Not too many years ago there were definite fluctuations in the workload throughout the year- all year we were busy, but at some periods we were really busy.
Those fluctuations seem to have levelled out now – now we are just really busy all of the time. This past 12-18 months seem to have been non-stop – I’m not complaining, it has been a really productive period, so much has been completed.
The idea of this weekly blog (yeah, I know I’ve made these commitments before, so don’t be surprised if this doesn’t last either)… the idea is to share with the team some of the projects happening.
Software Compliance
As I write this, I should have been zooming up the M1 with Stu H on our way to a 2 day training course on Phoenix Dashboard. This is the software that will allow us to manage our licences, and to match them up to the installs throughout the college. This training is the culmination of a 2 year long project to consolidate and rationalise our licensing situation – and for us to ensure we are compliant with licensing.
Initial stages of this project have been very reassuring – proving a very high level of compliance (apparently very unusual in these projects). Stu and I believe that once we have the training on how to use this software we will be (very easily) able to completely balance our installs with the licences owned.
Unfortunately, the training course started yesterday, and we had the wrong dates – DOH! – we will have to book onto the next one.
No more NEC
As you may have heard, NEC computers are pulling out of the European market this month – I know not why – so this leaves us looking for a new PC manufacturer. NEC have been a great PC, and coupled with the support we have from our reseller (Profile), and the warranty cover we have, have been a very sound investment for the college. So with this in mind, we must be careful choosing our next model.
We are in the process of short listing 4 or 5 manufacturers, and to get some evaluation units in. Once I know more, I shall let you know.
Video Conferencing
Ever since the first webcam was made – 10+ years ago – I have been excited about the prospect of video conferencing… but (until now) have always been disappointed. The quality, or the functionality of VC software has always been a let down.
But now, things have changed.
I have just purchased a couple of units that will sit in the core of our network and allow staff to communicate using video. Initially it will be with a small pilot group, as well as with the meeting rooms around the college that we set up as conference rooms. We will be doing rooms at Technology, NWS, HW, and 2 at Fordrough.
Once complete, (in about a month) video conferences can be made on a one to one basis / a group to one bases / or many people together – from there own desks. Very Exciting. Check out this link for a very good video showing the capabilities – Click here
Survey
The small satisfaction survey is still running – and is still getting some very encouraging responses (take a look – Click here). David (Gibson) was kind enough to recognise these excellent responses, and sent a congratulatory note to all of the team. Well done all – keep it up.
LanSchool
Lanschool is a piece of software that allows a tutor in a class to have control over the student PCs in the classroom. Functionality includes: being able to restrict access to certain programs / to certain websites / take control of the PC / blank the screen / share any screen with the rest of the class …very empowering software.
We have installed this into the IT classrooms at TC, and it has proved very popular with teaching staff.
Our intention now is to roll it out across all the IT classrooms throughout the college over the summer.
Bike Club
The unofficial City College bike club has got off to a great start this year, with loads of rides happened already. If anyone else wants to join in, then you are all welcome. Usual venues are Lickey Hills, Sutton Park or Clent Hills… but occasionally we get away to more exotic destinations – like last months trip to Wales Click Here for the photos.
More next week folks
Filed under: Work
