Digital Infrastructure

Digital infrastructure at Deacons Primary 

Where we are now!

The Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training recently upgraded the technological infrastructure at Deacons Primary School. 

Wifi extenders were placed at strategic points around the school's plant to enhance bandwidth and connectivity which was once an issue.  The computer lab was upgraded, as the former hardware (desktop computers) and software were considered obsolete or came to the end of their life-cycle.

Digital equity was another aspect of the strategy that will have to be reviewed.  The objective is to have a ratio of student to device of 1:1.  There was shortfall during this distribution process from the Ministry of Education.  The school had to depend on community partners such as local businesses,  NGOs and charity groups to fill this void.

During the distribution of digital tools, stakeholders were required to sign an Agreed User Policy (AUP).  The  aim of the AUP is create good digital citizenship among stakeholders, particularly students who may be interacting with technology for the first time.  Click to view sample AUP.   

Where we are going!

Before the implementation of the digital strategy, a S.W.O.T. analysis of the school would have to be done as well.  Click here for school's S.W.O.T. analysis.  

Before any new device, software or app is added, consideration needs to be given to how this technology will be integrated into the existing infrastructure.  Thought has to be given to:

1)  how the technology will be managed and maintained.

2)  who will be responsible for managing the infrastructure - This will be done by the school's ITC and senior leaders, namely the principal and management team.  However, educating students and parents of the proper use and handling of digital tools is an option we can consider.  

3)  what additional demands will it place on existing infrastructure - will the school have to incur additional costs to use the technology? Will new equipment be needed? are some of the questions we must ask ourselves when selecting suitable technology.

4)  how accessibility will be handled - local and remote.  Again education will be key.  Students will have to learn the importance of protecting their data and privacy while online.  They will be educated about protecting passwords, etc. 

5)  what user policy will be put in place - AUPs

6)  the life cycle of the technology

7)  privacy of users 

8)  security and data protection - We would have to consider the level of security we will need.  Will passwords and firewalls be enough?  Do we go to cloud-based storage vs hard drive or usb storage? Are some of the questions we will need to consider!

                                                    Good Digital Citizenship Video for Kids