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>'When a teacher is teaching a computer science class that requires installing new libraries and executable every other week, they should be given admin rights

>'When a teacher is teaching a computer science class that requires installing new libraries and executable every other week, they should be given admin rights or else the computer pre-installed with all needed programs (that never happens in my friends' schools).' I see. That's just broken. I'm thinking of desktops, the sort that need some amount of persistence and security. What you're describing is a lab - which should be built in such a way that it's as wide open as the class requires, but can be restored to a clean base quickly and easily. Unfortunately, this sort of thing - automation is generally beyond the folks charged with running those systems. Years ago, I encountered one well-meaning, but woefully unequipped guy who was re-imaging 20+ machines every few weeks with a single CD. I got him rolling with a networked solution at least. This is one place 'we' can help though - by documenting or ideally packaging up the tools for building proper environments.

jnbiche 12y ago
>What you're describing is a lab - which should be built in such a way that it's as wide open as the class requires, but can be restored to a clean base quickly and easily. Unfortunately, these schools I'm talking about don't have computer labs. They're lucky if the AC works and the roof doesn't leak. They have a half-dozen of Windows machines in some classrooms, and now (thanks to several generous donors) one friend has a half dozen Android tablets. One has a "mobile" lab consisting of 10-15 laptops on a cart shared throughout the school, but they are as locked down or more as the classroom computers. >This is one place 'we' can help though - by documenting or ideally packaging up the tools for building proper environments. If you are someone who still has influence with district-level IT staff, where you could help the most is by making them aware that what may seem like abstract policies can have major impact on a child's education, often in ways they would never imagine if they're not teaching.
- incision 12y ago
  >'One has a "mobile" lab consisting of 10-15 laptops on a cart shared throughout the school, but they are as locked down or more as the classroom computers.' Sadly, I've seen this sort of thing repeatedly. It's the ancient practice of carting around film projectors and the like applied to an age when there are better options. >'If you are someone who still has influence with district-level IT staff, where you could help the most is by making them aware that what may seem like abstract policies can have major impact on a child's education, often in ways they would never imagine if they're not teaching.' Unfortunately, at this point all I can do is offer solutions when they ask for help (Politics precludes us from being proactive about this) - it's still up to the district to take it or not. It's a really tough problem as there are countless players who feel entitled to opinions on and profits from these things. One of many dreams I have is to become CTO of a notable school system and set an example. We'll see how it goes.

jnbiche 12y ago

>What you're describing is a lab - which should be built in such a way that it's as wide open as the class requires, but can be restored to a clean base quickly and easily. Unfortunately, these schools I'm talking about don't have computer labs. They're lucky if the AC works and the roof doesn't leak. They have a half-dozen of Windows machines in some classrooms, and now (thanks to several generous donors) one friend has a half dozen Android tablets. One has a "mobile" lab consisting of 10-15 laptops on a cart shared throughout the school, but they are as locked down or more as the classroom computers. >This is one place 'we' can help though - by documenting or ideally packaging up the tools for building proper environments. If you are someone who still has influence with district-level IT staff, where you could help the most is by making them aware that what may seem like abstract policies can have major impact on a child's education, often in ways they would never imagine if they're not teaching.

incision 12y ago
>'One has a "mobile" lab consisting of 10-15 laptops on a cart shared throughout the school, but they are as locked down or more as the classroom computers.' Sadly, I've seen this sort of thing repeatedly. It's the ancient practice of carting around film projectors and the like applied to an age when there are better options. >'If you are someone who still has influence with district-level IT staff, where you could help the most is by making them aware that what may seem like abstract policies can have major impact on a child's education, often in ways they would never imagine if they're not teaching.' Unfortunately, at this point all I can do is offer solutions when they ask for help (Politics precludes us from being proactive about this) - it's still up to the district to take it or not. It's a really tough problem as there are countless players who feel entitled to opinions on and profits from these things. One of many dreams I have is to become CTO of a notable school system and set an example. We'll see how it goes.