Bill Spakowski, Director of New Business Development for Education Services at DYOPATH
Are your investments in technology and related services access helping bridge the digital divide in your community? School districts’ lagging technology leaves them vulnerable – to cyberthreats as well as deficiencies that limit teachers and students. About 15% of K-12 students lack high-speed internet access at home, making it more important than ever that districts target their investments to improve technology in their communities.
In my experience working with educational communities, there needs to be a connection between your educational goals and the technology needed to support them. Collaborating with a Managed Service Provider (MSP) on the cutting edge of learning frameworks can help narrow that divide so that all students have a better chance at success.
Insufficient Technology Leaves Educational Communities Vulnerable
Educational institutions today are struggling to keep up with the ubiquity of technology, not to mention the infrastructure and upkeep that must accompany it. When school districts first approach me, their teachers are finding it difficult to maintain programs needed to create 21st Century learners. What helps them break this cycle is having a partner with the expertise to find innovative solutions to meet their unique needs.
Superintendents and other educational leaders can assess their IT support by asking:
- Do students have access to technology and internet?
- Is your investment in technology and internet access helping to bridge the digital divide?
- How are you measuring advancements in this area?
- Has your educational institution or district set goals to resolve the problem?
- Have you set expectations to keep different stakeholders involved in solutions?
If you don’t have the answers, an experienced MSP like DYOPATH can work with the district leadership, not just your IT department, to develop a proper and cost-effective solution.
Defining Your Methodology for Measuring Impact
School districts large and small are more successful when all stakeholders understand why bridging the divide is important and agree on a methodology for measuring the real impact of technology. And with more people learning from home, devices, tools, and programs must be protected. Different steps can help you start quantifying your organization’s technology status:
- Acquiring statistics on students with devices and the quality of those devices
- Defining a methodology for moving forward
- Making data-driven decisions
- A district leadership working with their IT departments and staff
- A strategy that emphasizes innovation and leadership
By strengthening and updating their IT infrastructure, schools can make educational success more achievable for all students.
The industry-leading experts at DYOPATH empower educational communities by delivering trusted solutions and exceptional learning experiences grounded in accountability. Learn more about how our Education Services can add value to your organization on our website and schedule a meeting today.
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog. As part of our “Closing the Digital Divide for Your Educational Community” campaign, we’re showing educational leaders how Education Services can narrow the digital divide. In my next two blogs, I’ll discuss how professional learning strategies and 24/7 x 365 IT support can lift up entire educational communities.
Bill Spakowski, Director of New Business Development for Education Services
DYOPATH
About the author: Bill Spakowski is the Director of New Business Development for Education Services at DYOPATH. Bill started out by developing the K12 Education vertical to improve the education landscape for students through the integration of technology. Now, he focuses his time on developing the company’s strategy in the education space, creating new product offerings, focusing on student and staff achievements and new business development in Education Services.