“WE’VE ALWAYS DONE IT THAT WAY”

NIGEL MILLIGAN, IT manager to schools and businesses, argues now is the time to stop ‘doing it the way it has always been done’

'W e’ve always done it that way!’ These are the most expensive words to hear in any organisation, especially a school. As we come to the end of what is turning out to be a very expensive year, with the costof-living skyrocketing, it’s certainly a time to review everything you do and ask some serious questions about how you could be more costeffective. For many years. in my role as an IT manager in schools, I have experienced a lot of opposition to doing things in a different way in order to innovate, and become more effective.

Gen Z and many other generations in 2022 do not have any computers in their homes; most online content and apps are accessed with smartphones, tablets and smart home devices such as Alexa and Google Home etc. Many businesses now use mobile devices for home delivery and service technicians etc. By the time adults have to use a Windows-based business system they already understand the fundamental skills involved and, in most cases, will receive some form of formal training.

Why then do we need to force pupils from early years into having to sit at a Windows desktop or laptop in preparation for a future that will either have completely transformed again or which they can easily adapt to when they get there? Schools need simple, manageable, solutions that work and don’t need a large amount of support to maintain.

So, here’s the big question: why is it that Microsoft Windows is regarded as the main goto solution for education?

Answer: Generation X

Do not try to shoehorn the wrong solution into place because it’s what you’ve always done!

In nearly every scenario, each time a conversation is to be had about IT systems in schools, many of the decision-makers are from Generation X and have not known, or wanted to, change to anything else other than Windows. They are recommending what is comfortable for them, and not factoring-in the sensible alternative options available to them. Many revealing comments you will hear from IT managers and technicians include, ‘I don’t trust Google’ or ‘I hate Apple devices’ – but these professionals are supposed to be supporting everyone, and should be open minded to all new technologies.

Let’s now look at this from the highest level. Trust boards, and even the DfE, are advised by the same generation of advisors who are recommending ‘what’s always been done’. Many senior decision-makers who should be visionary are not being this; yet they are in a privileged position to change the way things are done, to transform the way that teaching is delivered, to provide a much better future for pupils and staff in schools.

Please don’t read this article and come to the conclusion that I favour all other solutions over Microsoft - the collection of systems and products I work with on a daily basis is wide and varied. I have been fortunate enough to be empowered, and to have open discussions with the decision-makers to allow them to make an informed decision as to what is right for their schools, pupils and staff.

We all need to remember that the solutions to all our problems need to be the right ones. Do not try to shoehorn the wrong solution into place because it’s what you’ve always done!