology teams are being formed with the help of the Technology Facilitators to provide a variety of useful technology support and help in creating consequences for breaking rules.
20. Professional Development is vital to the success of this initiative.  There are many focuses which PD can take:  hands-on activities, content specific, instructional, classroom management, site visits, etc.
21.  It is important for the principal to be open, supportive and thoughtful of all needs through the process of acquiring a 1:1 initiative.
22.  It is also important to keep community members and possible business partners on good terms as the need for long-term costs will most likely be a factor to consider.

This is an important article to read if your district is considering a 1:1 computer initiative.  The article includes an in-depth study comprising of many factors that will help make district and school decisions for such an initiative.  I think all of these factors have to be considered, but not all districts will require all of the same outcomes.  Every district is different, based on finances and number of students and teachers.  This would be a very exciting program to help accomplish.  One thing that always has to be kept in mind is that technology is changing so quickly that once this type of program is initiated, it will need to be reevaluated at least every couple years, if not sooner.

ACTIVITY

ISSUE	SOLVING
There is no sound coming out  of the speakers on the student computers.	1.       Check the cables.  Be sure they are securely connected, both to the audio out jack or speaker jack on the back/side of the computer and to the speaker itself.       2.       Be sure the switch on the speaker is turned on and the volume is turned up.       3.       Check the internal Windows Volume application:  Start, All Programs, Accessories, Entertainment, Volume Control.       4.       If still no sound – go to Control Panel and find Sounds and Audio Devices.  Access General Properties, Levels, Enhancements and Advanced Properties.       5.       Contact your teacher to contact Technology Coordinator.  Speakers will need to be replaced.
I can't connect to the network.	1.       Be sure you are inputting the correct username and password.       2.       Be sure the CAPS lock button is not on.  (Password may be case sensitive.)       3.       Be sure you are logged off everywhere else.
My computer keeps freezing up  on me.	1.       Be sure to check the cable connections between the keyboard and the computer.       2.       Force restart the computer.  (Updates may need to be loaded.)       3.       Contact your teacher to contact Technology Coordinator.
My printer won't print.	1.       Be sure the printer is turned on.       2.       Verify the printer you are sending the document to.       3.       Be sure the printer is on-line.       4.       Check the printer for a paper jam.  (If so, remove the jammed paper carefully and replace the cover completely.)       5.       Print a test page (button on printer) to be sure the printer is working.
My SMARTboard pens aren't working.	1.       Be sure the pens/eraser are sitting in their trays flat.       2.       Pick up each pen/eraser, wipe each tray clean and replace the pens/eraser into their correct trays.       3.       Have the teacher calibrate the board.