Imagine it’s the beginning of a new school year has arrived, and everything is set up and ready for the students’ first day. The teachers have planned their lessons for the semester, classrooms have been refreshed and supplies have been re-stocked. Until the thought occurs. What about the IT infrastructure?
Technology is an integral part of the classroom that enables teachers to streamline their lessons, enhance the learning materials on offer, and support students to help them produce their best work. Proper planning and implementation of IT systems can mean the difference between a smooth school year, and one filled with technical challenges.
Essential IT Infrastructure Preparation
When it comes to planning for a successful tech-enhanced school year, it’s important to set a secure foundation with robust IT support. For schools in Georgia, this is particularly crucial due to the increasing adoption of digital learning platforms and online resources, with network capacity needing to support hundreds, or even thousands, of simultaneous connections. For example, an online a typical high school in Savannah should plan to support devices on a 1:1 basis. This means for every student the internet access speed should be at least 1 megabit per second per student. This includes accounting for staff devices, school-owned devices and computers, and student devices, to ensure there is a low risk of connectivity issues.
Additionally, wireless infrastructure demands particular attention in Georgia’s school environments, where older building materials can sometimes interfere with signal strength. This is an issue for modern classrooms, as they require consistent, high-speed wireless coverage throughout the campus. For example, a school may discover that their concrete and metal construction was creating wireless dead zones in several classrooms, significantly impacting their one-to-one device program. A way to overcome this issue is to carefully add access point placement and signal strength optimization, so this can be resolved before affecting student learning.
Key elements of IT Infrastructure Preparation
- Device management has become increasingly complex for schools across Georgia, with many local schools implementing hybrid programs combining school-provided devices with BYOD policies. This requires sophisticated management systems capable of handling diverse devices while maintaining security and educational standards.
- Data backup and recovery systems are especially critical for schools in our region, given the potential for weather-related disruptions. Georgia’s coastal location makes schools vulnerable to hurricanes and severe storms that could impact on-site systems. Schools should maintain at least three copies of critical data: the primary copy, an on-site backup, and an off-site backup. This approach has proven invaluable for several Savannah schools during recent severe weather events.
- Security infrastructure needs thorough evaluation and updating before students return. This includes implementing next-generation firewalls capable of deep packet inspection, advanced threat protection systems, and content filtering that complies with CIPA requirements while maintaining educational access.
- Classroom technology readiness extends beyond basic connectivity. In Georgia, schools are increasingly implementing advanced teaching tools, such as interactive displays, document cameras, and educational software. Software applications and learning platforms should be updated, with licenses renewed and new resources properly integrated into existing systems.
- Power infrastructure is an overlooked part of IT support, but is crucial for Georgia schools. Summer storms can cause power fluctuations that damage sensitive equipment. Implementing proper UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) systems and surge protection throughout the campus protects valuable technology investments. Smart power management systems can automatically shut down devices during extended breaks, resulting in significant energy savings.
- Temperature control and environmental monitoring systems play a vital role in protecting IT infrastructure, particularly in Georgia’s humid climate. Server rooms and network closets need proper cooling and humidity control to prevent equipment failure. Inadequate cooling can lead to premature equipment failure and be costly for schools to resolve.
Coastal Computer Consulting: Your Back-to-School IT Partner
Our team provides comprehensive IT support services to educational institutions across Brunswick, Savannah, and throughout Georgia. We work closely with school administrators and IT staff to ensure technology infrastructure meets the demands of modern education. Our back-to-school preparation services begin with thorough infrastructure assessments. We evaluate your current systems, identify potential bottlenecks, and recommend necessary upgrades or modifications.
We offer specialized support for educational technology, including system integration, device management, and security implementation. Our team understands the unique requirements of educational environments and provides solutions that balance accessibility with security. Whether you need help setting up a new computer lab, implementing a one-to-one device program, or upgrading your network infrastructure, our experts are here to help.
Setting Up for Success
The key to a successful tech-enhanced school year lies in thorough preparation and having the right support partner. With proper infrastructure in place, schools can focus on their primary mission of education rather than wrestling with technical issues. Contact us today to schedule a comprehensive infrastructure assessment and develop a preparation plan for the upcoming school year.
