A Guide to Managing Tech in Educational Environments

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Technology is no longer a unique occurrence in educational environments. Today, it's a necessity to both educate and manage students. A 2020 report from the Institute of Education Sciences reported that nearly half of all schools surveyed had computers for each of their students. Thus, tech management is critical to maintaining learning and safety.

Utilize Learning Games

The use of tech in educational environments is a perfect way to enhance a student's learning capabilities. For instance, introducing gaming elements to lessons piques their interest. Basically, they see something in the offering related to their enjoyment of video games.their Don't use a gaming application as the sole teaching source. I must be included in a larger plan. For example, accompany a discussion about trigonometric equations with a game that utilizes its function.

Application of Access Filters

School districts manage tech by locking down access to internet sites that are dangerous to students. Although browsers have a certain level of protection, administrators rely on a third-party K12 web filter to help guard the internet. These applications can be based on the school's network instead of individual machines. Generally, this is the more efficient way of handling web filters. When installed as a cloud application or on the district's servers, configuration updates are pushed to every device at once. It minimizes the risk of holes that allow them to reach inappropriate sites.

Strong Security

Enhanced security protocols are necessary to manage education environments. Not only to protect the district's information but also the personally identifiable information (PII) of students. Several cyberattacks over the last few years have revealed that some educational institutions haven't done enough to secure their data.

Although firewalls and virus software address some protection requirements, further security measures are necessary for added protection. Whether they're students, educators, or administrators, all personnel should utilize multi-factor authentication (MFA) to lock down their access.

MFA adds another layer of protection to the login process. Once users enter their password, they're sent a numeric code, which is normally delivered via cell phone to the user. The unique number completes the verification process and permits access to the system.

Blockchain is another method to protect educational tech. Developed originally as a general ledger for cryptocurrency, blockchain has become a leading form of security for many industries. It works by placing blocks of data into a virtual chain. The information isn't accessible without proper authentication.

Ensure Remote Education Options

The last few years have taught everyone to be prepared for anything. This is also the case with education. Many schools were blindsided at the start of the COVID pandemic and took weeks to get up to speed with students. Now that they've established methods of remote learning it's time to enhance them. They need to go beyond viewing videos and online homework. To establish the concepts of teamwork for the future, students need a way to connect with each other while online. In doing so, your education team encourages better ways to learn.

Don't Forget Students With Special Needs

As you manage and grow tech in educational environments you mustn't forget students with special needs. These people rely on technology the most to gain a proper education. Thus, focus is required on solutions to help all types of students. For instance, enhanced sounds and descriptions for blind individuals. For those with hearing difficulties you need a closed-caption application that goes further in translating what they see on the screen. Meanwhile, students on the autistic spectrum or with sensory issues need learning options that produce calming effects that increase their concentration.

Utilize Collective Dataflows

Despite advances in technology there are still school districts that use individual spreadsheets and word processing tools. When delivered via email or SMS (instant messaging) there's always the risk of confusion or missed information. In turn, educators and administrators become frustrated due to miscommunication. The solution is to utilize collective dataflows. For instance, an enterprise resource planning (ERP) application. This allows permitted individuals and departments to follow the path of data from entry to conclusion. As a result, everyone is aware of current activities.

Conclusion

Needless to say, don't start managing your educational tech if you don't understand the framework. Reach out to professionals who will guide you through the process.