With the surge of new technology and cloud computing in education, greater IT troubleshooting has become necessary. Despite the growing need for all-encompassing IT support in schools, many are still opting to hire IT specialists instead of outsourcing IT services.
You may wonder why educational institutions are often resistant to hiring managed IT support. School districts have many unique concerns surrounding technology, and here are the biggest reasons they don't hire IT services.
1. Cost Concerns for Hidden Fees and Hefty Pricing
Most people who work in education, especially public education, could tell you about the tight budgets administrators must adhere to. This hardly makes for a seamless digital learning environment, though.
Often, schools decide that hiring an in-house specialist is more cost-effective than dealing with any unexpected fees and costs from an IT provider. However, they may not realize that there's a wide range of managed IT business models on the market.
For example, there are It companies that provide as-needed assistance and charge by the hour, also known as the "break-fix" model. In contrast, true managed IT companies will charge a transparent monthly rate by users, which is much more cost-effective in the long run.
In-house IT professionals are no cheap commodity, either. To read more about the true cost differences between outsourced services and in-house IT staff according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, read our blog: Are You Spending Too Much on In-House IT?
2. They Worry About Handing Over the Keys to the Castle
Another major concern for any business is the aversion to letting go of some control. Especially in schools, day-to-day activities among different departments run like well-oiled machines. This can make it seem intimidating to hand over control over technology to an outside vendor.
If you're worried about relinquishing control over your devices, network, or operations, consider how IT services are designed. Managed it support for schools includes access to your own Virtual Chief Information Officer (VCIO) to advise and advocate for your success.
These professionals are a direct line to help you plan your technology strategy. You will also get daily support from a full IT team, which can make a huge difference in a pinch. In this way, allowing professionals to handle your IT using the most proven, time-saving, and efficient practices can lessen downtime that harms learning.
3. Privacy and Data Security Concerns
As cyber attacks soar, it's a common fear amongst school administration that sensitive records could be compromised by hackers. This makes it especially nerve-wracking to give an outside vendor control over cybersecurity tools and monitoring.
Will your IT manager take adequate measures to protect sensitive data? Do they understand the different documents and types of staff, student, and teacher records schools handle? These are all concerns to voice while interviewing providers to ensure they have familiarity with the education field.
For example, there are several cybersecurity best practices your provider should utilize as a baseline. Some of these basics should include:
- Multi-factor authentication (sometimes referred to as MFA or 2FA)
- Zero trust architecture
- Frequent password resets and strong password requirements
- Mandatory cybersecurity training on threats such as phishing
The most important step in outsourcing IT is vetting the companies that want your business. To learn more about what makes a reputable IT provider and what to look for, read our article: 10 Questions to Ask Before Committing to a Managed Services Provider.
4. They Want Specialized Managed IT Services for Education
Along the same lines as data privacy concerns, school administrators prefer vendors that understand the unique needs of schools in terms of technology. An IT provider should have experience working with businesses within your industry, and schools are no exception.
An IT provider that can't offer flexibility and responsiveness likely won't be ideal for a school district. Schools have many departments, changing schedules and needs, and many, many technical roadblocks that come up in classrooms.
Day-to-day IT troubleshooting is a crucial need in schools, and busy classrooms can't wait around for unresponsive IT services to answer. A provider should have enough service technicians to fulfill your needs, so a team made up of only one or two techs likely won't cut it.
How Does Technology Influence the Education System?
During the pandemic, schools across the world had to pivot to digital learning to continue educating their students. This led to the adoption of many different education technologies, and schools haven't looked back.
Technology like virtual classrooms allowed teachers to hold classes even when teaching couldn't safely be in-person. Teaching and learning online has only grown, and the benefits of cloud computing go further than the classroom.
Parents and teachers use cloud services to communicate about each student's learning experience, grades, and course materials. With a device and internet connection, parents, staff, and students can get crucial updates about their school systems, offering peace of mind and quick dissemination.
Because cloud technology has become ingrained in education for good, IT services can be a game-changer for schools. To learn more about how cloud communication has revolutionized K-12 learning, read our blog: 10 Ways Video Conferencing Changed the Education Industry for Good
Downed networks can get back up and running with the right support, which can alleviate stress and confusion caused by downtime. Speedy, reliable service at your fingertips can also enhance learning since lessons will have fewer and shorter technical interruptions.
How to Find Managed IT Services For Schools
It's well established that you should find a managed IT provider with familiarity in education for your school. So, how do you find them? Start by researching IT companies to see if they have any reviews, case studies, or specialized services for schools.
Once you find a suitable candidate, ask them about how they set clients up for success, productivity, and security. To learn more about what makes a good managed service provider (MSP), read our article: 10 Questions to Ask Before Committing to a Managed Services Provider.
If you're ready to optimize and secure your school's network and tools, click the button below to speak to an IT expert.
