聚焦系列:尼克·布莱克尼
2020年5月21日
在短短一周内, 帕洛阿尔托学院 and the entire 十大网赌正规网址官网区 shifted to remote operations as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, 这意味着学生, 教师, 和工作人员 had to adjust the way they teach, 学习, 和工作.
幕后故事, 资讯科技服务(ITS), 特别是, played a crucial role in easing the transition from the traditional classroom environment to remote 学习ing. 尼克Blakeney, ITS主任, and his team were at the forefront of these efforts for 帕洛阿尔托学院, working around the clock to ensure the 大学 had the infrastructure necessary to continue operating remotely. Though some planning occurred before the decision was made to move toward remote operations, the ITS team only had one week to supply employees and students with the equipment and training they needed.
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With nearly 15 years of experience in information technology, Blakeney knew the importance of being prepared to pivot for any of scenario, so he and his team hit the ground running in order for students to continue working toward their degrees and certificates. ITS ensured staff and 教师 had remote access to the network. They also set up Wi-Fi hotspots and distributed equipment through curbside pick-ups for students, 教师, 和工作人员. |
Because remote work entails more intentional collaboration and communication than on-campus teamwork, employees across the college have developed new ways to stay connected by hosting virtual meetups and continuing to reach out through social media – with the reassurance that they can always rely on the ITS team for support.
“I see a lot of resiliency and adaptability showing up. 我想对很多人来说, 我们也看到了一种意愿, 一个愿望, 以及克服困难的决心,布莱克尼说. “I think my proudest moment is seeing the dedication of my team, and knowing that they are doing everything in their power day-in and day-out to help our end users. We all know who our customers [students] are and how we impact those individuals.”
From a positive outlook, he takes this experience as one big professional development opportunity.
“I think of the professional growth that we have gained overcoming a massive challenge put in front of us,布莱克尼说. “一路走来，我们学到了很多, and a lot of things we will be able to continue to use in the future – Zoom being one of them. We have all now become accustomed to how they [remote tools] function and are using them to our benefit.”
Blakeney started his career working for a local school district, where he served for 11 years and fell in love with education. He first joined 帕洛阿尔托学院 as the coordinator of college technology, and he developed a passion for leadership.
“This community is a big part of me being raised partially on the South Side of 圣安东尼奥. Knowing that what I do every day has an impact on the future has been set into my own personal values; knowing that I am making a difference. I came to PAC as an opportunity to continue to serve the South Side community,布莱克尼说.
It’s been nearly two months since 帕洛阿尔托学院 began remote operations, 和其他十大网赌正规网址官网一起. 虽然校园相对空旷, Blakeney and a few members of his team are among the few personnel operating on-location.
ITS continues to support students every step of the way. 随着夏季课程的开始, ITS is working on laptop checkouts for students who need access to a computer. Checkouts are available by appointment Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. 到5点.m. 他们可以在 帕洛阿尔托学院服务台 210-486-3777(选择选项1).