Most people don’t think twice about Information Technology (IT) until their Wi-Fi goes down, their computer freezes while they try to submit an assignment minutes before it’s due, or until they truly need assistance.
The IT department is a vital part of Algonquin, especially with the prominent use of technology in the school environment. The IT team, Technology Specialist Caesar Colon, System Administrator Clistenes Cabral, and intern senior Calvin Eisenhofer, work together to keep technology working smoothly for fellow students and staff. As the System Administrator in the department, Cabral is responsible for managing the Technology Specialist and intern all while assigning them to the various tech-related tasks and issues reported by staff. Instructional Technology Specialist Brian Calnan also works with teachers and students to implement technology effectively in their teaching and learning.
Cabral enjoys the communicative aspect of his role, appreciating the opportunity to talk with teachers and check in on how their day is going, offering possible solutions to problems if necessary.
“When I’m able to fix a problem and they say, ‘Oh, I like this, it’s working!’ that gets me excited to keep doing it,” Cabral said.
Colon, as a Technology Specialist, keeps the majority of the technology in classrooms, conference rooms, and the auditorium in working order. Colon works closely with Eisenhofer, keeping him involved in the day-to-day process of IT and showing him the necessary steps in fixing technology issues.
“If we have an issue where someone isn’t able to get on the internet, we’ll bring Calvin with us so we can show him our steps of what we do,” Cabral said.
Teamwork is very important in the small IT department. During MCAS, pre-SATS, and the summer before school begins, Colon and Cabral must work together to prepare the hundreds of Chromebooks that will be used by students. They also need to get both carts and cables ready while ensuring classroom technology is working properly.
“There would be no way possible for one person to do everything,” Cabral said.
In his internship, Eisenhofer assists teachers and staff with their IT needs. He shadows the IT staff, watching and learning as they fix problems in the server room. Eisenhofer is even able to help his fellow students if their Chromebooks break down.“I could help connect them to a projector if they’re having difficulties with that, or the WiFi or basic stuff,” Calvin said. “In the past, teachers have brought in their laptops with a broken keyboard and I’ve disassembled the computer to replace the keyboard.”
Eisenhofer dreams of pursuing a cyber security career path, which requires IT experience. Although this career choice differs from his role as an IT intern, the internship program provides Eisenhofer with hands-on experience that will benefit him professionally in the future. Colon, Cabral, and Eisenhofer highly value the internship program and believe that it is a truly positive experience for anyone interested in technology or IT.
“It brings more kids into the computer science field, and we can always use more programmers and forensic people,” Colon said. “It’s a good career.”
Guidance counselors work closely with the Career Exploration and Innovation Coordinator, Michelle Kaelin, to identify possible internship opportunities for students. Students interested in the IT internship should contact their guidance counselor.
