Goodbye Cox Communications

For the last 10 years.....10 years...I have been a Cox Communications customer. I've always paid my bill on time. I've always made sure to keep my devices in good standing. I've even transferred my services three times as I've moved from Topeka to Wichita and from my apartment to my house.

When I first joined Cox, I remember paying roughly $94 a month for BOTH my cable and Internet. I didn't have the best of the best, but I was the second highest tier of Internet speed and had the basic + extended cable (which got me 64 channels). Fast forward 10 years...

I'm still a Cox Communications customer. I've started with the growing trend of cable cutting. About a year ago, I cut cable. I'm still on the second highest tier of Internet speed but my bill is now $77/month. For the same services. Now let's cut to the problems....

Purchased equipment in 2007 from Cox Communications. One cable modem and one router.

First apartment in Wichita:   Internet connections cut out for almost two months. Half the time no connection, half the time a connection. Being a techy guy and an IT professional myself, I troubleshot my devices. Troubleshot the router. Couldn't find anything. Called Cox Communications and was told it had "to be on my end" with the issues. Finally after a month, Cox Communications came out and found an issue with the outside line at the apartment and had to trench a new line.

Second apartment in Wichita:   Internet connections again begin to cut out. Knowing that it had been roughly 3-4 years since my last router, I began to investigate the router. Still couldn't find any issues. After a month of losing service, Cox again came out and re-terminated ends of the lines outside and to the router. Issues became less problematic but still existed at times.

House in Wichita:   Within a week of moving in, lightning took out the modem and router originally purchased in 2007. October 2012. Replaced cable modem and router fried by lightning strike. No complaints. Cox Communications came out and installed both and made sure the lines weren't damaged.

March 2015 - Connection with Internet and cable begins to go out intermittently. Cox again pulls the "it has to be on your side of things" to which I verify numerous times its not. I get told "the router can't be plugged in as we can't ping it". For weeks I communicated with Cox Communications that it was an issue on their side. Constantly I was told I was wrong. After a month of back and forth, Cox Communications came out and re-terminated the outside lines as well as the inside lines. They also suggested a dual cable modem/router replacement at NO CHARGE. Fast forward a month when I see on my bill they charge me $135 for the modem/router they told me was no charge. Another month of back and forth and finally I get the charges taken off. Currently a cable and internet customer for roughly $120 a month.

August 2016 - Drop cable from my bundle and become just a Cox Communication internet customer. Instantly save $50 a month by dropping cable. Subscribe to SlingTV for $25 a month to get ESPN, Fox Sports Net, etc. Still ahead by $25/month.

August 2017 - Connection with Internet and cable begins to once again go out. I once again begin the troubleshooting with Cox Communications and get the usual "we can't ping the router, it needs to be plugged in" when it already is. After three weeks of issues, Cox Communications sends a tech out to my house. Work is again performed on the outside lines and I get told "you might need a new modem/router". We can replace that for you if you'd like.

September 2017 -  Cox Communications calls me today to try and sell me their "Panoramic Wifi Modem". This is where the line was finally drawn. Today Cox Communications tries to sell me their "latest and greatest modem" that will bring "unmatched wifi coverage to my house". I'm promised increased speeds and coverage throughout my house. Asking how this new device is so state of the art, I'm told "well the modem uses three antennas both inbound and outbound" so there is better traffic flow of information. Cox Communications also claims that their modem is capable of providing the best quality when the 3x3 MIMO technology was beginning in routers as early as 2012. I very easily could purchase a router today on the market that carries 4x4 MIMO technology and would push 2.5Gbps instead of 1.3Gbps with 3x3 MIMO that Cox Communications is pushing.

The last straw? Being told today "well its obvious you don't understand technology and that we only have the best that only Cox Communications customers can get". I work as a professional in the Information Technology field. I understand technology and its capabilities. When you want to keep customers, talking down to them and making them feel inadequate is unnecessary. Also, when I'm paying $77/month for 50Mbps connection speed, I can double my speeds with AT&T to 100Mbps for....$60/month.

Long story wrapped up, come September 15th, I will be ending my time with Cox Communications. Faulty equipment, agents trying to upsell subpar devices that are years old in technology, and talking down to customers has pushed past being a happy customer. Customer satisfaction is where service will always be.

I feel like after 10 years I should be sad to see Cox Communications go. But the time has come....well gone. Goodbye Cox Communications....

A Golf Game Taught From Heaven

“One of the most fascinating things about golf is how it reflects the cycle of life. No matter what you shoot - the next day you have to go back to the first tee and begin all over again and make yourself into something.”- Peter Jacobsen

I've debated about writing this article for years. Would it be too sensitive or would it be viewed as a negative article? Could it be appreciated or would it be for nothing? I've finally decided to tell my story and how the lessons of life were brought to me by three simple things; a golf ball, a set of clubs, and a great man who I miss dearly. 

Rewinding back to my 5th grade year when I entered my first junior golf tournament. I stood on the first tee box with two other kids; Brandon and Kyle - you'll hear a lot about them in this article. I took my practice swings and addressed the ball. This was it. I swung. And I missed. I did it several times that day on the way to a staggering score of 86....for 9 holes. By the time the tournament was over, I wanted nothing to do with golf anymore. The tournament director stopped me and told me "you've got a beautiful golf swing young man, don't give up, you'll get better!". I didn't believe him but he insisted that I go to the next tournament. "You can be paired with Brandon and Kyle again!". Reluctantly I told him I'd give it one more shot. "Great, see you next week. Come early and I can help you!". This was the first time I talked to Mel, (Melvin J Schremmer) who was the golf coach at Phillipsburg. I was from Plainville (a rival school 38 miles south).I had officially been added to "coach"'s summer golf team. And I was hooked.

Fast forward a week and the next tournament. My score didn't improve much, but as promised, Mel had paired me with Brandon and Kyle again. Both of them kept encouraging me and gave me tips on how to get better. The rest of the summer, Brandon, Kyle, and I were in the same group and Mel ("coach") always was there to help. I didn't know much about Mel at the time, but here was a guy who took a kid from a rival town and helped me, and I was getting better. 

Flash forward now to my senior year of high school in 2005-2006. I am competing for Plainville High School and my own high school golf coach. As my high school team would go to meets, I would find myself paired up with, yup, Brandon and Kyle. Eight years solid and seven years of summer golf and here we were playing together still. The three of us were good friends and always looked forward to summer golf. We had become three of the better golfers in the west half of the state and represented the West team at the summer championship tournament. Our summer team was special. We didn't have practices or uniforms, we didn't travel as a team, or even play as a team, but each one of us was directed by Mel. "Coach" had always made sure to keep on Brandon, Kyle, and I and made sure we always played together. Summers were no different. By my senior year, I'd be at meets and at the conclusion, would find myself in the Phillipsburg group talking to "coach". I'd always get the same question from Mel, "did you play the fairways today?". Coach always wanted us to "play the fairways" because our scores "would be better if not playing from the woods". Every single tournament I'd get asked "did you play the fairways?", it was something I always looked forward to hearing from coach. Mel was a man who treated me like a son. I was always welcome to talk to him, he would take us to lunch at tournaments, and he always ALWAYS made sure to tell us how proud of us we was. Mel was the "coach" that my town didn't have until I was in high school. 

Because of Mel, my golf game was pretty solid in high school and most of it was owed to coach, Brandon, and Kyle. By my senior year, Brandon and Kyle were two of my best friends and "coach" was almost like a summer parent to me. Then it all changed. We had just finished the championship tournament that summer of 2006 and Mel called Brandon, Kyle, and I together after the tournament. The little kids were gone and the course was emptying fast. "Guys I'm not sure how to even break this, but um, I've been diagnosed with cancer.". You could feel the air deflate out of all three of us. "Don't worry, if I play the fairways right, I can play this too" Mel stated with a smile. I never saw the man upset. Our summer tournaments ended and the school year drew towards a close. Brandon, Kyle, and I all three graduated and went our separate ways to college. I continued to play golf frequently while in college as I had time between work and school. Brandon and Kyle did their thing while I did mine. 

April 28th, 2007 at 1:14am, I got the worst call I've ever gotten. I picked up the phone without looking at it and heard sobbing. "He's gone Garrett.....he's gone". I don't remember much about that night or the next few days. I was in a daze. I holed up in my dorm room. Those next few days were spent talking to Brandon and Kyle as we tried to come to grips that "coach" had died. It didn't seem real. They say for some, death comes easy and for some it doesn't. I struggled with it.....hard. This was a man who didn't have to teach me, who didn't have to encourage me, who didn't have to treat me like a member of his family, but did because he loved life and the game of golf just as much. The man who gave me my "life" in golf was now gone. Weeks passed. I still was in a partial blur trying to cope with knowing coach was gone. Facebook was at its brand new stage and I found myself scrolling through pictures of Brandon, Kyle, and I playing golf. For the first time in my life, I wanted nothing to do with golf. Without hesitation, I moved my golf clubs to the closet where they sat for almost a year. The first time I finally decided to get them out, I cried. I knew one of the ways I might get closure was to go to the only spot I was close with coach - the golf course. I bawled the entire way to the course. Memories came flooding back as I thought back to all the times coach had done something for me. I finally arrived at Lake Shawnee Golf Course in Topeka. 

“One of the most fascinating things about golf is how it reflects the cycle of life. No matter what you shoot - the next day you have to go back to the first tee and begin all over again and make yourself into something.”- Peter Jacobsen

I played golf that day. I played golf that day with coach. Every single shot I told myself to "play the fairways". I expected the worst round out of me. Coming to the 18th green I stood over a three foot birdie putt. "Back of the cup and don't gorilla it" I told myself. Coach was always telling us three guys "don't gorilla your putts, you just end up making a bad stroke". I sent the ball on the way to the hole.....and it fell in. Birdie. To shoot an even par 72. Instead of a smile and happiness, I broke down in tears. It wasn't me shooting that great score, it was the work of coach, Brandon, and Kyle, and all the lessons I had gotten along the way. Driving home that day, I had re-booted my "golf life". 

Brandon, Kyle, and I would play summer tournaments each year in Phillipsburg and Plainville. We were already three pretty good sticks, but before each round in Phillipsburg, we stopped to "talk" to coach and to share a drink with him. It charged us. We didn't just win tournaments, we DOMINATED them. But we never forgot where we started, through the lessons from coach. We never missed going and "talking" to coach.

“One of the most fascinating things about golf is how it reflects the cycle of life. No matter what you shoot - the next day you have to go back to the first tee and begin all over again and make yourself into something.”- Peter Jacobsen

Fast forward to 2015. I've graduated college and moved on to new jobs. I'm not the Technology Director at Sedgwick High School, three hours south of Phillipsburg. Oh yea, and I've been named the High School Golf Coach! My very first practice, as we finished up I explained "it's always easier to play from the fairway". I smiled and looked up towards the sky "Thanks coach". Here I was, teaching high schoolers the same game Mel had taught me. Now I was the coach. I can't take credit for anything my first year of coaching. I stole all of "coach"'s ideas and things he taught me. I found myself encouraging kids to not quit and that they too would get better. Life had come full circle almost. I had gone from my "birth" in golf at that first tournament to now being the grown adult later in "life" in this fabulous game of golf. 

The last ten years without you coach has been difficult. There are so many times that I wish I could just go back to high school and freeze time. I stumbled upon a book this fall and fell in love with it. "Going Fore It - in golf and life" by Gil Anderson. I've read it cover to cover. When I feel like I need an answer or struggle with something, it's the first thing I pick up.

“One of the most fascinating things about golf is how it reflects the cycle of life. No matter what you shoot - the next day you have to go back to the first tee and begin all over again and make yourself into something.”- Peter Jacobsen

These last ten years have passed by without you coach. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about you. You have taught me so much and I'm still learning even ten years after you are gone. "Golf may only be a game, but what a game it really is" Golf is a game of life. Thank you for all the life lessons and humility you taught me. Thank you for introducing me to my two best friends in Brandon and Kyle, for giving me a chance when no one else would, and for making me who I am. I wouldn't be the coach or man I am today, without the lessons you and golf taught me. I'll be sure to come visit soon and catch up with you. I miss you and I love you Mel....Rest in Peace.

  

#7 tee box at Phillipsburg Golf course.

The Importance of Information Technology in Education

Education has many different topics and areas which can cause huge debates on why this or that happens. Working in education, just over three years now, I frequently get asked the question "but why do schools need such fancy technology and all these devices? They are just distractions for students to take away from school." This is one of the most challenging questions to answer, but one I frequently LOVE answering.

The role of education is changing alongside information technology. The biggest thing in my mindset is within education we have to determine the "needs" from the "desires" of technology. There are numerous ways in which schools can demonstrate how technology benefits education. 

• Learning can be made available anywhere
• Studies can be completed anytime
• Collaboration
• Instant availability of information
• Ability to connect long-distance
• Availability of multiple learning platforms (video, IM, forums, etc)
• The ability to connect with learning-impared students
• Reduction in time consuming tasks

The ability to make learning available anywhere is a huge boundary leap in education. Remember the days where the class went to the creek to learn about water flows and water depth? Now teachers can take an iPad, access a USGS website and click on the feature they want to share information on and have it right at their finger tips. 

Studying and the time spent on homework can add up quickly. Maybe the basketball teams have a long road-trip on Tuesday night. Students used to take their books with them on the bus and try to complete homework or study while on the bus. Today, schools are installing wireless internet on school buses allowing students access to online materials so they can complete their work while they travel. Another huge step forward in technology within education. 

However, my biggest accolade for technology in education is that technology challenges education daily. Information is available at the touch of a button. How we education students to gather, develop, and present that information is the challenge in education. Students must understand digital citizenship while understanding the gained knowledge they acquire. 

Sometimes that flashy laptop isn't a "toy" or a "personal entertainment device" but more the key to a super highway of information available out there in the world. Now we just have to bring those highways of information to the classroom. "Students, please pull up a browser on your laptops....the world is at your availability, what will you do with it?"

PodStock 2015 Purple Kool-Aid (Oh Yea!)

If you haven't attended PodStock (an educational learning conference) in Wichita, KS, you are missing out. This is a conference of over 300 educators, technology directors, and administrators who have dove head first into making education better than it ever has been!

How crazy and excited are these 300 people? They for lack of better words have "drank the Kool-Aid and are running around screaming "OH - YEEAAAA!"" while interacting with each other and having a good time.

This year I had several sessions I wanted to attend as well as the Pre-Con (day before conference where a makerspace was going on).

The Makerspace Day at Pre-Con was all about creating, being creative, and how to bring out creativeness in students. I chose to upgrade an old laptop from my district. I also checkerboarded the keys making it both black and white. I've labeled the MacBook as my "FrankenMAC".




















Day two of PodStock is the actual start of the conference. Beginning after the opening keynote delivered by Ginger Lewman, I attended the "Wearables" session by Paul Shircliff. Learning about basic circuitry, I was able to create LED lighting for a device or wearable. I chose to go a different route instead and attached LED lights to my Pinewood Derby car! (Thanks Paul haha!)

The second session I attended was the "Coding 101" by Kelley McCall. The session was PACKED! So many educators wanting to learn about coding and how easy it is to use. The session was informative and Kelley McCall showed everyone how easy it was to pick up and learn coding as well as several informative websites to begin using coding with.

I wandered through vendor exhibits and also socialized during the third session on Thursday. One of the awesome things about PodStock is how easy it is to connect and develop a network at the conference.

Finishing up the conference on Thursday, session four I attended Brad Buscher's "Building a Basic iPad App". Brad slowly walked the group through how to enter lines of code into a program that would execute and run, thus allowing the creation and execution of an application. While tricky, everyone was able to run and execute "Hello World" in an application.

Thursday night led into the vendor reception and dance. Also included in the night's activities are the annual Pinewood Derby. I entered a car into the derby this year and was going for most creative with LED lighting and hopefully fastest car. Neither one happened but I had a great time experimenting with my car and socializing!

One of the best things about PodStock for me entering my second year attending has been the WONDERFUL opportunity to relax, share ideas, and enjoy casual conversation with others in attendance. Last year, I met Paul Shircliff and over the course of a year we have Tweeted at each other and shared ideas via Twitter. This year, we both enjoyed several nights of casual conversation with others such as Diane Cordell and Kevin Honeycutt and Michelle Honeycutt. So many ideas were shared in a relaxed atmosphere where we all swap ideas on creative subjects. I agree with Paul 100% that the best part of PodStock is the IMMENSE networking opportunities with everyone!

Day 2 of PodStock kicked off and it was back into breakout sessions. The first one I attended on Friday was Vanessa Perez's "Ok I Have A Dream, Now How Do I Fund It?". The session covered grant writing and ways to find grants to help cover expenses of trying to equip a classroom with educational materials and other supplies. This session was really helpful for me as our district doesn't have anyone who writes grants so I have a feeling I'll be in contact with Vanessa quite a bit!

During session two on Friday, I found myself in the hotel lobby conversing with Justin Bell about iBooks author with several other people. I also used this time to recharge my devices and gear up for the finish of PodStock.

The last session I attended was presented by Kailey Lohrman. Her session was "Bullying Exposed 2: Back in Time". The message delivered was POWERFUL and MOVING. Her message tied right into the group at PodStock. PodStock(ers) have always said we are like family and Kailey's closing remark was "Friendships last for now, but family lasts forever".

There was a closing keynote and then it was the conclusion of the conference. PodStock 2015 was in the books. Or so I thought. Again that night, I found myself chatting with other attendees in the hotel lobby and connecting with them. I've found out that my business cards have been a great and easy way to share connecting information.

Finishing up my PodStock 2015 experience was a WONDERFUL dinner with Paul Shircliff, Diane Cordell, Kevin Honeycutt, and Michelle Honeycutt. We shared stories and interacted with each other over dinner and drinks. The nights after the conference are some of the best times that I enjoyed with the PodStock experience.


To Paul, Kevin, Diane, Vanessa, Brad, Kelley, Michelle, Kailey, and anyone else I'm leaving out, "Thank you" for a wonderful experience at PodStock. Your information and guidance has been awesome and it only makes me want to bring that excitement to my district!

To Paul: Thanks for helping me accomplish my goal of getting a drone for our district to use!

Golfing and Technology

In today's world, technology is becoming a part of everything. GPS while traveling, the Apple iPhone, then the iPad, now GPS watches and millions of applications in the Chrome Store or App Store. Technology makes the world operate faster, more efficient, and smooth.

Being an avid golfer, I see technology making it's way onto the golf courses more and more. In numerous ways is technology becoming involved with the game...

1. GPS devices (usually on a phone or a hand-held device that tells you how far you are from a pin or middle of the green)

2. GPS watches (mostly built to show how far you are from a green and how far you have walked)

3. Lasers for pins (Scopes a pin and tells you exactly how far you are from the pin)

4. Putting aides (Phones that attach to your putter with a special attachment and relay information on putting stroke, plane, etc)

5. Applications on phones (My personal favorite is "BreakMeter" on the iOS App Store. A simple FREE application that is downloaded and reads the slope and break of a green. Simply lay the phone on the green and it reads the break and shows it on the screen of the phone)

6. Club-technology (Clubs now have adjustable lofts, weights in the clubs that are adjustable, and also different sizes of clubfaces that help reduce friction, drag, and spin)

7. Cart GPS and online functionality (Carts are becoming more and more popular with built-in GPS systems, online ordering for food at the turn, and even USB ports to charge those electronic devices you may own)


Being a technology director, the push in technology on the course I think can only help with pace of play, skill level, and help with the "how far, what if, and the what is this hole like?" situations.

Challenges of Educational Technology (and how to conquer them)

Walk into any school across the country and you are sure to find some form of technology that is being implemented within a classroom in the school. Standard items such as calculators, textbooks, and even chalkboards are quickly finding their way out the door and to the trash dumpsters at an alarming rate. Technology is usually at the top of any discussion within a school. How can we implement this? How can 21st century skills be integrated while using technology? Schools are quickly launching full-scale implementations of devices and policies each and every year throughout the nation. Seems easy enough right? Wrong.

Technology integration and implementation can be two very difficult strategies to develop and maintain in schools. Several factors and challenges stand between successful and non-successful technology implementations and integrations. The blame isn't all on "well the technology doesn't work" or "it's the teacher's fault". Let's look at what challenges may occur within schools wanting to integrate more technology into their classrooms.

• A 21st-Century Technology Plan

A proper technology plan must be in place to help guide and assist any tech integration into the classroom. When designing your technology plan, make sure to include the opinions and ideas of KEY staff that will be using the technology most in your buildings. If you don't take into consideration how staff members will use the technology, how can they successfully implement the tech into their classes? Build a "Tech Committee" to brainstorm and communicate ideas so your tech plan can be planned successfully.

• Examine Technology Budgets Frequently

A huge issue in education with technology is how much to spend on technology in the classroom. State budgets are shrinking and cuts are made to funding in schools. Will those cuts affect what could potentially be spent on technology purchases? Each and every month, newer and better-designed products are released on the market along with software that allows you to expand on just that one certain area (that every user must have of course!). Does your school really need the latest and greatest software or can the district use what they have and better develop their skill-set and "expertise" with that software? 

Budgets don't just fall on software. Districts should annually expect their budgets for hardware, software, professional development, and tech support to stay the same or increase each year. Having a properly planned budget with adequate funds can help so if something needs to be scaled back, you know what you have to work with funds wise for technology purchases. 

• Choosing Effective Tools and Devices for Use

Each school and district won't use the same exact tools and devices for learning. Each situation and classroom is unique. Gathering data and viewing classroom interaction between students and teachers can open a new perspective on how technology is used in the classroom. What kinds of assignments and lessons will teachers present to students in their classrooms. Digital learning is at an all-time high due to blended learning and teaching. Finding ways to make teaching easier along with engaging for the student is the number one priority of any teacher and school administrator. Combined with technology budgets, effective tools and devices must be able to be purchased adequately. In our district, we have been an all-Mac district for the last 12 years. We are currently exploring Chromebooks as state funding is being cut and overall costs just need to be trimmed. Finding the right tools for each district is vital to it's success. 

• Resistance to Change

Change in school classrooms is hard. "We've always done it this way" is one of the hardest obstacles to overcome. Justify the changes in product/devices with effective ways the technology will benefit the teacher and students. One of the best ways to help with this is to simply let the teachers experiment with the new products. I've also found that the good ol' dollar signs ($$) in cost-savings for the district over time has been a big way to convince those on the fence about change to agreeing to the new technology. Sometimes you simply will not convince certain teachers or staff members to change their ways. (In our district, every elementary classroom has a Promethean Board except for one classroom. That teacher refuses to get a Promethean Board. When he retires at the end of this school year, that classroom will finally have a Promethean Board).

• Professional Development

As a technology director in education, this is one of the top concerns when implementing technology into classrooms. Teachers want professional development and they deserve it. One afternoon learning Google Apps for Education and Google Classroom isn't enough. Teachers need to be comfortable with the technology. If they aren't comfortable with the technology, how can we expect them to be able to effectively teach with the technology? In any technology integration into a classroom, teachers need to be given the tools and skill-set to effectively use and teach with the technology given to them in their classrooms. 

• Blended Learning

Teaching in classrooms has evolved. Chalkboards have transitioned to SMART boards and Promethean boards. Students have gone from reading out of textbooks to reading "leveled readers" and other materials on devices such as laptops, tablets, and iPads. Learning has gone from paper and pencil to digital learning and teaching digital "citizenship". Some of the biggest pushes with blended learning is online classes and taking virtual classes. The use of online digital classes is rising in school districts and allows for students to gain advantages in the classroom both in high school and beyond. Allowing teachers to transition to blended learning has been made possible with resources like EdModo and Google Classroom. The amazing advances in technology can help prepare students for their futures with 21st-century skills. 

• "Failures" of Technology

Often I hear how the technology in the classroom isn't "adequate". How the technology and devices are used is a key component of any technology integration. If teachers and students are given the tool-set on how to work and develop skills with devices, how can they succeed? Many times I hear that devices are used as "baby-sitting" tools so students don't act up in class when their work is done. I've also heard the now-false statement of "well those are state assessment compatible" as well. While implementing devices and technology that is capable of providing a stable environment for assessment testing and formative testing is important, understanding and preparing for failure is vital. Before you can succeed, you must first learn how to fail and to learn from your failures. 

• Always Be Prepared

One of my biggest quotes I always take with me to work each day is "Expect the unexpected". By being on the ready, an educational technology director can perform any task and be able to conquer any challenges throw at them. 

By understanding educational challenges in technology implementations and integrations, schools can better prepare for the future in Ed-Tech. 

Technology Director (and leader of change??)

Almost three years ago, I stepped into the biggest challenge and role of my young career. I had accepted a position to become "Director of Technology and Communication" in a local school district. Easy enough right? I couldn't have been more wrong.

I entered my interview as a cocky, chest-puffed-out, not-even twenty-five year old hot-shot in my eyes. During the interview process, I was asked questions I could barely even answer. "Can you handle pressure? How would you describe your abilities to balance time and tasks? Can you LEARN?" Excuse me? I had technical certifications in two major emphasis and had also just obtained my A+ certification just 18 months earlier. What did I need to learn? Turns out, I had so much to educate myself on and adapt to.

My first six months on the job couldn't have been more stressful. Students in the school found ways to create their own administrative accounts on the computer, laptops had to be re-imaged with firmware blocks, bandwidth issues ran wide, website issues occurred. If it could fail, more than likely it did. Somehow, my administration stood behind me and supported me which was the best thing that could have happened. I learned from my challenges and gained INVALUABLE knowledge and experiences. I had never worked in a Macintosh Apple environment and soon was ahead of many staff and students in knowledge. Many countless hours at work and through many painful emails for help from other area technology directors in an email forum group, and the first year of my job came to a close. The storm had been weathered.

My second year in the district brought on more duties as I began taking on additional tasks of data coordinator, our student-information-system administrator, as well as running the clock at home football games to be involved with other school activities. Thanks to the patient and wonderful staff of my district, our school was able to complete all our state testing and with less issues, my second year concluded.

Enter year three where I have noticed most of my ("Leader of Change") taking precedence over my "Technology Director" title. My school district blessed me with the opportunity to attend "PodStock 2014" in Wichita, KS. This is one of the largest EdTech seminars in the country. Technology directors, teachers, administration, and other main players in educational settings attend the seminar. The countless connections and mental notes I took from PodStock gave me confidence in what I was already doing in our district. Beginning with this school year, we started our iPad initiative in the elementary school. Many teachers had seemed hesitant to deploy iPads into their classrooms but walking around today, those iPads are out in full force! I hope to continue to push iPads into classrooms and slowly minimalize our laptops in the building. I know this will cause some friction but given that we ask the right questions such as "Why are we implementing these iPads?" instead of "Why are we getting rid of laptops?" can be huge in any educational classroom setting. Our current 10-12 grade 1:1 laptop program has entered its 12th year and continues to be successful. One of the reasons for its success is that teachers along with myself ask each other questions! "What can I do to help you in your classroom?" has been one of my biggest helpful things I can ask a teacher. The feedback I receive is IMPORTANT to the success of technology in classrooms and in our district as a whole.

Currently our district is searching for a new superintendent as our current one is retiring at the end of the school year. This candidate search for the new superintendent really hit reality today when I had the chance to sit down with a candidate for a short interview with him. The candidate asked me "So what are your job duties within the district?" As I counted out the numerous tasks and responsibilities I fulfill and complete daily, monthly, and yearly, his eyes widened. When we talked about time management and I relayed that I was a "one-man department" he smiled and stated "So you're THE MAN!". I, without hesitation for the first time, replied confidently "Yes sir I am".

In just three short years, my fears have subsided while my accomplishments continue slowly reflect in my work. I cannot thank my administration in the district for all their support, teamwork, and amazing staff that I get to work with. I have been blessed with an amazing opportunity to call my district "home" and hope for many, many numerous years in my district as their "Technology Director & (Leader of Change)"!

Technology Transformation

           As we all know, the role of technology in education and schools is changing rapidly. From iPad initiatives to BYOD policies in schools to the latest development of Chromebooks in education, technology has vastly changed in the last five years. Remember when state assessments were filling in those bubble sheets with a #2 pencil? Not anymore my digital Tweeps, Friends, Connections, or +Google Community members!
           As a senior in high school (circa 2006), I remember getting a cart of standard Dell laptops that were to be shared among students and classes in my high school. That was a cart of 30 computers, to be shared between 120 students each day. How there weren't more conflicts or lack of computers is still a wonder to me. Teachers were always trying to track down the sign up sheet so classes could use the laptops. Fast forward to the year 2010...
          April 3rd, 2010. The day that educational technology would forever change. The very first iPad was released. The release of the iPad was supposed to "create a device similar to a laptop or netbook that would allow for the same functionality". Within the first 80 days of release, Apple had sold 3 million iPads. (Wikipedia) Education would never be the same. By the time the iPad 2 was released on March 2nd, 2011, there were already 15 MILLION first generation iPads purchased. The iPad was discovered with its countless features that could be used in educational classrooms with use of Apps, Games, and WiFi capabilities with the device.
          The iPad in education has been a game changer, an ever-changing evolution of cutting-edge technology, and a RESOURCE. Combine the iPad with 1:1 laptop initiatives with devices such as MacBooks and Chromebooks, and suddenly classrooms are filled with technology! No longer are students writing research papers, writing out class notes over a lecture, or even taking tests. Research now is focused more on plagiarism and how to correctly site sources when typing a paper, notes are typed digitally and saved to a students computer, and even tests in the classroom are being taken online. In the state of Kansas, students log into a website with a unique username and password to even take state assessments which are vital to state funding and school funding across the state. It's obvious that technology is here to stay and will continue to develop in the classroom.
          The sudden push of technology doesn't come without hesitations, problems, and obstacles however. There have been several factors that I have discovered in just my three short years in the school district in which I am a Technology Director in.

1. You have to learn to pace yourself. Not everyone may want to jump into technology and the sudden push of devices. Learn to hold conversations with staff members, students, and even parents. Get a feel for what is NEEDED in the classrooms and what is WANTED in the classrooms. There is a huge difference between need and want. 
2. Be open to change and criticism. The flow of technology into classrooms isn't easy and there will always normally be some form of pushback where if the technology doesn't work right away, the teacher or students may not want to start using their devices in the classroom if they don't perform. If the technology is functioning, students tend to engage more as the devices and technology create a more personal learning environment. Student engagement is a huge factor in classrooms and if you can keep them learning, you've achieved the desired goals with the devices and your objectives of why they are in the classrooms. 
3. Creativity. As a Technology Director, I have found it CRITICAL that I listen to all feedback I get from staff, students, and parents. The role of technology in the classroom is to help aid educational learning. Recently, students in the 4th grade in our school district Skyped with a World War II museum as well as NASA! The possibility of what can be achieved in the classroom with technology is endless! +Nick Krahn 
4. Learn from advice and support of others. Once a month I attend a seminar with other local EdTech Directors where we discuss anything from new practices in education to new technology devices to break-fixing devices. When a problem is discovered, it is HIGHLY likely that someone in the group has had the same issue and together the group quickly finds and answer and resolves problems faster than what I myself may have been able to. 
5. Extend your network of connections. My biggest discovery this past year has been how many incredible and amazing people exist in this world. I attended PodStock2014 this year and met numerous staff from school districts all over the country ranging from Ohio to New Hampshire to Florida to Kentucky to Texas and other numerous areas of the country! The wealth of knowledge one can gain at a conference is incredible, not to mention all the collaboration that occurs as well!

The role of technology in the classrooms is quickly changing and the roller coaster ride has been full of twists as well as ups and downs. Each situation presented is a new learning experience and one that I fully welcome. Learning never stops. Technology isn't slowing down learning, it's changing how we learn. That change in learning should be welcomed into the classroom with open arms...I mean opened devices!

         

LinkSprinter 200 by Fluke Networks

Being an Information Technology guy and a Technology Director for my school district, I spend a lot of time frequenting pages like Macworld.com and Networkworld.com. I usually am looking for ways to better implement technology in our school as well as finding quality tools to use at work.

Last week, I stumbled across a Twitter post from the group LinkSprinter (@LinkSprinter). Well on Tuesday I received a Tweet from them saying I had been chosen as a lucky giveaway winner of their LinkSprinter 200, a network tester. I corresponded with them through direct messages and was informed they would be shipping the network tester to the school.

Fast forward to Thursday. Just before lunch, a package arrived for me at school. I opened it up and there to my surprise, was my new network tester! My LinkSprinter 200 had arrived and QUICKLY at that! I opened up the package and found a personal handwritten from Team LinkSprinter reading:

"Garrett - Congrats on winning your LinkSprinter 200! Once you've gotten to use the device for your newest networking project, let us know and we can set up a call to do a blog post on it. Don't hesitate to reach out with any questions. Hope you enjoy & happy testing!"

Thanks,
Team LinkSprinter
#networkprogiveaway

Here is an attached picture of the LinkSprinter 200!

I followed the directions and activated my LinkSprinter 200. Once it was activated, I activated its wireless signal and connected it to my iPad. I ran several tests just to experiment with the new LinkSprinter 200. Here are the five things the LinkSprinter 200 tests for:

Once the LinkSprinter 200 was activated, here is the activation screen showing the activation of the tester. The model and serial number, as well as where reports are sent when cables are tested on the network.

When a network cable is tested, the tool automatically sends a report to your email or wherever you'd like it sent. Here is where mine are sent to my work email.

Lastly, here is the email with results of network cable tests as they show up in the detailed email reports.

I'd like to thank Fluke Networks as well as LinkSprinter for this new and valuable network testing tool. This will come in so handy for my next network project here at work! Thank you again!!!

+Fluke Networks
@Linksprinter 

iPad Initiative Launched!!

This summer, the purchase of numerous iPads was approved for classroom use in the district. The iPads that were purchased were implemented into an “iPad initiative” in the R.L. Wright Elementary school. Each classroom was given five iPads to use. Normally, most classrooms break down into “centers” which are groups of kids that are working on the same task and able to share resources and devices. 

Also approved this past summer was the adoption of the new reading curriculum for the lower K-6 grades as well. This new reading curriculum can be web based with their “leveled readers” which are reading materials suited for each grade level. The leveled readers are available on the iPads so students are able to break down into their centers and read the same material designed for in class. 

By placing the iPads in the classrooms, students have more access to devices than in the past. In the past, using a standard 20 student classroom, FOUR classrooms shared a cart of 20 computers. This worked out to only 5 computers a classroom. This year, a new computer cart was added to the elementary classrooms as well as the iPads in each classroom. Currently, each classroom has access to 10 laptops and 5 iPads, tripling the number of devices in students hands. The feedback from teachers is that the use of the iPads and laptops is going up and devices are being used with classroom instruction and especially with the new leveled readers with the new reading textbooks. 

How the term "networking" has changed for me.

When I graduated from Washburn Institute of Technology in May 2010, the term "networking" had a very well-defined explanation to it. Networking was the skills a person had to complete an electronic circuit from Point A to Point B. That "networking" could consist of routers, serial cables, hops, and switches. I could look at a network rack with cables strewn everywhere and trace from Point A to Point B and isolate a problem and slowly re-trace the problem so it could move from hop to hop and complete the circuit.

Years later when I applied for my job at Sedgwick Public Schools, the term "networking" was on my application as I had the skills to work on networks and maintain them and that I had the qualifications to do so. I had studied hard while in school and my "networking" skills paid off as I landed my job with the school district.

As I enter my third year as Technology Director for Sedgwick USD 439, my knowledge of the term "networking" has VASTLY expanded this summer. I have wanted to expand my knowledge and skill set and also to attend several professional development seminars.

PodStock. People this event is the real deal! I met so many new connections and learned so much over the course of just two days. From amazing people like Kevin Honeycutt to Ginger Lewman to John Martin to Anibal Pacheco to even my own co-worker Nick Krahn. The knowledge that is distributed and shared at this conference is amazing. This year my "networking" changed from a physical set of tools and skills to expanding my connections and levels of knowledge. To develop strong connections leads to amazing collaboration and shared ideas. The power of knowledge is amazing and incredible.

My goal for this year is to continue to expand my "network"!

Polara Golf Balls......Fixing Your Slice (The illegal way!)

So you're out on the golf course and your mood just isn't in the right spot. You've missed the fairway from the tee box all day long. You need a great drive on the final hole of the day which happens to be the longest par 5 on the course. With water left and out-of-bounds to the right, you need to keep it straight. Time to go with the safe club and not driver right? Wrong. Reach into that bag and grab yourself a Polara golf ball my friend!

I promised a fellow golfer I would put this "tech review" together on the Polara golf ball review. I had heard of the Polara golf ball from a television commercial I saw. Deemed the "anti-slicing and anti-hooking golf ball" that could keep your drives up to 75% straighter. Instantly just hearing that for any golfer makes something in the brain want to know more about the golf ball. Let's start with the basics.

First off, the Polara golf ball is NOT USGA conforming. The line of Polara golf balls is aerodynamically asymmetrically designed. There is a special dimple pattern to the golf ball that makes the flight of the ball so straight. The USGA banned such golf balls from tournament play and also made a revision in the rule in 1981.

I went out to a local sporting goods store and purchased two sleeves of the Polara golf balls. One was a red sleeve of the XDS line, and a green sleeve of the XD line. The red sleeve said it was to have more distance, speed, and spin. The green was for distance and speed.

As you can see from the picture, Polara makes sure their name and design stands out on the golf ball. As a golfer with about a 7 handicap, I chose to try to play the red sleeve of balls first. Before I begin, let me give you a little on where I was before hitting the red sleeve of balls. Off of the tee box with my driver, a TaylorMade R7, I usually play a soft draw from left to right (as I am a left handed golfer). If I find the fairway, usually with roll-out of the ball, my average drive is about 270 yards. 

I played the red sleeve of balls first. There is only one thing you have to do to get the golf ball lined up correctly. Simply line up the arrow on the golf ball with your "target" and swing away. My results are as follows:

Hole 1 - Fairway 260 yards

Hole 2 - Fairway 263 yards

Hole 4 - Fairway 257 yards

Hole 5 - Fairway 259 yards

Hole 6 - Left rough 245 yards

Hole 8 - Fairway 253 yards

Hole 9 - Fairway 255 yards

I played the entire front 9 using the red line of XDS Polara golf balls on the tee box. Here is what I have discovered. The design of the golf ball does indeed straighten out your flight of shot. The ball flies almost dead straight! However, there was a significant loss of distance from my regular line of golf ball that I play. Am I ok with giving up distance for fairway play? Yes, but I also am a gambler and like to cut corners and shape shots for set-up shots into greens. I was pretty impressed by the XDS lineup. 

Overall review: The Polara red XDS lineup worked well. They do indeed work. My grade B+

Starting with the back 9, I switched over the the XD Polara golf balls in the green sleeve. Playing the same setup on the golf ball, with the same driver in hand, are my results.

Hole 10 - Fairway 279 yards

Hole 11 - Fairway 282 yards

Hole 12 - Fairway 277 yards

Hole 14 - Fairway 266 yards

Hole 15 - Fairway 278 yards

Hole 16 - Right rough 288 yards

Hole 18 - Fairway 281 yards

I played the entire back 9 using the green sleeve of XD Polara golf balls. My conclusions....the ball again does what it is supposed to. It does fly straight. I actually noticed that this ball stayed up on distance with my current line of golf ball that I played. In fact, on 16, I drove thru the fairway to the right rough on the par 5. There seems to be an increase in forward spin that really makes the ball run-out on tee shots. I was very impressed with the XD lineup.

Overall review: The Polara green XD lineup worked great. They worked. My grade A

Overall, the Polara golf ball does as is shown. The design of the golf ball does indeed cut down on hooks and slices. The ball flight is indeed straighter than what you would expect. However, no matter what, the golf ball does NOT meet USGA rules and is illegal in tournament play. For your average every day "hacker" these golf balls would be an excellent buy. It's always easier to play from the fairway!

I gave the Polara golf balls a hack. Maybe you should too! I might even have to pull one out the next time I play my Dad just to make sure I beat him!

Microsoft to release Windows Blue to fix Windows 8 errors/glitches

Microsoft announced earlier this week that it will be reversing course with Windows 8 due to customer complaints and the "steep learning curve" of adapting to the new version of Windows. Why has Microsoft finally had to come to the conclusion of admitting it's software just wasn't what they were expecting?

When Windows 8 was released, Microsoft had hoped to create an operating system that would be touch-screen compatible and user friendly to keep up with the touchscreen operating systems on the ever popular iPad and iPad mini from Apple. Microsoft was hoping to be a very aggressive competitor to Apple with tablet sales.

However, Windows 8 rolled out a new user interface design that many users had never dealt with before. Users complained that the new interface was hard to navigate and the learning curve was very difficult to pick up on. The most prominent feature missing in Windows 8 was the "Start" button in the lower left hand corner. Consumers did not like the "desktop feel and design" missing from Windows 8 and wanted the Start button back since most navigation began there.

Was it also slumping sales that forced Microsoft's hand? Studies on the market and sales show that PC sales are down drastically as the sales of tablets and touchscreen devices continue to soar. A more mobile than ever population is moving away from a PC desktop environment. While Microsoft claims that Windows 8 is still a good competitive operating system to use for consumers, studies show that out of almost 2 million tablet devices running Windows 8 or a similar version called RT, it only gives Microsoft just 2% of the total market.

Windows is quickly falling behind in competing and had to make a drastic change. Will the new design of Windows "Blue" be able to save Windows 8 and make it more user friendly? Blue is scheduled to be released and hit shelves just before this year's holiday season. Will it be holiday cheers or holiday jeers this year for Microsoft? Time will tell...

Adobe Killing their "Cereal-Box" software of Creative Suite

It is official. There will be no Adobe Creative Suite 7 or better known as CS7. Adobe is "killing" their production of the boxed software as the company moves toward a cloud based service. That's right all you Adobe fans, get ready to see PhotoShop CC not PhotoShop CS.

Adobe is moving away from their Creative Suite towards their Creative Cloud software. Adobe hopes to allow for better and easier upgrades thru their cloud service. Why the changes with Adobe?

Adobe is wanting to move away from boxed software as every day, companies are moving to cloud services. It will also allow Adobe to change their licensing fees and how upgrades are rolled out. The next release of Adobe software will not be a boxed software, but will be a Creative Cloud software. The new Adobe software will be both Windows and Mac compatible and for those customers who are current CS6 customers, you should be getting special low pricing for the new Creative Cloud service.

Will the movement away from a software suite to a cloud suite work as well as Adobe hopes? Will change be good or bad for Adobe? Only time.....and happy customer input and reviews....will tell.

LightSpeed Systems Web Filter

This past fall, I began to explore ideas for a new web filter to replace the old one in place at USD #439. I spent hours researching and asking around on what other districts were using. Using resources of online research, asking members of the ESSDACK "NERDS" group, and asking others on the state list-serv for Technical Directors, I had narrowed my selection down to the BottleRocket from LightSpeed Systems.

Many students in our district had known for years how to bypass the old web filter by making the webpage a secured webpage (https://). A good chunk of bandwidth was being used by students streaming music, videos, and other bandwidth consuming apps. I chose the LightSpeed BottleRocket for several reasons.

With the BottleRocket, using an (https://) would no longer bypass the filter. Anything that uses an https:// is redirected back to the original domain website. P2P applications are restricted and I also had control to block all proxies that students were using as a backdoor to websites they wanted. Another big complaint was all the time students wasted on social media sites. The BottleRocket allows me to specify certain websites that the district would like blocked. We are using that to our advantage. Another big feature is that group policies can be set within the web filter administrative console. We had a "Staff" group that allows staff members access to YouTube videos they use in class and also to streaming music sites such as Pandora so they can listen to music while they work.

The BottleRocket also allows for mobile web filtering to be extended to other devices on the network. Web filtering is extended to phones, iPads, and any other device with Internet access that connects to the wireless network within our district. I have been very impressed with the BottleRocket thus far and continue to work to fine-tune our web filtering here at USD #439.

One of the biggest advantages for me in using the new BottleRocket is the reports that you can access. There is real-time reporting that can show you current web activity, you can search and filter results by device IP address, and you can also see what top blocked domains and categories are. When a teacher came to me to see why a website wasn't coming up, I was able to search by IP address off her computer and find her web searches in the reports, found the website, and was able to re-assign the website to a new domain making it available to be used. This tool has been a HUGE plus for our use here at USD #439.

I am also very, very happy with LightSpeed tech support. I have had to call to get two issues worked on that I was unable to call. The first ticket I created, tech support called back within five minutes with a fix and the second issue they called back within 15 minutes. Needless to say, customer support is top notch with LightSpeed. We are currently running our filter on a three year contract with unlimited tech support and help.

I would highly recommend the BottleRocket to anyone out there looking at web filtering options for their company or business. You won't be disappointed!

You can find more information on LightSpeed products here:
http://www.lightspeedsystems.com/

Ubiquiti UniFi Access Points

Let me just start off by saying that if you haven't considered these access points at all for use, you really NEED to!!

The access points are by the creator company of Ubiquiti. The access points are round disc-like access points that can be wall mounted with just a screw or two.  The access points run at 2.4GHz and are B/G/N WiFi certified. Each access point is POE (Power-Over-Ethernet).

Most people would say "well yea, but I can get that with my access points". It's the software that is a real game-changer with the Ubiquiti products. The software is both PC and Mac compatible. Once the software is loaded onto your server and you have your central management point, you can instantly management multiple access points at once. The software allows for network mapping, expansion without end, and easy management over your wireless network.

Features included

• Free firmware upgrades upon release
• Guest/Hotspot capability
• One UniFied network
• Detailed reporting
• Wireless mesh

Currently in our district, we are utilizing 29 of the Ubiquiti access points and looking to expand to even more in the future!

More information can be found on the access points here:

http://www.ubnt.com/unifi

First semester jitters/problems

I began my new chapter of my career this past July when I began working for USD 439. Right away I knew there would be challenges, learning curves, and wonderful experiences. Needless to say I found several of each. A few of my favorites and least favorites are below:

Favorite Challenges

Getting laptops distributed quickly

Learning Apple software

Getting approval for new web filter

Least Favorite Challenges

Fighting firmware issues

Fighting bad switch/switches

Favorite Learning Curves

Apple Remote Desktop

Ubquiti Access points

Security Camera software

Least Favorite Learning Curves

Talk can be misconstrued/misunderstood

Patience

Wonderful experiences

Feeling like part of a "team"

Feeling like working a "big city" job in a "small town setting"

Learning from my mistakes

Having my contract renewed for the 2013-2014 school year

New territory

As a guy who has/had dealt with nothing but PC computers my entire life, last June I was introduced to the Mac world. My new job at USD 439 was an all Apple district with nothing but MacBooks. GULP. I thought I was in trouble for sure. I had never worked on an Apple in my life. I had never played with a Mac. EVER. In my interview I was asked if I had any experience with Macs and I was honest and told them I never had. They asked if I would be able to learn them and I told them "Give me 6 months to get basics and a few advanced practices down. The rest will come with time."

To give a little background, I had used Norton Ghost to image computers. Never had I used Deploy Studio. I thought "there is no way I'll ever get away from my pc laptop." Wrong. I worked on both my pc laptop and my new MacBook Pro provided by the school. That was in June. By August, I was only using my MacBook and my pc computer sat in a closet in my room. That's how fast I transitioned.

Little did I know the frustrations that would come soon enough. By the first day of school, I was already feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. Charging ports not working, hard disk drives failing, having to repair MacBooks. I thought I would fall apart. Then I met several key people that have helped me pave the path I have created this year.

First off, Jerry Butler. The man is a Mac wonder. He knows his stuff about Macs. Jerry is a great lean-on person to help troubleshoot, break-fix, and self starter. Jerry made countless trips to Sedgwick to help me transition into the school year. Between imaging laptops, getting the server updated, and showing me several insider how-tos, I was up and running soon enough. Jerry was wonderful tech-support and an even bigger emergency contact when I needed him.

Secondly, Rae Niles. When I was hired on at Sedgwick, I knew nothing of her. All I knew was she was an Apple "genius" and that she had really paved the way with Apple products at Sedgwick. Everyone always talked about Rae and how she did things. I knew I had a lot to keep up with and a big void to fill. I finally met Rae for the first time about two weeks into the school year. I talked to her in my office for about 15 minutes. I thought she was really nice and she even gave me a few tips. Later that night, I had a surprise. I received an email from Rae telling me that there would be times I'd feel lost, frustrated, and overwhelmed. She told me to always keep a positive attitude and if I ever needed help, to email or contact her. Needless to say, I saved that email and still read it when I'm feeling frustrated. About a week later, I was at dinner with my family at the local Applebees. I had been frustrated with a printer problem with some MacBook Airs at school. I had bumped into Rae at dinner and explained the problem and during talking, I managed to figure out the solution. Rae left dinner with a simple "job well done troubleshooting and good luck! Contact me if you need anything." and goodbyes were exchanged. When I went to get ready to leave, the bill was delivered to my table and this is what I saw...there was no bill. Just a note of encouragement. Thank you Mrs. Niles!

Lastly, the ESSDACK "NERDS" group. These ladies and gentlemen know their stuff. From monthly meetings where everyone discusses new practices, new ideas, and lots of educational tips are offered up. Everyone has a very positive attitude. They accepted me into the group when I started at Sedgwick. I felt so stupid and behind the curve with Apple and Mac products but through help, encouragement, and answering all my dumb emails about "how do I do this" or "what about this", I have been able to broaden my knowledge and am slowly getting into a groove here at USD 439. 

You never know who you will meet, or when you will need help. I'm glad for all the support I've been given in the past, where I am now, and when I will need it in the future. I just hope someday, I can help someone out just as I have been helped!