Preparing for Online Testing, Spring 2015

March is a big time of year for testing. IT has been preparing our network and devices for the increase in traffic. Below is information you can use to help create the most ideal environment for students taking online assessments.

Preparing your devices

Our field technicians have been visiting all schools to ensure that computers are ready for testing. If you have any concerns about specific devices, please don’t hesitate to submit an IT Service Request or call IT at x5065. 

Only BVSD devices can be used for testing. To verify that you have a BVSD device, look for the blue asset tag on the back.

Managing your bandwidth

We have plenty of bandwidth for testing as long as we are conscious of how we use it. To conserve the bandwidth in your building on testing days, limit streaming video and turn off the wireless on personal devices (phones, tablets, etc.)

We also have other measures in place to save bandwidth. The assessments are downloaded to the student devices from a server rather than directly from the Pearson site. Chromebooks are also prevented from receiving updates during the testing period. Both of these measures will reduce the strain on our internet pipe.

Using the wireless

Our new wireless infrastructure was designed to handle all the testing devices connecting to the network. Also, student Chromebooks have recently been moved from the BVSD-Guest or BVSD-Guest-Fast network to the BVSD (secure) network; not only does this strengthen the wireless connectivity, it also eliminates the “use of this network” pop-up that students used to see when they logged into Chromebooks. 

However, if you still notice any issues with wireless, please submit an IT Service Request immediately or call IT at x5065.

I hope that your assessments go smoothly in March. Please let me know if you have any concerns. As always, I appreciate your comments below. Don't forget to log in to post a comment.

Andrew

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

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

The Wireless Reality at BVSD

​We have come to expect and rely on wireless access, especially now that smartphones and other mobile technologies have become ubiquitous. Unfortunately, the demand of these devices regularly exceeds the capabilities of the BVSD wireless networks in schools and at the Ed Center.

BVSD’s wireless network is over 6 years old and was designed before iPads and smartphones existed. It was designed for wide coverage, meaning that most areas in a building have access. However, it was not designed for density, which restricts the number of devices that can be connected at the same time.

This situation is the cause of widespread frustration with our wireless network capability, especially as we continue to add iPads, netbooks, and other mobile devices to classrooms.

There is no comprehensive short-term solution to this problem. The cost to upgrade the entire wireless infrastructure at BVSD is estimated at over 2.5 million dollars, with over 1 million needed just for high schools. In the long term, we are looking for one-time money or a temporary technology mill levy override, which would need voter approval, to provide the needed funds.  

Depending on how much money can be raised, one potential fix would be to upgrade the high schools and redistribute their older wireless access points to the middle and elementary schools to fill gaps in coverage and density. However, this would be a short-term fix for the middle and elementary schools due to the age of the devices.

Despite the known issues with wireless coverage, we are not limiting the number of mobile devices that your school can purchase. However, we do want you to be aware of the limitations that may exist in your school or building before you invest. IT would be happy to survey specific areas of your school if you are planning to purchase more mobile equipment. Knowing our wireless capabilities up front may save you time, money, and frustration.

Please chime in with your thoughts.  Be sure to sign in first in the upper right-hand corner.

Andrew