Module 3 Progress Report

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 devices connected to the wall port can still output audio but not video. To address this, we installed a ScreenBeam device that enables direct casting from computers to the projector. While this restores video functionality, the audio cannot be routed back to the amplifier due to the current system’s limitations. Administration expressed concerns about this temporary solution. Initially, we were told there was a spending freeze, preventing funds from being allocated to resolve the issue. However, with the upcoming arrival of a new superintendent and the auditorium’s use for presentations, this has become a priority. The concern was raised that not having audio gives a poor impression of the district. As a result, we are now working with a vendor to obtain a quote for replacing the converter boxes.

In addition, we are preparing for WIDA testing, which has highlighted recurring challenges with student laptops. Many devices are not updated or functional, as teachers often wait until the last minute to report issues. To address this, I recommended that students leave their laptops at school overnight, connected to Wi-Fi, so updates can occur automatically. I have also been manually updating devices as needed. However, some teachers have reported issues with students not bringing their laptops or chargers to school, which complicates the resolution process.

These challenges underscore the importance of clear communication, proactive planning, and adaptable problem-solving in my role. I look forward to continuing to address these issues and contributing to smoother operations for the district.

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