Google App for Ed. Concerns

In the beginning, I was just happy when our pilot project was accepted. I didn't worry about the hurdles and all the hoops we would have to jump through. As the school year approaches, some of the things I had pushed aside are beginning to haunt me.

The head tech guy was very down on Google Apps. He cites legal concerns and says they are not reliable. I wonder if he has taken the time to really use them, I have always found them very reliable. Apparently the legal issues relate to student data on U.S. servers. Since I don't plan to have any data related to grading or personal info of the kids in Google Apps, I am not worrying. I hardly think the 10 year-old's zombie story is going to be a big concern.

The question I am wondering about is whether the technician will have set up Google Apps for Education for us or not. If not, I guess I'll have to figure out how. If I end up doing it myself, will he give me access to the school board domain? In the worst of cases, will he block the use to Google Apps at the last minute?

I guess only time will tell. Either way, I am determine to use Google Apps this coming year!

App Anxiety

As the school year approaches, I am beginning to realize how many details I may have left out of my technology infusion proposal. The document was 6 pages long but was full of pedagogical arguments to convince people that it was a good idea. It didn't necessarily detail the how-to aspects.

Today I am wondering about what apps will be loaded on the iPads and iPod Touches. Who will choose which ones, and on what basis? Will anyone contact me about what I want? I saw a tweet fly by on Twitter yesterday about someone who had iPads with a static image - no apps could be added onsite. They would not be updated until the end of the school year. The impact of this did not hit me until today. Surely we will be able to sync in order to get content off the iOS devices. Shouldn't we also be able to add apps? At least free ones?

I am sure that it will all work out. I think the anticipation of trying something new is just finding stuff to worry about.

I do hope we can add apps, though...