IS 480 Journal & Progress Report

 My "internship" is actually a full-time job as a Technology Technician at a school district. I was introduced to this opportunity through a contact who informed me of an open IT position. At the time, I was working as a banker, but I knew I wanted to transition into the IT field. I updated my resume to highlight my education and technical skills and applied for the position. During the hiring process, I answered additional technical questions, and my coursework helped me confidently respond with the correct answers. After my in-person interview, I was selected as the top candidate out of over 15 applicants, even though I initially felt I lacked hands-on experience. In this role, I am responsible for troubleshooting and repairing hardware and software issues, performing system maintenance, managing network infrastructure, providing user support and training, implementing security measures, and overseeing system upgrades and integrations. These responsibilities require a combi...

This week has been particularly demanding. With the ongoing search for a new superintendent, the district organized three staff and community forum nights for the finalists. I was asked to handle the audiovisual (A/V) setup and be on-site to address any technical issues that might arise. With some of these people making six figures, you would think that they know how to turn on a projector and cast wirelessly to a screen or turn on a mic, but I digress...  As a result, I worked overtime for three days, bringing my total hours for the week to 48. This brings my cumulative hours for the quarter to 184. Balancing this workload with my Python coursework and other responsibilities has been stressful, but I am looking forward to a fresh start next week. Despite the challenges, I was able to accomplish a lot. One major issue was the lack of preparation for the WEDA state testing. As expected, many teachers did not ensure that student laptops were updated and ready for the test. I had...

 Reflecting on my journey in IT, I recognize both my personal and professional strengths. Technically, I excel in troubleshooting and problem-solving, particularly with hardware and software issues, as demonstrated in my role as a Technology Technician. My knowledge of network systems, audiovisual equipment, and system maintenance allows me to handle a variety of challenges effectively. Non-technically, I am highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive in identifying solutions. My ability to communicate clearly and collaborate with colleagues ensures tasks are completed efficiently and with minimal disruption. In terms of goals, my immediate objective is to finish my bachelor’s degree in Applied Science in Information Systems while continuing to work with the school district until my contract ends in June. After that, I plan to take the summer to secure an intermediate-level IT job, such as a network technician or technology specialist. This role will allow me to further develo...

This Monday was a paid holiday, so I worked 32 hours this week, bringing my total hours for the quarter to 136. The focus this week was resolving ongoing technical issues and addressing tickets as they came in. One significant project involved troubleshooting the auditorium’s projector system. Currently, devices connect to the system via HDMI through a wall port, which then converts the signal to Ethernet and runs to the booth. At the booth, the signal passes through a junction box that allows switching between multiple sources. From there, audio is split from the signal and sent to the amplifier system to power the speakers. The video signal continues through HDMI to an Extron transmitter box, which, along with an RS-232 connection for projector controls, converts the signal to Ethernet. The Ethernet signal travels to the receiver box, which converts it back to HDMI for video and RS-232 to control the projector. The issue lies with the Extron boxes, which are broken. This means device...

 My internship as a Technology Technician at a school district involves maintaining and supporting the district’s IT infrastructure. In a nutshell, I troubleshoot hardware and software issues, assist with network maintenance, and ensure that the technology used by staff and students operates smoothly. This role demands both technical problem-solving and effective communication, as I often work closely with educators and administrators to address their needs. What I know about my role is that it’s pivotal for the day-to-day functioning of the district’s technology systems. My tasks so far have included repairing devices, resolving connectivity issues, and providing user support. I understand the basics of troubleshooting, maintaining hardware, and following best practices for IT operations. To fully excel in this position, I’ll need to deepen my understanding of network administration, learn more about advanced system configurations, and refine my ability to manage multiple tasks ef...

This week I worked another full 40 hours. This will only change if students have a day off, or there is a holiday / break. This brings my total hours for the quarter to 96 hours.  Last week we scheduled for a lift to come to the auditorium but the person in charge of bringing it was out that day, so we never got to take a look at the projector. I was also able to finish all the remaining laptops that needed repairs and send four of them off to Dell to be repaired under warranty.  During our team meeting, we discussed the possibility to get Extron training and to get certified to work with Extron equipment (install and program). After the meeting my boss had said that if I need any help working on a cert like A+, Network+, Security+ etc.. that he would find something for me to work on to help with the test and to get more experience. Some issues that arose: Had two teachers not able to do any updates and computers were acting slow and time clocks were off. Clocks issues was due...

As I begin this course, I am excited to integrate my role as a Technology Technician at a school district with the objectives of my internship class. Starting this position before the course has given me a head start in applying my academic knowledge to real-world challenges. My expectation for this class is to build on this experience, deepen my technical competence, and further develop the skills necessary for a successful IT career. Working in a school district has already exposed me to various aspects of IT support, including troubleshooting hardware and software issues, maintaining network systems, and collaborating with staff to ensure smooth operations. Through this course, I hope to expand my understanding of how these tasks align with broader IT practices while identifying opportunities to improve and learn new techniques. One key expectation I have is to reflect on my professional growth through the journaling process. This will allow me to analyze my strengths, recognize new...

This quarter started at a weird time and on a Thursday. I have been at my job since September of 2024, and this quarter started on a Thursday and wasn't a real "week". Starting on Monday, I have worked 32 hours and by the end of the week I will have a full 40 hours. This quarter I would have worked 56 hours.  So far this week, I am caught up on all of my tickets and have only a few laptops left to repair and rest. I have more done than what was expected of my boss.  Here are a few issues that arose.  Computer had malware   Was given a laptop that would pop up with "Norton" and "MacAfee" say we need to download an update when we don't use either of those programs. Standard procedure is to wipe the drive and preform a clean install of windows. Reset device and scanned and tested for any potential left over malware.  Students Broke laptop screen Laptop came in and the screen was cracked end to end. My standard is to check to see if we have an active w...