Such training is usually oriented toward single-vendor business networks rather than the patchwork of legacy systems found in many schools. To address the need for school network training, the University of South Florida s Instructional Technology program has developed a menu of options including a guidebook, a website, a workshop series, a graduate credit course, and a graduate certificate program in school networking. Each of these resources was developed through collaboration between university faculty, instructional technology center staff and school district technology personnel. The School Networks course, offered on an attractive alternate calendar schedule, focuses on the specific needs of the multi-vendor school environment. The Need Schools and school systems worldwide are struggling to reach a state of computer connectivity.
Educators realize the inevitability and necessity of building school networks for education.
While funding exists for most schools to install hardware and infrastructure, there remains a critical shortage of funds for staffing and training school network operators. The climate of many school districts severely restricts the hiring of additional personnel who are not classroom teachers. Technology grants and budgets have consistently under-allocated for support personnel and training. Schools have implemented creative solutions. Students have been tapped for their technical knowledge.