My new district is a Microsoft Teams school and we have been issued brand-new Lenovo laptops to work from. I have had it for four days and it is already been given to IT to fix twice. I want to use my brand-new Macbook Pro as I’m sure I won’t run into any dumb Microsoft problems with it. I can still use this more dependable, less clogged-with bullshit machine to join Teams and finish all of my tasks. I was told by IT that I would have no choice but to utilize the horrible laptop that came with the school. Considering I have a system that functions flawlessly, it is so erratic and inefficient that it is driving me mad.
Is there anything I can do? I can still access Teams and complete everything I can do on the Windows machine, but better. I was thinking of somehow getting the wifi password or using a hotspot to give myself less stress and something I know I can rely on. Does anyone else have this experience? I don’t even care if it violates district policy at this point. I cannot get anything done that I need.
The thing you can do is to use the work computer issued to you for work. Focus on doing the job you were hired to do rather than ranting here and there.
In addition, just start looking for a new job as soon as now because your Apple pride will get you sacked soon.
I think there is no workaround. Just use the district-issued laptop and navigate through the issues because I won’t encourage you to violate district policy and put yourself at risk. For the touchpad, you can buy an external mouse and connect via cord or Bluetooth. They are usually easier to use anyway.
As for the internet connection problem, it may be probably not a Microsoft issue but more of a network issue. Chances are the district is aware of the problem and trying to fix it. Give them some more time or resign if the work environment is not favouring you.
If your school has a policy of using a certain type of equipment, then you should use it. My school is Windows and anyone who wants to use a Macbook faces major compatibility issues because they can’t print, they can’t access certain network drives, and some of our software doesn’t work.
If you love using Mac that much, find yourself a school that is built around Mac usage. They are very rare but you might get one if you are lucky though.
If it is a must that you use that Mac, follow my simple guide to see if you can get help.
If your school has a guest network, it is good news because your laptop could connect to that.
Your school probably does not just have a password for its main secured network. It likely is configured to only allow district-issued devices to connect to it. It is good to be aware that your IT department can never waste time configuring your personal computer to connect to its secure network.
I think as an adult who is of sound mind, you should think twice before accessing any secure district systems or networks on your machine. Among many other potential issues, you could find yourself having to turn your laptop over to the district as part of a FOIA request.
The best option left is to find a way to make your district laptop work for you. Also, it’s not a Microsoft issue. Microsoft is fine. If your school bought cheap hardware and bogged it down with a bunch of software, then you are right there with every other public school teacher ever.
I ma not surprised to hear your grievances but that is a norm if you have been a public school teacher for a long time.
The guys probably had to buy shitty network equipment because of a lowest-bid bullshit rule. I came from K-12 IT and it was miserable. Use the device they gave you, and submit tickets so they have a record of it to hopefully improve infrastructure down the road. I repeat what my fellows have said do not think of using your device and breaking the AUP, they will use this as a reason to fire you and then you will come here crying later.