Ongoing Impacts of COVID on K12 Technology

David Oestreicher, Director of Technology and Digital Learning, Hutto ISD

David Oestreicher, Director of Technology and Digital Learning, Hutto ISD

In March 2020 as our school district came off of spring break, we had no idea of what we were in for. We knew a new virus was spreading and it sounded like we may be virtual for a few weeks. Oh how naive we were then. We had no idea that 2+ years of craziness lay ahead for us or that these events would define our generations forever. We had to stretch and adjust quickly and I am proud of how our Technology Department handled all that was thrown at them.

As we finally start moving on from the COVID times, it continues to impact us into the future and how we act and plan.

Last Minute Planning a thing of the past - It used to be we could order devices or other equipment and expect to receive them in a month or two. The industry is still suffering from supply chain congestion that often makes lead times 4-5 months or sometimes even longer. We have adjusted and ordered our summer device refresh machines around February for the past two years. If you fail to plan ahead, your plans will be late.

Work expectations are forever changed - The practice of having to drive to the office everyday is forever changed. School districts, traditionally slow to adapt and often engrained in dated work practices, have even begun to come around to offering hybrid work schedules for staff. They know they cannot compete with outside jobs on pay levels, so offering hybrid work schedules for jobs that can do so, such as technology and business departments, is an easy perk that can help to retain and find quality staff. Letting staff work even 2 days a week at home is a simple thing that can go a long way.

Support methodology - At the start of COVID, we faced the dilemma of how do we provide technical support from anyplace to parents, students, and staff located anywhere. We implemented an online chat for support and it was very well received. Even though we are back in person, we still encourage parents and virtual students to use the chat support and staff still hop on and use it at times.

“One thing that quickly became evident during COVID was the need to provide the same digital access and opportunities for all of our students.”

Equity and opportunity - One thing that quickly became evident during COVID was the need to provide the same digital access and opportunities for all of our students. The plans we had in place quickly ramped up to a faster move to 1:1 for secondary students. The ability for students without internet access at home to be able to do the school work they needed was a concern. The need for equity does not go away just because COVID is not on the front burner anymore, it is our ongoing duty to serve all our students.

Digital learning is not optional - In spring 2020, teachers who may have been dragging their heels about incorporating digital learning tools into their classes suddenly found themselves thrown headfirst into it. Teachers have realized that using digital tools in a purposeful manner is not optional anymore. Many realized it is not as bad as they thought it would be and gained more confidence in trying new tools, and Districts realized that we need to help prepare staff and better help move toward the future.

Unity - During COVID we were all united in a common cause and up against the same unseen foe. We were one in purpose and pulled together. Different departments helped each other out and we all shone. I hope that the unity that sprung up continues long into the future. We truly are better together.