Streamlining the Hectic Workdays of Employees through Technical Management: Strategies Revealed
In a bold move to modernise learning, New Bedford Public Schools in Massachusetts has embarked on an ambitious five-part innovation initiative. Led by Victor DeMedeiros, the school's Senior Technology Manager, who recently received the Innovative Leader Award, the project aims to transform the educational environment and ease the workload for educators and administrators.
DeMedeiros, an advocate for a mindset shift towards long-term outcomes in tech support, suggests three key ways technology managers can improve the lives of busy educators and administrators. Firstly, he proposes a shift from reactive to proactive IT management, likening the approach to an "operating room" that focuses on preparation, precision, and proactive planning. This change enables technology leaders to improve systems intentionally, reducing daily stress on staff and enabling long-term educational progress.
Secondly, DeMedeiros emphasises that technology should be used with purpose and preparation, acting as a strategic driver for equity, access, and deeper learning outcomes, rather than an optional add-on. Lastly, he advocates for smart, intentional upgrades aligned with educational goals, which can increase student engagement, improve staff satisfaction, and enhance overall system efficiency.
The technology upgrade has had an immediate impact on student engagement, motivation, and energy levels. The tools used in the technology upgrade include Cisco, Verkada, Chromebooks, Google Workspace, ClassLink, and ParentSquare. Delaying infrastructure upgrades increases risk, both in terms of cybersecurity and operational inefficiency.
Balancing need versus want is crucial in an uncertain financial environment. DeMedeiros and Assistant Superintendent of Technology and Learning, Dr. Matthew X. Joseph, ensure objective, factual analysis is used to help stakeholders see funds responsibly put to work. Data analysis helps prioritise spending and demonstrate return on investment (ROI) in the school's budget.
Improving outreach and inclusion within the local community is a key aspect of the tech-supported transformation. A refined communication system ensures transparency, improves trust, and impacts student attendance, behaviour, and performance.
In the summer of last year, DeMedeiros set up and enrolled 3,200 new Chromebooks for the entire high school of approximately 3,000 students. The initiative was a combination of long-overdue innovation and real-time necessity to meet the evolving demands of education. When choosing new edtech, school leaders should consider scalability and compatibility, user experience and training requirements, and long-term sustainability.
DeMedeiros also advises tech managers to streamline tools and training, provide responsive support, and use automation for administrative tasks. By doing so, he aims to help educators and administrators do more with less resources, ultimately benefiting the students and the community of New Bedford Public Schools.
- Aiming to transform the educational environment, New Bedford Public Schools' Senior Technology Manager, Victor DeMedeiros, suggests a proactive IT management approach, focusing on preparation, precision, and proactive planning.
- Technology, used purposefully and with preparation, can act as a strategic driver for equity, access, and deeper learning outcomes in education.
- In an effort to increase student engagement and improve staff satisfaction, smart, intentional technology upgrades are being implemented, including Cisco, Verkada, Chromebooks, Google Workspace, ClassLink, and ParentSquare.
- Balancing need versus want is vital in uncertain financial environments, with objective, factual analysis being used to prioritize spending and demonstrate return on investment.
- Improving outreach and inclusion in the local community is a key aspect of the tech-supported transformation, with a refined communication system enhancing transparency, trust, and student performance.
- To streamline resources, DeMedeiros advises tech managers to provide responsive support, automate administrative tasks, and streamline tools and training, ultimately benefiting students and the New Bedford Public Schools community.
