Wireless Upgrades Approved

IT knows that most of the existing BVSD wireless environment does not reliably meet the needs of our schools. This is a challenge we've been working to resolve for some time.

That’s why I’m pleased to announce that on Tuesday night (5/28/13), the Board of Education approved the upgrade of wireless technology at all high schools, middle schools, and K-8s this calendar year; elementary schools will receive supplementary wireless equipment.

High Schools, Middle Schools, and K-8s

All high schools and many, if not all, middle schools and K-8s will be updated over this summer. Those schools not updated over the summer will be completed by the end of the 2013 calendar year. The new wireless system will allow approximately two simultaneous devices per user.  

Elementary Schools

As a temporary fix, the equipment pulled from the highs, middles, and K-8s will be offered to supplement the existing wireless systems at elementary schools. In the meantime, I will continue to work to find funding for a long-term fix.

I’m excited to see how the improved wireless technology will transform the learning environment for BVSD students, especially by opening the door to 1:1 and BYOD initiatives. 

What excites you about the upcoming wireless upgrades? Please chime in with your comments below.

Andrew

Green Printing @BVSD

Over the last year, BVSD has transitioned to a new model for supporting our printing, faxing, and copying needs. We moved away from workgroup printers to Ricoh multifunction devices.

This change was made in order to

• reduce costs by reducing paper consumption and printing costs
• simplify our processes
• eliminate excess waste as part of a “greenBVSD” initiative.

Since spring 2012, over 155 Ricoh multifunction devices have been installed. This centralized printing model will eventually eliminate the need for over 1800 printers in our buildings. The new Ricoh devices provide faster, less expensive, and double-sided printing. In addition, schools now have a single source for purchasing toner and requesting repairs, which further reduces cost, energy use, and complexity.

To further our “greenBVSD” initiative, many staff and students are taking advantage of the digital collaboration opportunities within Google Docs and other online tools—in fact, some teachers have even created paperless classrooms. 

Go to www.bvsd.org/green to find more information about this sustainable printing initiative and other BVSD sustainability programs.

Please chime with your thoughts on printing after logging in above.

Andrew

Wireless Names @ BVSD

What’s in a name? Quite a bit, it turns out, when it comes to choosing your BVSD wireless network.

The next time you use a wireless device at school, check out the networks available to you. Some may look familiar, some are new, and some of the old networks are gone. Each network has its own features. Here’s a short guide to choosing a network.

BVSD - This is the secure network that you can join using your BVSD username and password. It allows you to access district resources, such as your network folders.

BVSD Guest - This network is for guests. It does not require a username and password, and it does not allow access to secure district resources.

BVSD Guest Fast - This network is just like BVSD Guest except that (you guessed it) it’s faster. Only devices that are compatible with BVSD Guest Fast will see it.

Public Wi-Fi Networks

Stay safe when you use the free Wi-Fi offered by many restaurants, hotels, and retailers. Make sure you know and trust the name of their wireless network. A malicious person can set up their own network with a similar-sounding name in hopes that you will join it. Once you join a bogus network your data is compromised. When in doubt, ask someone who works there to verify the network name. Also, use appropriate privacy and sharing settings whenever you join a public Wi-Fi network. Read more about staying safe online on our Information Security @ BVSD website and in the most recent BVSD CIO blog.

Please chime in about wireless networks after logging in above. I want to hear your thoughts on this topic.

Andrew