ICT: Supporting Learning in a Digital Age
Santa Maria College have a dynamic and highly skilled ICT team who support staff and students. We wanted to introduce you to the team and give you an insight into what they do.
The team is made up of Brane Zivanovic, Jason Milentis, Feliana and Thao Nguyen. We chatted with Brane to find out a bit more about what they do.
Brane: ICT Manager
Brane coordinates the ICT Team, overseeing the College’s implementation and use of technology, while managing and maintaining technology infrastructure.
Jason: Senior ICT Support Specialist
Jason is responsible for providing advanced technical support for Windows and Mac devices. This includes troubleshooting complex issues, and training and mentoring junior ICT support staff.
Thao: ICT Support Specialist
Thao provides technical support for Windows and Mac devices, assists with ICT requirements for events around the College, and helps with classroom technology.
Feliana: Database Administrator
Feliana is responsible for Santa Maria’s databases’ performance, security, and availability. She creates reports and assists staff members with Synergetic.Â
Brane, what do you enjoy most about your job?
I love working with a great team and being able to implement new technology.
What resources do you use to help you do your job?
I mainly use Microsoft technical articles, Cisco and Meraki Technical articles, and ChatGPT (when available), has replaced searching on Google.
Why do you think technology is so important in education?
Technology allows teachers to create more dynamic and interactive lessons that encourage student participation and collaboration.
Apple or Android?
Definitely Android. It’s more customisable and compatible with more devices.
What is your vision for the future of technology at Santa Maria College?
To enable the use of technology to integrate automation, as it can help to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of teaching and learning, allowing teachers to focus on what they do best: inspiring and guiding students. However, it is important to strike a balance between automation and human interaction, as technology can never fully replace the value of human connections and relationships in education.
What are some of the new technology or systems put in place at Santa Maria over the last couple of years?
Recently we’ve had a wireless upgrade and installed ViVi screens in all of the classrooms.
How have these technologies enhanced the way we operate?
The wireless upgrade helped with speed, increased range, reliability, enhanced security, and future proofing for integrating new devices. ViVi allows teachers to present and be mobile in the classroom.
What’s the best piece of technology you’ve ever bought?
My smart watch – a Samsung, of course. I love it because it tracks my health and fitness and keeps me up to date with all my notifications.
Why do techies always tell you to turn things off and on again?
Hahahaha! Restarting a computer can be like a person taking a power nap! Taking a nap can help clear your mind and reset your body, restarting a computer can help clear the system’s memory, close any unnecessary processes or applications, and give it a fresh start.
Thanks, Brane. It’s been great to get to know a bit more about what you and the team do.
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- Featured, Technology
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
