The EdTechStuff Podcast for Network Managers in Education
About #EdTechStuff
Welcome to the home of the #EdTechStuff Podcast, the essential new series for network managers and IT technicians in the education sector. Dive into engaging discussions, expert insights, and practical advice tailored to the unique challenges of supporting IT in educational environments. Each episode focuses on the most pressing topics, from infrastructure to innovation, ensuring you stay at the forefront of technology in education. Join us as we explore the digital landscape of learning, one episode at a time.
We are busy recording episodes, ready for launch day but to give you some insight as to what is coming, please read below.
Episode 2
EdTechStuff Episode 2 - Migrating to the Cloud in Education
In this episode of EdTechStuff, host Martin engages in an insightful conversation with Adrian Edgar, CEO of Aspira Cloud, focusing on the complexities and considerations involved in migrating educational institutions to cloud-based solutions. Adrian shares his extensive background in IT within the education sector, highlighting the importance of understanding both the technological and human aspects of such migrations.
Key topics discussed include:
- Understanding the Migration Process: Adrian emphasizes that successful cloud migration is not solely a technological challenge but fundamentally a people-centric process. He advocates for a phased approach to migration, allowing schools to adapt and ensuring that teachers and staff are adequately supported throughout the transition.
- Benefits of Cloud Migration: The discussion outlines various advantages of moving to the cloud, including cost savings, improved resource management, and the ability to focus on enhancing teaching and learning rather than maintaining legacy systems. Adrian notes that while initial cost savings may not be apparent, the long-term benefits often lead to more effective use of budgets.
- Change Management: The importance of managing change effectively is highlighted, with Adrian stressing the need for clear communication and support for staff during the transition. He suggests forming project teams within schools to facilitate collaboration and ensure that all stakeholders are engaged in the process.
- Addressing Concerns: The episode addresses common concerns about cloud reliance, such as internet connectivity issues. Adrian reassures listeners that with proper planning and redundancy measures, these concerns can be mitigated.
- Integration with Existing Systems: The conversation touches on the challenges of integrating cloud solutions with existing Management Information Systems (MIS) and the importance of selecting the right tools to ensure seamless transitions.
- Training and Support: Adrian advocates for the establishment of "change champions" within schools—individuals who can lead by example and support their peers during the migration process. He emphasizes the need for ongoing training and support to foster user adoption of new technologies.
- Best Practices for Timing: The episode concludes with insights on the best timing for migrations, suggesting that mid-term transitions often yield better outcomes than summer migrations, which can leave staff unprepared.
This episode serves as a valuable resource for IT managers and educators considering cloud migration, providing practical advice and strategies to navigate the complexities of this significant transition in the education sector. For more information and resources, visit EdTechStuff's website.
To connect with Adrian at AspiraCloud, please visit https://aspiracloud.com
Episode 1
In the inaugural episode of the "Ed Tech Stuff" podcast, Martin Byford-Rew introduced the show, which is tailored for network managers and IT technicians working in educational settings worldwide. The podcast aims to provide actionable insights to help these professionals tackle common challenges in their roles. Martin emphasized that regardless of the geographical location, IT professionals in education face similar issues, making this podcast a valuable resource for a global audience.
The episode featured Ian Stockbridge from Secure Schools as the first guest. Ian shared his extensive background in IT, particularly his focus on cybersecurity within the education sector. He highlighted his journey from working as an IT manager at Concord College to his current role at Secure Schools, where he aims to improve cybersecurity in educational institutions. Ian's experience and insights set the stage for a deep dive into the critical topic of cybersecurity in schools.
A significant portion of the discussion centered around the importance of cybersecurity and the need for continuous effort and support from senior leadership. Ian and Martin agreed that cybersecurity should be prioritized alongside safeguarding, given the increasing threats and vulnerabilities in the digital landscape. They stressed the importance of building support from senior leadership and colleagues to drive cybersecurity initiatives effectively. Clear and regular communication about the importance of cybersecurity can help create a culture of security awareness within schools.
The conversation also touched on practical steps that network managers can take to enhance their cybersecurity posture. Maintaining an accurate asset register was highlighted as a fundamental practice, as it helps in managing and securing IT infrastructure. Patching and updating software and devices promptly were emphasized as crucial measures to mitigate known vulnerabilities. Ian recommended prioritizing the patching of public-facing services, end-user devices, and then internal servers. Automating patch management was suggested as a way to save time and ensure timely updates.
Lastly, the implementation of multi-factor authentication (MFA) was discussed as an essential step in protecting remote access points like VPNs and RDS servers. Schools were advised to turn off services that cannot be protected by MFA until it can be implemented. The episode concluded with a recap of the key points and a call to action for network managers to prioritize cybersecurity and seek support from their leadership teams. Martin encouraged listeners to provide feedback on the podcast and share their thoughts to shape future episodes, and he thanked Ian for his valuable contributions to the first episode.
For more insight about cybersecurity for education, please also consider visiting the In Our Humble Opinion podcast https://ioho.co.uk/ by Gary Henderson and Ian Stockbridge.
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