Month: August 2018

The debate about whether or not tech should be in schools has largely been put aside, technophobes and Waldorf School Curricula notwithstanding. In its place, education stakeholders must sort out the edtech baggage of privacy concerns, equity & accessibility, protecting children from harmful materials and misuse of technology, and how best to develop and implement effective education technology integration strategies.

At the heart of this matter is what’s best for the nation’s children.

The Department of Education’s Office of Educational Technology published Reimagining The Role of Technology in Education: 2017 National Education Technology Plan Update gives an overview of the current state of tech in the US and offers recommendations for educators. The report spends a lot of pages discussing the problem of, and possible solutions for, lack of access to high-speed internet for low-income or rural students.

The “Homework Gap”

The authors note that poor and also rural students face obstacles that will certainly put them at a disadvantage vis-a-vis affluent students with reliable service. To be cut off from the internet is to be cut off from the world. Those students without access to reliable high-speed internet access slip into a “homework gap.” They fall behind due to a lack of resources at home. This comes on top of the other disadvantages of relative poverty.

Acknowledging the persistent encroachment of computers and other tech in classrooms is relatively easy; finding effective, efficient ways to synthesize traditional and modern lessons is hard.

Go With What You Know

One way to dip your toe in the tech pool is to use tech that’s already familiar to you. For instance, every teacher who is part of the public education system and mainstream society has sent an email. Start there! ELA instructors can have units on electronic communication etiquette and formatting, even including resume writing as part of the lesson for either a general composition or business communications class. It’s information that students genuinely need, and requires computers to teach it. Voíla! A computer-based, engaging learning activity is born.

Single Sign-on

Issue computer profiles to students, staff, and faculty alike so that once individuals sign on they will have access to all of their password-protected software and resources.

Tech Training For Teachers

Ongoing updates in edtech and regular training will help keep everyone on the same page, so edtech must take a prominent place during Professional Development in-service time. However, taking time for self-education throughout the year by interacting on sites like Edshelf.com can enhance lesson planning with inspiring results.

BYOT/BYOD Problems And Suggested Policy Strategies

A host of issues flood in with students using their own personal devices to complete work in school. While no educator should be held liable for the activities of minors at home on their personal devices, the picture gets fuzzier in the classroom.

Bring your own Technology and Bring your own Device (BYOT or BYOD) offers breathing room to cash-strapped school districts, with the trade-off being the slight headache BYOD brings on. BYOD raises the following issues:

Potential Barriers To Interoperability

Personal devices come with personal tastes, in multiple platforms and operating systems. Naturally, they’re not always going to be compatible. If a lesson calls for students to work from their digital devices to participate, look for apps or software that works across multiple platforms – for instance, Microsoft Word is now available on the iPad.

When sharing is desired, students with compatible devices can be put into groups together. Additionally, when developing a BYOD policy, districts may put limits on the types and brands of acceptable devices in order to minimize incompatibility issues. For instance, the policy could specify that any Chromebook made after 2017 is acceptable, and offer Chromebooks for use by students who do not wish to purchase one.

Accessibility and Equity. Any time that students bring in devices from home, the differences between the haves and have-nots push to the surface. Again, allowing only a narrow range of devices in the classroom per the official BYOD policy can mitigate this effect.

Computers As A Means To Closing The Equity And Accessibility Gap

Technology can increase equity and accessibility of learning by allowing access to databases and tools previously out of reach for those in rural areas, poorer sections of cities, and lower income areas in general. For example, offering Chromebooks or tablets to all students as a default, with BYOD as an alternative, gives students without the family resources to purchase computers or maintain hi-speed internet service, a way out that giving devices only to students “in need” does not. More importantly, the difficulties raised by the aforementioned Office of Educational Technology report are completely resolved if students have access to devices that include broadband internet service.

In her article “The Homework Gap,” Clare Mclaughlin discusses the conflict that comes up when tech innovation runs up against the brick wall of funding restraints:

“This past year, Qualcomm teamed up with AT&T and Samsung to run a pilot program at Alvin Dunn that provided the school’s sixth-graders with tablets connected via AT&T LTE mobile broadband service.  More than half of the sixth-grade class does not have wireless access at home. With these connected devices, they no longer have to arrive at school 45 minutes early to finish an online assignment or stay later to get through some online reading.”

Indeed, hi-speed internet has moved from a luxury to a real necessity as other information centers presuppose individuals’ possession of it. Not having it now is the equivalent of NOT having a computer in the mid-late 90s. Yes, teachers still accepted hand-written papers or offered more lab time to students without them, but the students who had access to the computer at home were clearly able to plan out the assignment more easily, do more work in less time, and not have the additional emotional stress of having their family’s finances once again interfering with their learning. The same is true of hi-speed internet service. Lack of reliable, consistent access to the internet acts as a barrier to learning and a mechanism of social isolation. Since many services and utilities now run or partially rely on an internet connection, the Department of Education points to 100% coverage in every area for every student as a goal to reach by the end of the decade.

Parental Consent

With all of these great opportunities available in educational Technology, students easily run the risk of having their data compromised or being exposed to harmful material. To protect themselves from liability, software developers may require that students first have their parents give consent via parental email to use software – sort of like confirming a link before being able to receive newsletters from a blogger. In order to save some time and headaches, instructors can draft general letters of authorization for parents to sign. Schools can keep these authorizations on file and submit them in lieu of individual parental consent emails being sent whenever a new app is used. Not all developers will accept this.

Computers (And Apps) Are The Way Of The World

If educators cannot teach students how to get along in an increasingly digital age, then they will, by and large, limp along. Students need guidance in order to understand how to manage the overwhelming amount and type of information, and teachers must be the guides.  We let go of slates, and someday, we may likewise do away with paper assignments.

A Moral Imperative

Computers are taking over and there’s no turning back. To behave as though the analog world is not passing away into the past jeopardizes the future employment of our students. As the Office of Educational Technology urges, districts must find ways to provide digital access to all students regardless of their location or socioeconomic status. In order for the nation as a whole to compete, and in the interest of parity, the educational community must adjust.

Identifying the Right IT Services Provider for Your Business

IT service providers, also called managed services providers (MSPs), are in the business of managing a company’s IT needs.  IT service providers can offer their services both remotely and on-site. They normally render their services by one of two ways:

• On an output-basis model
• On a fixed-price subscription model

Pricing Model Breakdown

IT service providers often offer pricing models that are broken down per-device, per-service, per-user, and an all-inclusive subscription model. Since managed service providers charge for their services using several pricing models, it’s wise to evaluate what the essential needs of your business are in order to get the best bang for your buck.

The Balancing Act of Business Growth and IT Support

As your business starts to take off, your IT support will need to increase as well. Navigating both where your business is headed and how to manage that growth with proper IT support can be a delicate balancing act. So often, business owners tend to focus on growing their business rather than on their IT support, leaving their company open for easy attacks from online predators.

What exactly do businesses need to look for in a managed IT services provider?

Ability

The first thing to look for is an IT support provider that has a proven track record of hiring and employing properly trained employees that are well versed in both IT and the company’s vision.  Look for company reviews with remarks stating that their staff is furnished with the right skills and experience to successfully execute all the expected IT tasks.

Another important item to look for is their certifications from top IT trade organizations, such as the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) or Microsoft Certified. These credentials are proof that the IT company takes training their team seriously.

Quality Customer Service

Another important factor to look for when finding the right IT provider is how quickly and effectively they respond to your company’s needs. Normally you can find this out by asking about their help desk software and ticketing system. A capable ticketing system that has a history of correctly prioritizing IT glitches is necessary for a fluid IT support team. The better the provider’s help desk and ticketing system, the more efficient the managed services provider will be. They should demonstrate a good system of keeping track of all their tasks and assignments. That way, your IT issues won’t get lost in a heap of paperwork lying on someone’s desk.

Budget Planning Value for Your Company

Too often the majority of a businesses’ IT budget goes to unexpected expenses. This puts a strain on making crucial planned improvements. You can’t purchase new computers or software when you need it. Your employees aren’t productive and there’s a higher rate of frustration in the workplace. Fortunately, a good managed IT service provider will offer managed services at a fixed rate to ensure your business runs efficiently and affordably.

By customizing the services that you get, you can focus on specific services that fit your company’s needs, such as:

• Cybersecurity
• Daily backups
• Disaster Recovery Planning

On-Call IT Support

A necessary service for most companies is fast IT support. You never know when servers or computers might break down. Who can you call for any problem? Will they get there right away?

When combing through a company’s review section, look for their quick response rates and their on-site support. A good IT provider will be adept at hiring experts in their respective fields that they can turn to when you have a problem.

Much of the time, managed service companies can remotely diagnose and repair common errors. However, some issues cannot be resolved remotely and need to be handled on-site. Look for a company that has a reputation for being there when you need help. They should work to establish and nurture a good business relationship with you by responding quickly to your IT needs.

Cloud Integration Services

With the emergence of cloud technology, protecting your company’s data is essential. Just about every business now relies on data acquired through different means. Today, almost every IT provider offers data backups as part of their service.  They normally offer different pricing options based upon the frequency of backups and the incorporation of other cloud-based services.

Just like disaster recovery planning, routine backups provide insurance against all types of disasters. It simply makes sense to back up your data frequently to avoid any type of threat to your company’s files.

Monitoring Cybersecurity

Cyberattacks are becoming more prevalent and causing major disruption and damage to even the strongest of companies. Hackers can easily breach outdated software after determining the unpatched software’s security flaws. Look for an IT services provider that has a proven track record of not only monitoring a company’s cybersecurity, but regularly testing it as well.  A good IT services company will keep all software updated and secure.

IT consulting companies manage large data centers and put multiple layers of protection in place, but companies can still be breached by hackers. All it takes is one careless employee who clicks on the wrong email attachment. Employee training is a must these days. And it usually works better if you can provide quarterly training for employees. They do get busy and forget and this can result in disaster.

Summary

Keeping up with the ever-changing world of information technology means exploring new solutions as they become available to your business. When searching for the right IT services provider for your business, look at their years of experience. Check the type of industries they have worked with. Read over their client’s testimonials and reviews. When setting up a meeting with the IT company, make sure to have a summary of your business needs on hand. Come armed with a thorough list of questions for the IT consultants. With in-depth research, you will be able to determine the right IT managed services provider for your business.

Your company isn’t immune to computer issues. That’s why you’re looking for someone to make your life easier by dealing with IT issues and keeping your computers running optimally. Keep reading to find out the answers to the following questions:

• What is computer repair?
• How to choose the right computer repair and support people?
• What is the computer repair process?
• What are the common computer problems requiring repair?

The What? How? Where? and Who? of Computer Repair for Dallas-Fort Worth Businesses

What Is Computer Repair?

Computer repair is the process of diagnosing and fixing issues that prevent computers and IT systems from functioning correctly. Traditionally, computer repair and support has been associated with End-User support, but it encompasses a broad array of areas ranging from server maintenance and network security to data backup and recovery.

Having a robust and reliable IT computer support process is critical for every successful business.  A security breach can translate into confidential data being compromised. A broken computer could mean you cannot adequately serve your customers. This can harm the reputation of your company and impact its bottom line.

If you don’t have the resources to have an internal IT staff member that can take of your computer repair needs quickly, you’re going to require the services of a reliable and experienced computer services provider in your area.

In this article, we’re going to explore how to find the right computer repair service company, the most common computer problems, and how an experienced computer repair technician should address the repair process.

How to Choose the Right Computer Repair and Support Company?

Finding the right computer support provider is vital if you want to get your computer up and running as soon as possible – and keep it running efficiently. Here are a few tips to find the right computer repair experts in your area.

Read the Reviews: Read what other users are saying about the provider. Look at review sites like Yelp, Google, or the Better Business Bureau. Ask businesses similar to yours if they had used this provider before and what their experience was. Word of mouth is one of the best sources of information and references for local services.

Post-Service Guarantee: Ask your provider what guarantee they offer after the problem with your computer is fixed. Some computer repair companies have a “no fix, no fee” policy. That means that if they can’t fix your problem, they won’t charge you for any services. Before any repairs are done, ask your technician if they offer any warranties on parts and labor.

Cost of Services: Always compare and get estimates from several companies as you narrow down your list of candidates. Be wary of companies that ask for money up front or who charge only by the hour. Most computer repair companies have a standardized price structure for common computer problems.

Check Credentials: Does the computer service shop have qualified and certified technicians? How long have they been in business? Are they licensed and are those licenses up to date? Do they have liability insurance? These are some of the questions you should ask the provider to check their track record.

On-Site Support: It’s usually easier to have a technician come to your home or office to diagnose computer problems. That saves you from having to pack all your hardware up, haul it across town, and hook it back up when the job is done. While some computer support companies charge extra for this service, it’s very convenient for people with busy schedules.

Do You Understand the Computer Repair Process?

Each situation is different. However, experienced computer technicians usually develop a process for diagnosing and repairing a broken computer. These are some of the steps:

1. Understand customer requirements

When you go to a doctor, you usually start by telling him what your symptoms are. It’s the same when taking your computer for repair. You should describe what the problem is. An experienced technician should be able to communicate with you about the issues you are experiencing with your computers in simple language – not geek speak.

2. Create a Backup

The most important part of your computer is not your computer itself, but the data you have on it. Experienced technicians usually do a backup before they start working on your computer – just in case.

3. Test All Hardware and Software

After a backup is created, a full hardware and software test should be performed on the computer. The hardware test usually includes Hard Drive, Memory Chips, Graphics Card, Central Processing Unit (CPU), and LAN/Wireless Cards. On the software side Antivirus programs, Malware scanners, and Diagnostics tools are used to find malicious software or inconsistencies in your application installations that may be causing problems.

4. Diagnose the Problem

After the preliminary tests have been completed and he/she has all the evidence at hand, the technician can pinpoint the cause of the problem.

5. Communicate with the Customer

Once the problem has been found, and before making any repairs, an experienced technician will communicate with the customer, explain the problem, propose a solution, and give a cost estimation for the repair.

6. Fix the Problem

After getting the customer’s approval, the repair phase begins. Damaged parts will be replaced, and malicious software removed.

7. Updating and Fine Tuning

After the repair has been completed, an experienced computer repair technician will conduct a full software update of the computer. He/she will make sure all security updates have been applied, including hotfixes, service packs, antivirus, and anti-spyware definitions.

8. Testing and Delivery

No repair is complete until a full test is executed. Once the problem has been confirmed as fixed, your computer is ready for delivery. The technician should explain what they did to fix it, what precautions you should take moving forward to avoid this problem from happening again, and finally, they should explain any labor and parts warranty and guarantee.

What are the Common Computer Problems?

If you have been using computers for some, you may have experienced some of these problems. These are the most common computer problems you may face.

• Computer Won’t Turn On

A computer that won’t turn on is a common problem. You can face a laptop that won’t start at all or a computer that powers on – but nothing happens, and it never finishes booting.

The most common cause of this problem is faulty hardware, most likely the memory, and the motherboard. 

• Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)

If you have been a Windows user for some time, chances are you have experienced the frustration of the Blue Screen of Death. They were very common in the old days of Windows 95 and Windows 98, but with newer releases of Windows, they have become less frequent.  What is the Blue Screen of Death? It is an all-blue screen with computer code all over that gives you no option other than pressing the off button and crossing your fingers in the hope that your computer can live for another day.

Technically it is a STOP ERROR; they are usually related to a device malfunctioning. The error codes typically look like this: STOP 0x0000008E.

• “404” or “Page Not Found” Error

A 404 error, is a standard HTTP error for a resource not found, it means the page you are trying to reach no longer exist.

The most common cause for this error is that you did not type the correct address in a web browser. Another common reason is that you are not connected to the internet. The third cause can be that the page you are trying to reach is gone.

• Computer is Slow

This is a very common problem. Users usually start experiencing this after using their computer for a while.

The most common causes of a slow computer are:

1. • • A full disk
     • A computer with low memory and loaded with an excessive amount of software running at the same time
     • Malware or viruses that load and run in the background

What do Dallas-Fort Worth Businesses Do for Computer Repair?

When looking for Computer Repair & Computer services in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, make sure your computers are in the right hands. A broken computer means lost revenue, angry customers and can negatively impact your business. In the wrong hands, computer repair can be a disaster.

The Data Magic Computer Services team offers computer support and services to small and midsize companies throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area. With Data Magic Computer Services, you gain peace of mind – knowing that a reliable team of experts is caring for your computer. Our team is eager to help you with your technology issues – so you can get back to work. We welcome your calls or emails.

What Is UEM and Cloud Security?

As technological devices continue to diversify, there is increased demand for streamlining control systems for security. According to Techopedia, Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) is a new digital system that integrates the range of devices that are available for use now, combining this wide range of software within a single organized program for increased efficiency and effectiveness.

The system can, therefore, be used to improve control over computer systems used in workplaces, smartphones integrated with business systems and other “Internet of Things” (IoT) or online devices that may be used for some aspect of business or system operations. Combining all of these controls into a single system makes it more convenient for administrators to use and oversee, thereby making them safer.

With concepts such as “bring your own device” (BYOD) now in existence for increased employee convenience analogous to the introduction of “plug and play” technology in the past, there is a greater potential for attacks and thus, an increased demand for better security.

UEM systems have increased capacity to control endpoints in comparison to previous system designs and can work to have more proactive strategies in place to accomplish this. UEM practices now include security embedded within request processes, cross-functional strategies, cross-platform designs, and increased capacity to streamline cloud security. UEM can, therefore, be highly useful in helping to simplify a diverse range of security needs in the cloud.

The Origin of Cloud Computing

Cloud computing has been around for some time, and its security demands continue to diversify. According to Pianese’s 2010 study, cloud computing, as the practice of using remote rather than local servers in a network hosted online to manage information, has demanded programs emphasizing control. It requires policies that provide improved information integration.

In the past, there was no system capable of integrating the range of cloud resources in existence. Therefore, system administrators were unable to experience the extent of flexibility and efficiency available with streamlined systems. The author of the study reported on his research team’s efforts in assessing the significance of establishing and improving virtual distributed operating systems for cloud computing. UEM can now address these through meeting the demands for elasticity, fault tolerance, and autonomous decentralized management.

Can UEM Better Address Modern Cloud Security Demands?

As both cloud security demands and technological diversity increase, UEM can help to streamline cloud security and its growing needs. According to Security Intelligence, cloud computing, the diversity of technological devices, and the IoT continue to expand in both hardware and software types. This has increasingly given hackers new opportunities for exploitation. There is an ever-growing need for better security all around.

With this, it has become more difficult for business leaders and IT specialists to maintain tight security over the extent of otherwise effective new programs and efficient integrations of hardware that can be networked through a cloud. In addition to the software security demands, the technological improvements challenge the development and maintenance of relevant policies that are developed for these purposes.

Businesses generally require policies to address technological aspects before software is installed that address specific security needs. It can be challenging for businesses to keep up with the extent of new devices that are available for networking, especially when projects or outsourcing changes frequently.

UEM has been increasingly sought to address all of these demands, because it was designed to streamline old and new software and hardware capacities within an IT network, combining the entirety of endpoints. The system, therefore, allows organizations to integrate desktop systems, networked laptops, smartphones, tablet devices, and the range of users and apps (including relevant content) that potentially operate within a network into a single security system for network administrators or others supervising and securing the company technology.

Improved Productivity and Efficiency

With UEM, in addition to the increased efficiency in streamlining cloud security, organizations can experience improved productivity or output. Infrastructures previously considered complex through wide distribution can be more efficiently managed through the centralization, thereby freeing company resources to focus on output. Through this, end-user productivity can be increased as IT management costs are reduced. This approach is regarded as superior to other strategies or models focusing on disparate point solutions, as the latter involves greater demands for costs and resources amid lower levels of efficiency.

Beyond these fundamental advantages, UEM:

• Uses containment technology that can better protect device information while reducing the potential for it to leak
• Can better facilitate software currency though patching and updating capacities
• Increases the user-friendliness of apps
• Help organizations track flaws in data
• Limit app and resource access
• Implement streamlined organizational needs for logic, auditing, and reporting

Conclusion

According to SecurityIntelligence, over 80 percent of organizations are expected to use a form of cognitive computing or AI for these endpoint demands in the next two years. Just over half are expected to have the current UEM model as their model for centralized management.

Cheuvront explained other potentially beneficial UEM capacities include:

• Containerization
• Identity and access management (IAM)
• Increased balance of critical functions of user productivity and corporate security
• Easier enrollment

If your business needs include any of the above, then you may benefit from increased examination or integration of UEM as research and development in the area continues.

Workforce management (WFM) software is an all-encompassing term for mobile and desktop programs that are created to support a business at managing its staff scheduling. The software began in call centers and other service businesses that have a large number of workers who are normally paid by the hour.

Helping a company gain insight to utilize business metrics, WFM software gives management the ability to better judge the number of service agents that are needed or the number of people it takes to make a product within a certain amount of time.

According to Gartner Inc., one of the top research firms, workforce management software has five main roles:

Labor scheduling:

Help administer employees’ skills and compliance requirements more effectively.

Time and work data collection:

Capture and give very detailed information about the best use of labor.

Leave management:

Process paid time-off requests with a keen understanding of the staffing and liability implications.

Task and activity management:

Provide a detailed view of labor-management requirements to help with complex decision making required for activity-based management.

Time and attendance:

Receive feedback from other modules and employ rules alongside the reported times, based on the company’s needs.

Let’s break down the benefits of using workforce management software as your company begins to experience the positives and negatives of growing.

Engaged Employees Lead to a Better Customer Experience

A national poll has shown that 51% of workers in the United States do not feel engaged. These employees cost their employers as much as $300 billion each year, according to that same poll.  Forecasting manually may mean your organization is spending too much time scheduling agents at times when they are not needed and not scheduling when they are in high demand. At the same time, it is far easier for you to over- or under-schedule your employees, which then leads to both employee disengagement and, ultimately, customer dissatisfaction.

The use of WFM software for your company has the ability to achieve the following:

• Administer work scheduling, paid time-off requests and day-to-day business happenings.
• Collect time and labor data.
• Evaluate past performance and call volume developments.
• Accurately predict staffing and scheduling demands.
• Foresee unexpected events which will help you know when to add incentives or give encouragement to your employees.
• Add labor flexibility to provide multiple scenarios that simulate future scheduling restraints.

Having accurate quantitative data that WFM software provides will help you assess and understand your employee’s satisfaction and engagement levels. This will ultimately guide you to providing a quality work environment where engaged employees will transfer this positive experience directly to your customers.

The Use of Real-Time Analytics Will Help You Predict the Future More Accurately

As WFM evolves, the next generation of this software will combine real-time, speech, and emotional analytics with agent-enabled workflow engines and computer telephony integration (CTI) applications. What this ultimately means for your business is that it will help managers stay one step ahead of developing situations.

These accurate clarifications allow managers to apply emotional or voice analytics, which can help them better understand what is happening in real-time in the call center. Also, while staying informed about the current work environment, it allows you to include a process that automatically notifies customer agents and gives them suggestions for handling high volumes or escalated customer related issues.

For example, your company has just rolled out a new product that has an unforeseen issue or glitch. The advanced WFM software will be able to detect an issue, alert management, and give up-to-the-minute feedback and advice to the customer service department so they can have ready solutions for the upset customers.

Can Workforce Management Software Help With Compliance?

Having proactive processes that address issues before they emerge, will also allow managers to ensure that the company complies with all call-recording requirements. These requirements include the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), HIPAA, and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). With these requirements and policies always changing, this gives you the peace of mind of avoiding potential penalties in the long-run. The newest workforce management systems guarantee your organization complies with these regulations and has records for all of the calls just in case you get a surprise audit.

Helping Your Business Launch to a New Level

Workforce Management (WFM) is a strategic asset in advancing your business goals of providing the highest-quality customer service at the best rate. In today’s need for quality customer service, interactions take on ever-evolving shapes and forms. WFM creates forecasts and schedules for agents with various skills who are handling customer and employee interactions in a variety of ways. WFM enables managers to create proposed future schedules, agents to bid on the schedules, and managers to incorporate the bids into final schedules.

Conclusion

Having the ability to maintain employee engagement and customer satisfaction will give you the opportunity to focus on the quality of the product or service that you are creating. Ultimately, it provides the needed tools to move your company to the next level. Experience continued growth and success with today’s innovative workforce management software.