If you've been reading my blog for a while, you'll know that I created my own DIY document camera several years ago using my iPad and Airserver to project and record guided notes in my classroom.
You'll also know that there have been times when changes made by the central IT office have interfered with the functioning of my cobbled together system, and I have to talk to all kinds of people in IT and administration to explain again what I'm doing and why and how their change has messed things up. It usually takes several weeks of pestering various people until we find a solution which usually involves the IT person taking 15 minutes to flip a few switches, and things are working again.
To say it's frustrating is an understatement. I know that no one is intends for this to happen, but it makes it more difficult for me to teach my students in the best way I know how.
Welcome to school year 2017-2018. Every summer our desktop computers are re-imaged and wiped clean of special programs and downloads. I was expecting this, so before school even started, I put in my request to have AirServer re-installed and for my computer and iPad to be on the same wireless network. School started, IT was very busy, and I waited patiently. And waited. We're 4 weeks in to the school year, and I finally heard back that because our iPads are more than 5 years old, IT will be recollecting them later in the fall. So, they won't set up my system because it is going to be phased out. With nothing equivalent to replace it. Sigh.
So, for now I'm making do with Powerpoint again.
And starting the long trek up the chain of command to see how we can solve the problem this time.
And researching document cameras so I can write a grant to get one.
And going for long runs so I don't scream at anyone.
And thinking about becoming an engineer...
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