OCM BOCES’ second cutting-edge high school recently opened its doors for the 2016-17 school year. Located in Cortland, Seven Valleys New Tech Academy provides students with an alternative learning environment focused on four design pillars: outcomes that matter, teaching that engages, culture that empowers, and technology that enables. What kind of a role did the CNYRIC play in the school’s successful grand opening?
Let’s ask CNYRIC Project Manager Mike Lockwood.
Q: What was your role with Seven Valleys New Tech Academy?
A: My role was to connect the dots. I made sure the right people were in the right place at the right time, in order to get the job done well and on time. With the help of my staff and several CNYRIC departments, I facilitated the purchase, planning, and installation of the school’s technology. Seven Valleys Tech Academy provides a project-based learning (PBL) environment for students -- and seamless technology integration is critical to PBL’s success. The technology shouldn’t slow down students’ learning experience.
Q: What kind of new technology?
A: Our goal was to make sure the school keeps up with the speed of technology. The facility underwent a major Internet upgrade from 100 MB to 1 GB - - empowering it to handle 10 times as much traffic. The school now has fiber connectivity, so the Internet access won’t be susceptible to environmental issues. Because this is a technology-embracing school, it’s critical the Internet is always performing well. Additionally, we developed wireless access points, which are networking hardware devices that allow a Wi-Fi compliant device to connect to a wired network. We worked hard to ensure the classroom technology, such as digital displays and laptop carts, were ready to roll by September. The school’s phone system also underwent an upgrade. Users can now 4-digit-dial BOCES/CNYRIC team members (instead of a traditional 7-digit-dial). Faculty and staff can reach the Help Desk by simply dialing 8345.
Q: What was the most rewarding part of being involved with Seven Valleys Tech Academy?
A: I attended the school’s grand opening event before the start of the school year. It was gratifying to see the look of pure joy and excitement on the faces of nearly every student and family member in attendance. It is very rewarding to know my team and I played a big role in the behind-the-scenes work to create such a unique learning environment for students.
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