What is a school tech audit, and why do I need one?

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What is a technical audit?

A technical audit is an in-depth review which encompasses all areas of your school’s technology, including infrastructure, devices, services and software. The primary functions are to evaluate the systems that are in place and ensure they are fit to keep on performing how you need, when you need.

Think of tech audits like a WOF for your school’s tech: Yes, it is another item to add to your ever-growing to do list… but it’s one that the ministry recommends. Why? Because at the end of the day, nothing is more reassuring than knowing a professional has reviewed and signed off that we are safe and things can be trusted to keep on running smoothly. 

Why does my school need a technical audit?

Audits are the best way for those less tech-y of us to have peace of mind that our tech is reliable and can be trusted to perform how it should, when it should. Scheduled technical reviews are a necessary piece of our due-diligence as education providers as they ensure that our systems are up to date and continue to meet MoE performance standards.  

Who should perform my school’s tech audit?

MoE guidelines suggest one or more of the following:

Wouldn’t my school’s on-site IT team already be completing this?

Potentially. Although even with a dedicated IT team onsite, the majority of their time is generally consumed with keeping current systems running smoothly and not a tonne of time is budgeted for planning beyond that. This is where technical audits come in. 

An in-depth audit goes above and beyond the day to day. It involves taking a step back to form a strategic management plan, ensuring the technology in place today can be trusted to continue supporting learning outcomes in the future. 

If you aren’t sure if your on-site IT team is performing regular tech reviews, schedule a time to go over the topic with them. Keep in mind that a full-scale review of your school’s tech will likely require additional hours and resources, especially if it is not a service already included within your managed services contract. 

Not sure if your school tech is performing at its peak?

Our team can help. Get in touch to request a quote, ask a question or chat a bit with a professional who can help you understand how the Ministry of Education technical review guidelines will look at your school.

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I have been working for TTS for the past 7 years assisting schools with their technology infrastructure and digital alignment with the MoE.

Before that I was completing a Batchelors of Business with a major in Management and a Graduate Diploma in Business Administration, I worked in Massey University tutoring, relief lecturing, and marking in the business college while also being a director of a small software company. I also previously held roles as sales manager in the corporate world.

Within the professional learning environment, I specialise in assisting schools with strategic management, change management and leadership. These are all challenging areas that often require specific planning and implementation. Change is not only synonymous with technology but is part of the daily environment in education and embracing change can be a daunting. My goal is to assist schools to feel comfortable and accepting of necessary change.

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I have worked in Education for over 25 years in early childhood, primary, intermediate, secondary and currently at a tertiary level. During that time, I led many diverse roles including being a teacher aide, a teacher, a co-counsellor and an adult educator. I have a post-graduate diploma in Teaching as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Education. In 2022, I completed a Master in Contemporary Teaching through The Mindlab.
 
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I am a graphic and digital designer with nearly 20 years experience designing for the digital realm. I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communication, a Certificate in Computer Engineering and am a certified Adobe Creative Educator.

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