The network project I designed for this benchmark focused on using VPN – Virtual Private Networking – to allow teachers and administrators in Glenview District 34 to access server saved files from locations other than those workstations within the school settings. Before upgrading their server about five years ago, educators were allowed this access and many of them begrudged the loss of this privilege once the new server was installed. Educators have personal files and shared files on the server which cannot be accessed unless they are logged into the district server via a school setting workstation. With this project, I did cost-benefits analyses which included looking at area such as installation, management and training that would have to take place if VPN was again allowed so that teachers and administrators could access server files from home.
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Course Artifacts
Professionally, the greatest gain I made in the completion of this project would have to be in the relationships I initiated and now continue to maintain. I was able to meet and interview three main principles in technology for our district, as well as, work with two technicians and a technology facilitator for one building. With these relationships, I have been able to promote myself as an interested party in the development and use of technology to enhance student learning, as well as, someone who could be counted on to troubleshoot, investigate or otherwise be involved in day-to-day technologically related events within the schools. As I continue to create opportunities for enhancing curriculum through technology, and work with others that are doing the same, starting to do the same or who are interested in working towards similar goals in this area, it is important to me to be seen as a role model and capable developer. With the connections I have made for this project, I have started on my way towards being seen in that role, not only by the leaders in technology in our schools, but also by other teachers and staff as I have been recommended by those leaders.
ISTE-TF.6 STANDARD: Social, Ethical, Legal, and Human Issues -- Educational technology facilitators understand the social, ethical, legal, and human issues surrounding the use of technology in P-12 schools and assist teachers in applying that understanding in their practice.
With this benchmark project, I created a proposal that looked at some of the issues surrounding the use of a VPN network in our pre K-8 school district. Social and human factors were actually the greatest hindrances to the implementation of this technology into our system. Ethical issues were also considered, especially in reference to access to the server from remote locations that may allow non-staff members to access shared or other files on our server, accidentally or otherwise. Due to my gained knowledge in this area, I would be better able to guide other educators or staff on these issues, if needed.
ISTE-TF.7 STANDARD: Procedures, Policies, Planning, and Budgeting for Technology Environments -- Educational technology facilitators promote the development and implementation of technology infrastructure, procedures, policies, plans, and budgets for P-12 schools.
Virtual Private Networking, as part of our technology infrastructure, was not seen as immediately feasible due to a number of concerns. My cost-benefit analysis included looking at the current and past policies associated with its use, the budget for technology, including the human cost of managing a VPN network system and procedures that had been in use in the past and those that are currently in use. Within these frameworks, I was better able to understand the system as a whole and could better promote development in this area, if it had been seen as positively feasible.
