Staff Spotlight – Technology Services
Creating The Best Environment to Support Digital Learning
Most teenagers need no encouragement to access electronic devices. Shore’s Head of Technology Services, Mr Richard Jones is committed to giving this generation the best possible environment to support their digital learning.
With 14 years at Shore under his belt, as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematical Science, Mr Jones has seen technology evolve at pace and is well-placed to predict and plan for immediate and future needs.
“We have been very pleased to introduce laptops for Year 10 this year, coupled with the use of Microsoft OneNote, and look forward to rolling this out further in 2023,” explains Mr Jones. “Virtual Reality (VR) is another non-curriculum activity already supported by the TAS department here at Shore. While still a niche area, it is offered to students that have a personal interest in this space,” he continues.
“Technology Services cover all aspects of our lives, both inside and outside of the school community,” Mr Jones expands. “Our staff team has experience in designing, implementing, and supporting technology infrastructure in a variety of industries, such as Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Education, Mining, Architecture, Fast Moving Consumer Goods and Financial Services. We’re well-placed to provide the systems, computers, and underlying technology infrastructure to support student learning. It’s a responsibility we take seriously as we want to set the students up for every possible success.”
On a day-to-day basis, the team’s primary role is to support student and staff use of Shore’s hardware and software systems. One way in which the team achieves this is via the ‘Tech Hub’ in the Library. Mr Jones says, “This is popular and both boys and staff can stop by and speak with our experienced tech team – Mr McNeilly, Mr Hakim, Ms Ghomshei, Mr Douglass, and Mr Bell – to get help.”
It’s not all tech support and infrastructure, however. The team also supervises the Robotics Engineering and Programming activity (REAP). At mention of this, Mr Jones breaks into a wide grin. “It’s such fun, Robotics and Engineering … what’s not to love?”
An important part of digital learning is e-safety. To this end, Shore parents of students in the ELC through to Year 12 are invited to an evening with Dr Kristy Goodwin who will be discussing ‘Kids, Teens and Screens’ on Tuesday 23 August. The Seminar commences at 7.00pm, followed by supper in the Hawkins Foyer at 8.30pm. Further information and registration can be found here and on Lampada.
Top Image Credit: L-R Jack Douglass, Stuart Rodrigues, Grant Longhurst, Trevor McNeilly, Richard Jones, Michael Bell, Nicholas Wright, Roxanna Ghomshei, Chris Hakim, Matt Darby.