Q:
We understand that a lot of homework will
require the use of a computer to complete. Some
parents might not be familiar with using computers
and the software that is provided. So they might have
trouble providing their child assistance when they need
help. How will the IT department ensure that parents
are well informed of and understand the technology
that is used?
A:
Sean: The last thing that I want to see happen is valuable
time wasted on learning how to use software as opposed to
learning to how to do the process that the software is supposed to
help you do. Parents, teachers and students will have access, at all
times, to a library of online training videos. And we will update the
library whenever a piece of software or hardware is incorporated
into the education. Teachers will be available as well, to a certain
extent, within their respective classrooms. I also do not expect to
sit in my office a lot once the school is up and running. I want to
be in classrooms. I want to work with teachers. I want kids and
adults to know me as someone they are comfortable coming to
with questions. I see myself as a teacher who started out as an IT
guy, but I am now a TI guy, as Ai Dong alluded to earlier.
Dong Ai: I agree with Sean. Traditionally, the school’s IT
Department functions to create a robust infrastructure that is
able to meet the demands of IT. However, both of us want to do
something unique and creative. In addition to the traditional IT
functions, we would like to spend more time in the classrooms and
focus on improving the level of interactivity of the technologies
that the students and teachers are provided. I am confident that
this will be one of the strengths of our TI department.
I would also like to add that we should not underestimate the
learning abilities of our students and their parents. From my
experience, I know parents, and especially students, learn the
technologies much quicker than I expected.
Q:
A:
Your expertise is in IT. So why have you
chosen to work in schools for so long?
Dong Ai: When I first started working in a school, I
was engaged in the job because I liked working with
networks and computers. My attitude at the time was just to
make sure that I was doing everything well and covering my
bases. But after several years of working at a school, I came to
realize that education had a strong need for technology, and
so I naturally became more interested in education as well.
And this interest peaked after I had my own child because I
started to see the true value in an education.
Now, I often approach IT problems from an educational
perspective. For example, in choosing which product or
technology we will purchase we must look at how the
respective product’s applications best suit the educational
purpose or learning outcome objectives. I very much enjoy
thinking about IT products in this way.
I am not