Introduction
Welcome to the February Tech Report. There is not much to discuss this month, but that’s to be expected for January and February.
Issues
Issue #1 – iOS Updates
Last month there were over 200 users not running iOS 13.3 or higher. Today when I checked, there were 103 users not running iOS 13.3 or higher. That is simply too many and not acceptable. Many are still running iOS 12.2. One user is running iOS 11.3! While I have sent numerous emails, messages to iPads, and asked teachers to encourage kids to update, it is not happening.
The iOS updates provide important security updates, bug fixes, and is important in order to maintain current apps. This includes testing apps. Users running less than iOS 12.4 are not able to test for iLearn or ISTEP.
Additionally, Relay (web filter) will not work properly unless you are updated to iOS 13.3 or higher. When the app attempts to update, it will freeze and lock out the Internet on student devices. This is not a new issue and I have communicated this often over last few months.
I have sent a message to all iPads not updated informing them they will be locked and kicked off the network if they do not update. I plan to stick to this. Please update if you have not done so yet.
Issue #2 – Printers
The 6th grade pod printer was having an issue with the printer not recognizing the Cyan ink when installing a new cartridge. Additionally it started to print black streaks across the pages. After dealing with this issue for several months, it’s finally been fixed. The fix involved taking the entire printer apart and replacing two chips that read the ink as well as replacing the drum. This was a complex repair. Thank you to Pulse for taking care of it.
The 8th grade pod printer started to experience a similar issue with black streaks across the pages. Pulse came out and fixed the printer very quickly.
Issue #3 – JAMF Server Update
Last month I updated JAMF Pro to the next version. While everything went smoothly, it reset a previous patch we implemented for communication between Apple and JAMF. A quick call to JAMF support fixed the issue. I will not be updating JAMF anymore this school year as this will likely result in the same issue. The next major update will involve a permanent fix.
New Building Sign
During the second week of February our building sign was installed by Roeda. The sign is black during the day and turns white at night when lit up. It’s a great addition to our building and it was fun to be a part of the process for picking out the sign and it’s design. The Marquees will be installed soon as well.
Testing
ISTEP, NWEA, and iLearn testing will be coming up soon. It’s important students take good care of their iPads during this time. This includes coming to school with a charged iPad and reporting broken iPads right away when they occur so they can pay for replacements.
New Purchases
I have recently received a quote for the new iPads we will be purchasing this summer. The iPads are a little bigger with a 10.2 inch screen instead of the previous 9.7 inch screen. Additionally, they now use a USB-C charger instead of the traditional lightening cable. I will have more information as we get closer to summer.
Support Tickets
This month was a little higher for support tickets, though a good majority of the tickets were related to Relay and not following directions. Without this issue, the tickets would be significantly lower as many of them were put into the Apps category, Google Apps category, or the iPad Display/Hardware category.
Lost iPads
Lost iPads were up to 9 this last month, but still better than some of the previous months. Please be more responsible with your iPads.
Broken iPads
Broken iPads were the highest we’ve had this year. Five is still relatively low and we have only had 15 total this year, which is amazing. Screen protectors have helped tremendously.
Reminders
- Please remember to fill out support tickets for support issues.
- Take care of your devices.
- Visit HAST Tech Store for chargers, screen protectors, and to pay iPad deductible online
