Week Four Reflection Question

Why is it advantageous for educators to share resources and programs on a network?

Networks provide a platform for less work, less storage issues, and centralized tech-support. In a network multiple users can share hardware, software, email, and data files. The network saves a lot of time for the tech department in not having to download multiple programs on each workstation. This also saves the school department a significant amount of money to be able to just obtain a site license instead of purchasing individual licenses. A lot of time is also saved when there are issues with a program since the problem is in one place and not on multiple workstations. Schools have networks sometimes called an intranet. An intranet is collection of private computer networks within an organization. This allows for students’ work to be stored and easily retrieved on secure networks. Many school districts allow the students’ work and photographs to be shown on the intranet since it does not violate publicizing a student’s photo and does not require parental permission. This also allows the teacher to easily access school information in planning testing, activities, field trips, etc using the intranet. The teacher can then plan around school activities, testing, etc.

Sharing resources using a network saves the school district money and time. There is no reason to re-invent the wheel – if a teacher finds great helpful information - why not share it. Then you can in turn use what other teachers share. It is a win-win situation. The school district does not have to make copies for everyone – things change way too much for the schools to keep up. Sharing resources and being on a network allows teachers to stay on top of the new stuff coming out. This allows them to research new methods of teaching their subject and even allows them to check what others are doing in their area and around their school.

What concerns are associated with program sharing?

The issues with program sharing are security and when the server goes down – then everyone is having problems. Hackers can sometimes break through the security on a network and wreak havoc. Firewalls are like roadblocks to help keep them at bay. Antivirus software and spy sweepers generally actively search for viruses and Trojans to keep data safe. It can be disastrous if the Tech Department is not diligent about backing up information on the server. When there are issues serious enough data can be lost – and if not backed up often – that could mean a whole lot of heartache for teachers and students alike!