The workplace is changing… are you ready?
I’ve worked in IT for over 20 years. When I started out, chunky desktop computers that took up your entire desk were the latest innovation, the internet hadn’t been fully established yet and people still spoke to each other in real life!
Fast forward to 2020 and with the proliferation of technology overtaking the workplace, instant messengers, video conferences and flexible working are the new norm. With the development of truly mobile technology, staff and students alike can work from any location campus-wide; the drama hall or even the sports field. The traditional front-of-class teaching model has now been replaced with true teacher mobility. Screen sharing, presenting and live editing means teachers are no longer forced to stay at the front of the class.
As infrastructure has continued to change, with on-premise architecture providing stable but now potentially shorter lifespans than cloud architecture. Cloud providers typically have the best-of-breed infrastructure already in their datacentre, so it's a simple request and a customer's infrastructure is boosted almost instantaneously. Azure, AWS and Google continue to dominate the Public Cloud market, with larger sized institutions often going down that route. Niche private cloud providers are also assisting lower education in realising cloud benefits.
Cloud enablement and digital transformation are paths that so many organisations are heading down. Developing in-house methodologies for delivering a cloud enabled environment isn't simple! There needs to be a strategy for what the expected impact will be, the cost associated to it and the team to deliver it. There needs to be an assessment of migration times, expected downtime, the dreaded handover and then ongoing support. A lot to think about!
Software also continues to move to cloud-hosted models. Organisations that are conscious of data security are seeking secure Integration Access Management and Privileged Access Management systems. Single Sign On is being implemented across the board with multiple layers of security now protecting organisations and their data. Operational software is also bringing new features to the modern workplace within financial tools, asset management, automation and more. The collaboration suite market is still being dominated by G Suite and Office 365, with VLEs like Firefly Learning and Canvas sprouting with the aim of overtaking the market leaders.
Safeguarding within education still remains a core fundamental of any institution with proficient tools in web filtering, content management, firewalls and anti-virus software available across the board.
Then there's the workflow changes that are occurring; AI and Machine Learning are replacing basic tasks that once took hours, data science and BI analytics now replaces teams of analysts exploring sheets upon sheets of report findings. Staff are expecting to work from anywhere, at any time, with systems being able to cope. VPNs, remote access and cloud computing now provide this flexibility.
Within Education, embedding technology into teaching and learning and utilising its potential to realise educational outcomes is also prevalent. Pedagogical changes are regularly being made with schemes like Apple Professional Learning used to implement best practice technology usage within the classroom and beyond. Teachers are being trained on how to improve content creation and class mobility whilst also delivering improved results and retaining pupil attentiveness. Companies like Discovery Education and 2Simple are great examples of how this is being executed effectively.
This is why the staff of today are even more difficult to find. As technology develops, so must the staff that manage it. Therefore, it’s imperative that we stay adrift of it too. That’s why at GreatFind, we can source the right staff for your technological needs because we understand those needs ourselves.
This is my 19th bett show, I’ve seen the changes in IT come and go, and I’ve seen the need for educational institutions as well as the IT companies that service them have to adjust to meet its ever-changing landscape. This isn't purely from a tech perspective, but also the staff required to deliver these changes. Technical staff have the exciting job of staying relevant with all these advancements and delivery methods, but it is no easy feat finding the right staff!
At this year's show, there is a lot in store across the board, from the great host of speakers on topics ranging from "Accelerating your Digital Learning Strategy" to "Learning to Teach Code". The Tablet Academy have partnered with bett to create a new Escape Room packed with classroom tech to help you get out. Microsoft have got their Microsoft Hub again with a wide range of activities and emerging tech. There's plenty to see!
For any recruitment needs or job opportunities to advance yourself, my team and I will be delighted to have a chat and find you the best opportunities. Get in touch with us to arrange a meeting a bett!
Ravi Patel
GreatFind Recruitment | Managing Director
T – 07904 015757 | E – [email protected]
