-tictech message:
Folks,
Let's take a moment to glide gently back to earth and reality.
If we all understand the available resources that will enable us to
implement individual school plans and set realistic expectations, I believe
we can all move forward in a harmonious manner.
Here is some information that you can use when developing strategies to
support your printing needs in your school.
1. We have been fortunate to have two technology levies approved by the
voters in the past 4 years. The BTA levy provided funds to support a wide
area network and student computers. The funds are limited and were allocated
to meet the public mandate to provide a 5 to 1 student to computer ratio.
The BEXII provided funds to continue the network expansion with teachers
computers for the classroom. In this levy some funds were earmarked for
each school to choose to have a network printer or projector. The levies
provide a finite amount of money for technology and are not expected to
satisfy all technical needs of the schools.
2. Although the levies provide computers and minimal printing resources,
many schools have chosen to purchased low cost inkjet printers or networked
printers. Inkjet printers do provide teachers and students with wonderful
color print, but the cost of operation is high. Network printers provide
reliable and lower operating cost printing solutions. The choice of
selecting and purchasing inkjet or networked laser printers is clearly a
school's decision. Given our very limited human resources, it is impossible
for the I.S. department to provide up to the minute guidance on inkjet
printers. However, we can and do provide assistance with network printers.
3. Sharing printers is a school choice. We have found innovative solutions
and have helped some folks set up printers in a shared environment.
However, sharing of printers is a fragile configuration and requires much
TLC in most cases. There have been reported cases where the shares have
been exploited by creative virus hacks. Given the amount of effort to
support printer sharing, the Network Analysts are unable to allot time to
assist with printer sharing. We will try to answer questions or assist when
possible, but the expectation is that inkjet printers and sharing will need
to be supported by school staff.
4. We are all living through a very tough time right now and we need
everyone onboard to support our technology. There will never be enough
money to satisfy all technology needs. We need to draw from all sources we
can find, and it will require effort from all of us. We will become
frustrated and angry when things don't work, but we need to keep a
perspective that we might not be able to do everything this instant, but we
may be able to get it done soon.
5. I saw a reader board on a business in Ballard yesterday that might help
us with the perspective piece:
Yesterday is History
Tomorrow is a Mystery
Today is a Gift
Happy Holidays!
Charlie Walker
Manager, Customer Support
252-0303
chwalker@seattleschools.org
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