Blog's Purpose

This blog is maintained by the Tech Support Staff at Hakipuu Learning Center to document the activities, events and operations of the school. Emails and comments are welcomed. Visit the HLC Tech Support website for more info.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

It's been a while !!!

Kala mai (Sorry). It has been a while since I blogged. Been very very busy. Summer came and went. Now we are about 3 weeks into the school year and so much has happen since my last posting. Technology wise, a lot of changes here at HLC. We received some new tech equipment and implemented new Linux Servers in each class. The Operating Systems (OS) on those servers is Edubuntu running Thin Client networking. Last school year, 2 of the 6 classes were piloting the Linux system and the feed back from the students was great. They learned how to us it quick and enjoyed the cool features and benefit. On the other hand, as the tech administrator it was a nightmare, it is a complicated process to set up, operate & maintain, but still possible. It just takes longer to do certain admin task then it does on other OS. Regardless, we still decided to extend it to the remaining classes, especially since Linux is a FREE open source so the price is right up our alley. Therefore, summer was overwhelmingly busy due to us having to set up all the new servers & thin client terminals. On the old peer to peer network I had to literally back up, update, maintain, etc each computer one by one. On the new system, when operating correctly, I should be able to do those task only once on each server and it would be applied to every account. I am really hoping this will help up in the long run. We are now running 3 different type of OS at HLC, Linux, Windows and Mac. Each system comes with its own benefits and challenges. Keeping up with all this tech can be challenging.

One major goal accomplished this summer was the implementing a junior tech program. I offered an intense tech course to a small group of HLC students. That summer course was design to train students on basic skills and knowledge of technician duties. They gained knowledge on hardware, software, networking and equipment handling. Upon course completion student became official Junior Technicians for the upcoming school year. So, now we have more assistance in the Tech department and I see it as a win, win situation. The Jr Techs gain skills, experience, and credit where as HLC gain more tech help. I LOVE IT. We now have 8 Jr Techs and they enjoy being part of the Tech team. They are experiencing the benefits and challenge of a Technician. Jr Techs continue to train with me and look forward to accomplishing their next goal which is to build their own personal computer and be able to take it home. COOL!!!!!!