TYLER ISD
learning for most students by the start of 2021 . “ We are currently in an in-person learning environment , except for students who have medical issues that affect their ability to physically come to class ,” says Jacks . “ However , with 1:1 student Chromebooks and VDI , our staff and students are prepared for whatever the future may hold .”
Success comes from knowing what you don ’ t know Tyler ISD works with several key partners to ensure Jacks and his team have sufficient access to expertise in addition to in-house resources . “ One of the keys to being successful is knowing what you don ’ t know and knowing when to partner with someone who can help you succeed ,” says Jacks . One such requirement for outside assistance came out of 2020 ’ s action to implement a 1:1 program for students , when they turned to Technology Integration Group ( TIG ).
“ While they do many things well , one of their key areas of expertise was 1:1 life cycle services ,” explains Jacks . “ TIG was able to help us procure enough Chromebooks to outfit our entire district when the whole world was trying to get hold of Chromebooks . Although we did have to wait longer than expected , as almost everyone did , TIG made the process easier than it could have been .”
TIG also provides repair services , software to manage Tyler ISD ’ s inventory , and even a courier service that travels to every campus each week to collect and drop off Chromebooks for repair .
“ Thanks to these unique services , we did not have to add additional staff and were able to get a 1:1 program up and running not only quickly but , more importantly ,
“Our leadership ’ s support has allowed Tyler ISD to grow and thrive in the digital age of learning ”
JOSEPH JACKS CTO , TYLER ISD
successfully ,” explains Jacks . “ TIG and the services they offer around Chromebook lifecycle services were a lifesaver for us during the pandemic and have continued to be a trusted partner ever since .”
Another key partner is VMWare , which has been working with Tyler ISD for over 15 years in a successful relationship taken to a new level with the introduction of VDI .
“ Virtual Desktops for teachers , staff , and students aren ’ t the same as in a corporate environment ,” explains Jacks . “ There are significantly different challenges based on how virtual desktops are utilised and the type of software they run . This means the underlying architecture must be well thought out to ensure everyone has the best experience possible .”
“ VMware has been there with us every step of the way , lending support and helping us ensure that our vision could be successfully put into practice ,” says Jacks . “ I would be remiss if I didn ’ t also emphasise the importance of our staff expertise . Our engineers have been instrumental from the very beginning in working with VMWare to ensure successful implementation and making sure that our goals were met .”
130 June 2023