Hi All,

I'm usually quiet on this list, often reading the threads when I am
recharging my fire extinguisher.....  But the recent comments concerning IT
director's role and how it differs from an integrationists' role hit home.

Here at Essex, we have the same issues.  The 'IT' department, like all
others in the state, is understaffed, under trained, under funded, and have
no windows in our closet offices.

The first 6 weeks of school is indeed a bear, and maybe it is the lack of
sleep or seeing my family that are influencing my opinion.  But here it is:

I feel that the current 'winds' in our schools have moved computers from
purely instructional devices to production devices.  This shift, although
subtle, is extremely important to notice.  I have recently had
administrators tell me that their teachers can't teach without the network
running.  Student information programs, email, printing, and the Internet
are not part of an educator or administrator's tool bag, they are the ONLY
tools.  This shift has occurred without changing the structure schools.  IT
has become 'mission critical' but has not (and will not?) receive the
funding and support it needs to fulfill this new role.  How many school
districts look for grant money to pay the bookkeeper?

I'm an educator first, and a geek second.  But my certification looms on the
horizon. I can't figure out how a class in TCP/IP works into my social
studies IPDP........


So, as much as I believe that educators should be in this position, I no
longer think it practical.

Group therapy, great idea....




Randall Short

Director of Technology
Chittenden Central Supervisory Union
2 Educational Drive
Essex Junction, VT 05456
P:802.879.5550
F:802.879.8197
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"Teach Different"