Seven Tips to Avoid Technology Implementation Failure
Team leaders, I'm told, take responsibility for their team's failures. You know, when the Titanic hit the iceberg, and it sank, the Captain went down with the ship. When anti cyb
TechnologyManagement
A @Wakelet Collection: EdTech Planning
Every time I turn around, I find myself creating or browsing Wakelet collections. If you're not familiar with Wakelet, it's a terrific content curation app that I have written abou
A @Wakelet Collection: Tips for Tech Directors
When I first started writing this blog entry, my goal was to focus on knowledge management and project management. Both are essential to a technology director. Then, I started wond
A Baker's Dozen: What I've Learned as a Tech Director
Reflecting on success may accelerate your growth. One approach that can be painful is reflecting on your failure. As a technology director in various sized school districts, I've h
What They Don't Teach You
As I have grown older, I'm amazed at the insights that pop up into my head. These thoughts slip into my consciousness, as if they are sap dripping from a spigot plugged into a mapl
Thirteen Insights for CTOs
Ok, I'm sure you are just dying to know what I've written about that Chief Technology Officers (CTOs), Technology Directors/Coordinators need to know about. I'm particularly please
AL DíA: Hot in the Server Kitchen
Ok, lest you think this blog entry is about cooking, heat in the kitchen affecting wait staff, let me set you straight. In school districts, relying on storage closets as homes for
AL DíA: Disaster Recovery
Awhile back, I had the chance to facilitate a technology leadership summit at TCEA. This resulted in a brace of blog entries I wrote for TCEA. You
Disaster Recovery Rears Its Head Again #cto #tecsig
Earlier this month, I shared part 1 of When Disaster Strikes , which is part one of a 2 part series on Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity in K 12 school districts and organ
Reflecting on Digital Safety and Privacy
Helping children learn to cite photos and resources from the web is but one aspect of digital citizenship. A less easy topic, but
Single Sign-On (SSO) Solution for Texas Schools #edtech #txed @encore_enboard
Just received this press release from Encore Enboard folks...definitely check them out as a great SSO solution! [
Solving Wicked Problems Parts 1 - 3
Note: This blog entry was originally published in 3 parts at TCEA TechNotes blog at I've combined all into one blog entry here. The term "wicked pro
What's Trending in School Technology Spending?
Thanks to Dr. Evan Lieberman, I had the opportunity to be interviewed for this July/August 2016 piece, What's trending in school technology spending?, for the Texas School Busine
Technician Appraisal Checklist
Recently, someone shared the fol
On the Horizon: Digital Signage #edtech #txed
Check out my latest blog entry, On the Horizon: Digital Signage, over at the TCEA TechNotes blog! Here's the lead: T
Webinar: #eRate Dark/Lit Fiber for School Districts via @tcea
Thanks to Jennifer Bergland (TCEA.org) for facilitating this webinar: [youtube Could this be the solution for districts that have to
Malware Protection
[
Leasing Private Fiber - What Process Do You Follow? (Updated)
Fiber is generally regarded as the fas
What Are Your District's Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)?
" What are your District Technology KPIs?" I asked a colleague. "In fact, do you even have KPIs?" His response drew a chuckle. "It's on my bucket list." Funny, isn't it?
Protecting Against a Data Breach
Every time I check my Twitter feed, I get a notice of a data breach occurring at a business or school district. That's why it's critical school leaders come up with a Safeguarding
MyNotes: Better Systems Management with VMware #tceasysadmin
A presentation by Bobby Robertson (Bryan ISD) at the TCEA System Admin 2015. [ ](
12 Step Process: Coaching the Novice CTO #edtech #txcto
Some time ago, I asked a Technology Director in Texas the following: If you had to give advice to a novice technology director, what advice would that be? I've reflected on [so
Campus Tech Checklist - Feedback Requested
Earlier today, I was wondering, "What should a principal look for when checking to see if technology is properly implemented and supported on their campus?" The question is one I h
TCEA Fiber Boot Camp on August 28 in Austin, Tx
TCEA Fiber Boot Camp Source: h
Free Course - Cisco CCNA Routing and VLANs
A great learning opportu
Claim Your Virtual Space
In a series of tweets in response to my
Not Alone: Inflexible CIOs = Failure
Over at [Assorted Stuff](
School Talk: When Communications Fail @Telegram to the Rescue
Communication apps are transforming how we interact, keeping us in touch, helping us share learning and ideas as they happen, as well as engage safeguarding communications from gov
MyNotes: APQC - Process, Process, Process #txctoclinic15
A great presentation on the importance of process from Fred Bentsen (APQC Education), Mark Gabehart (CTO, RoundRock ISD), and Frankie Jackson (CTO, Cypress Fairbanks ISD). These ar
MyNotes: IMA Legislative Update #txctoclinic15 #tecsig
This session, IMA Update , was held at the Texas K 12 CTO Council meeting on June 18, 2015. It provided some eye opening statistics about CTOs and job in the edtech field. Ann
MyNotes: Salary Reboot for K-12 Tech Jobs Panel at #TxCTOClinic15 #tecsig #edtech
This session, Salary Rebo
MyNotes: #TxCTOClinic15 - Empowering Dynamic Data Strategies
Looking for a data warehouse and web based dashboard that works on all platforms (e.g. iOS, etc.)? Announcement: Join etdrive, a [Texas wid
MyNotes: #TxCTOClinic15 Making Connections with Data & Resources
This session, Making Connections with Data and Resources , was held at the Texas K 12 CTO Council meeting on June 17, 2015. It provided some eye opening statistics about CTOs and
MyNotes: CTO Boot Camp #txcto15 @cosn @tx_cto_council #txctoclinic15
Left to Right: M
Navigating the Seas of Change #tecsig
Thanks to Doug "Blue Skunk" Johnson for celebrating a position that is sorely needed in school districts Systems Integrations Specialist or Systems Interface Specialist
Tracking #EdTech Trends
Source: While re read
#TCEA15 1:1 Infrastructure for Equitable Mobility (audio+text)
1:1 Infrastructure for Equitable Mobility Gary Shuman & George Mallick Dallas ISD Network Services Listen to MP3/Audio of Presentation: [
#TCEA15 What Keeps CTOs Up at Night? Audio Recording
Why don't you share your favorite question and response in the comments of this blog entry? [Listen to audio of Panel](
CTOs Role: The Power of the Same #edchat
The power to make things the same is dangerous, and the most often used tool in a manager's toolbox. "If the power to make things the same is dangerous, then empowering others to b
Going 1 to 1 with...Something
After reading this Gartner report summary... "IT leaders can spend half a million dollars to buy and support 1,000 enterprise owned tablets, while they can support 2,745 user own
CTOsRole: District Technology Report Card
After reviewing this excellent post by Lisa Nielsen, [Considerations for EdTech Purchases](
Stump the Tech Director
The future is here now—check out these pictures of the future but some times, it’s hard to move
TechInsight Series Feedback - Engaged and Motivated
Source: Joel VerDuin
TechInsights Series - Asset Management #CTO #edtech
Note: In the continuing series on Technology Planning Insights, please find another contribution. Patti Holub, a beloved s
Be Heat Sensitive: Stop Your Server/Network Room from Turning into an Oven
Alternate Title: Be Heat Sensitive: 5 Criteria for Choosing a Temperature Gauge for Your Server Room Problem: Do any of you use any inexpensive room temperature monitors that can
CTOsRole - Technology Planning Insights #2 - BYOT Planning
Note: In the continuing series on Technology Planning Insights, please find another contribution. [
CTOsRole: TechnologyPlanning Insights #1 - Environmental Scan (Updated)
Note: In the continuing series on Technology Planning Insights, please find another contribution. [
CTOs Role: Technology Planning Insights - Introduction
Note: In the continuing series on Technology Planning Insights, please find another contribution. [
Ingenious "Temporary" Permanent Solutions
At a baptismal celebration earlier today, I had the opportunity to step into one of my favorite Mexican restaurants in San Antonio, Perico's at 281 and Sonterra. The food, the tea,
MyNotes - WiFi Advice
The following notes come from District Administration's April 2014 issue. The article is Where's My WiFi? [
Building the New
"My principal would like to have YouTube unblocked for teachers so they can access educational videos," shared a teacher colleague. "That way, they can at least show them to studen
SchoolCIO - 7 tips for avoiding tech-implementation failure
[Read the article online](
Podcast - Chatting with Securly.com's @bmadhusudan #googleapps #tcea14
What a fun podcast featuring the co founder of Securly.com, as well as Mark Gabehart (RoundRock ISD CTO) and his wife, Yolanda Gabehart. [Listen to Podcast
7 Tips for Avoiding Technology Implementation Failure
Team leaders, I'm told, take responsibility for their team's failures. You know, when the Titanic hit the iceberg, and it sank, the Captain went down with the ship. [
Avoid Sucker's Choices When Choosing Technology for Schools
Doug "Blue Skunk" Johnson continues to the conversation begun by Tim Holt, George Couros, Chris Lehmann and highlighted by Dr. Scott McLeod: Miguel, This 90% debate is worth
Pointless Leadership - Make It Meaningful @gcouros @ransomtech @blueskunkblog
"Miguel," one supervisor said to me many years ago, "what's the best you can propose? Let me worry about figuring out how to fund it." Even farther back, the incomparable [
Settling for Nothing
[ ](
No Longer Optional: Tech that Makes Life A Little Less Difficult
Over at Blue Skunk Blog, dear friend and colleague Doug Johns
Learning Activities in #Chromebook Classrooms
[Read the first half of this conve
Resurrecting Old Macs with GNU/Linux #txed #txeduchat
Wondering what to do in your school district with old Intel Macs that can't be upgraded to Mac OS 10.9? I recently shared my thoughts on this in this email, but realize that older
SchoolCIO - The Undiscussables of tech leadership
[ Read the article online
avast! Free for Education
For fun, I asked fellow school districts in San Antonio, Texas area how much they were paying for antivirus/anti malware solutions...for large districts (42K students), $300K over
Training Your Technicians - DRAFT Proposal #edtechchat
Is this a crazy idea? Sometimes, you think something for so long, that you start to think it makes sense and maybe, it doesn't. [
Free Antivirus/Anti-Malware for Schools
How much can antivirus/anti malware co
No Comfort Zone in Education
Colleague Dr. Joy Rosseau made this remark in a forum post and I found it...apt. I have said this for 100 years, "There is no comfort zone with technology!" AND now that I am 150
Models of Technology Integration #TCEA13
What fun to click on a blog entry in my TCEA13 hashtag [RSS feed](
Jack Be Nimble - The Demise of the Computer Lab
Image Source:
Device Cornucopia #Chromebooks #iPads #Nexus7 and Labs in Schools
Adapted from [ht
Keeping Windows Installs Up to Date
A recent conversation on a
SchoolCIO Daily Insight - 7 Tips for Doing First Things First
Thanks to [Ellen Ullman](h
Podcast 24 - Exploring Linux on the Desktop for K-12 #google20 #googleapps
[Podcast 24 Bill Long on Linux on the K 12 De
Email May Be Passe
Source:
Think the Same, er, Different Contributions
Rusty Meyners, Eus
Rechargeable Magic - #iPads Gone Wild!
How are you handling iPads Gone Wil
Unicorns, #iPads, 1 to 1, and Mystical Math #edchat
Source: In t
300% More WiFi for #iPads
Source: 300% more what for iPads? We
Responding to 20 #iPad Implementation Questions (Updated 6/23/2012))
Source: Updated 06/23/2012 A Texas colleague
Cleaning Old Windows
Source:
Looks before leaping
Source:
MyNotes - 5 Signs Your Network Needs an Overhaul | EdTech Magazine
MyNotes: 5 Signs Your Network Needs an Overhaul EdTech Magazine Cara Erenben post
Apply Online - Which System?
Adapted from If yo
Desktop Virtualization - One CTO's Response #citrix
Source: Note: If images
What Email Archiving Solution for #GAFE #GoogleApps?
If your school is using GoogleApps
CTOs Role - Switches, WAPS, MDM, and Flying Monkies!
Source: I'm not su
CTOs Role - "It's the Leadership, Stupid!"
Note: This is one in a series of blog entries exploring the role of the Chief Technology Officer (CT
New MDM for #iPad from Apple?
[Apple Configurator available at Mac
CTOs Role - What CTOs SHOULD Get Fired For
Although technology directors, or CTOs, seldom get fired usually, they are encouraged to leave due to personality conflicts with the Superintendent (yes, I've actually heard that!
CTOsRole - Top 5 Tips for Overcoming Network Challenges
A few months ago, I asked colleagues in Texas what their top 5 network challenges and tips to overcome those might be. Invariably, the responses came back containing one word ba
CTOs Role - Advice for Newbie CTOs
Note: Welcome to the CTO's Role Blog Series! This blog entry continues my [series on what CTOs need to know and do](
CTOs Role - 7 Tips for Doing First Things First #edtech #edchat
Note: This is one in a series of blog entries exploring the role of the Chief Technology Officer (CT
MyNotes - Low or No Cost Options for Improving Network/Information Security
Source: The followin
MyNotes - Web Security and Inbound Protection (M86)
As I continue my journey through M86's white papers, I'm delighted to find more enlightened perspectives about filtering and how the
MyNotes Don't Be the Fun Police - Reviewing an M86 WhitePaper
Over the last few months, I've started to take a keener interest in white papers produced by vendors. I'm not sure why that's the case, but one can learn something from reading any
Just Jump In - Exploring Options for Netbooks, iPads and More
Note: This is a continuation of the blog entry, The CTO's Role Involving Stakeholders . [
Throwaway Apps, Enduring Learning: TAPPing In to Education Funding
Update 02/21/2012: After meditating on this, I finally decided to call TxDIR and ask for their opinion. Although I won't put anyone on the spot, it basically boils down to this
#iPad Apps Survey - Digital Consumables? #edchat
Update 02/21/2012: After meditating on this, I finally decided to call TxDIR and ask for their opinion. Although I won't put anyone on the spot, it basically boils down to this
Smart or Not?
A colleague from the non profit sector recently posed the following question: Do you have thoughts about smart boards and their value to classroom education? I saw an impress
Mobile Device Management - AirWatch #iPad #Android #TCEA2012
Some time ago, I shared an interview with a colleague featuring [JAMF Software's Casper](
MyNotes - #eRate Preso at #TCEA2012 and #Evernote Admiration
Earlier today, I had the chance to listen to Cathey
Technology Mgmt - Free Training and/or Certification
A colleague recently shared the following free training opportunities: [DHS/FEMA Certified Cyber Security Training](
BYOD and iPad Filtering Solutions +
Source: Lightspeed,
MyNotes - Exploring JAMF Casper for #iPad
Getting started with iPad management? Your best first step for a demo is to participate in the live iOS demo that is held every Tuesday at 2:00 PM CST. To register, please click
iPad Roundup #iPad #BYOD Continuum of Control
[youtube For someone who purports to not like iPads, I've certainly spent a lot of time exploring their use in K 12 schools! A quick r
#BYOD Issues RESOLVED with @Amazon #Kindle #Fire
A short time ago, you may recall this blog entry entit
#iPad Deployment - Do Over.
Source: [
Doug Johnson's "The Classroom Teacher's Survival Guide to Technology"
[Pre Order this Title](
#BYOD on the Cheap
Image Source
Digital Signage Solutions
When I first read the phrase "digital signage" I didn't have a clue what it meant. Are you talking about electronic signatures? But no, that's not what those two words mean when th
GoogleApps - Better than Sliced Bread
Source: As more wonderfu
The iPad, uh, Straw that Broke the Camel's Back
[Formula Cam
FOSS Email Archiving Solution? @jfluhmann
Question posted to a Texas list: Lik
GoogleApps for Education Domain Question
A school district in Texas had this question... We have a question on creating a subdomain for gmail for students. we are having difficulty figuring that out. Do i need to set up
Pointing Out the Fly in Pearson's Soup #ok #oklahoma @pearson
H as Pearson told anyone else that they need to put a windows firewall exception in a firewall service that is turned off? Seems to me that if the firewall is OFF then the se
How To Setup a #Secure SMTP on #Ubuntu #Server
Check out Ed Newman's guide.... I have put together a three part series on how to set up a secure SMTP server using Ubuntu Server 10.10. I am hoping someone on list would give it
How To Clone iPad Settings And 7 Other FAQs
Image Source:
The Joy of Discovery #moodle @markcockrell @shawntx
One of the delights of discovering a podcast series you haven't listened to, not unlike finding a trilogy from a new author, is the exploration of ideas, understanding how people a
Saving Money - Avoid Spending It Poorly
Technology funds are often spent poorly. For example, Tim Stahmer ( Assorted Stuff ) makes the following point about interactive whiteboar
Words and Wisdom - @mikegras #TCEA 2011 Technology Administrator of the Year
Michael Gras , Technology Director, White O
Visitor Management Systems
Note: In the spirit of Doug Johnson's "Blast from the Past" series, I'm reviving my "OldybutGoody" series. [5 Selection Criteria for Visitor Management Systems](
Planning a Zone Integration Server
What's the value of a zone integration server? ...a piece of software that sits on the end user's server, either at the school, district, region or state level, and acts as commu
Technology Management Part 2
Note: This is a continuation of Technology Management Part 1 blog entry. Need 4 Provide access to sch
Balance of Power
Note: It's amazing, I actually wrote this back in 2001. It's a piece that endures for me, although it was never published because the TCEA Executive Director (in 2001, mind you)
Installing iTALC
Question How do you remotely view and control computers on your network? When reflecting on iTALC, I think of LANSchool. If you have the money, LANSchool which is priced agg
Technology Management - Part 1
Image Source:
Spiceworks - Asset, Network, Hardware Management
This comment from a colleague in Texas intrigued