51ĀŅĀ×

To help support the Athens City School District (ACSD) successfully transition to online instruction, 51ĀŅĀ×'s Office of Information Technology (OIT) will provide tech support for ACSD students and instructors, helping the district's handful of IT employees keep up with what is likely to be a flood of support calls in the coming weeks.

Starting April 13, families within the may call 740-593-1223 (option #2) for help with internet setup, online learning apps, and device troubleshooting. 

ā€œWeā€™re fortunate to have this partnership with OHIOā€™s OIT to help support our students and faculty in this difficult time,ā€ Tom Gibbs, Superintendent of Athens City School District, said. ā€œWe understand the challenges for some in our community when it comes to technology and believe this support will truly help our students in remote learning.ā€

With a reported 16% of ACSD students without access to home internet, the district will begin distributing hotspots in the very near future. OHIO is also offering the community free guest wi-fi coverage in many Athens campus parking lots; however, access is just the first step. Support becomes a big deal when technology isn't just a part of the classroom but is the classroom.  

ā€œSince schools have transitioned to online instruction, it is more important than ever that students have the necessities like internet to continue their education,ā€ OHIO Chief Information Officer Chris Ament said. ā€œBy providing IT support to our local school district, we are helping ensure accessibility to area students while also providing remote work for our own OHIO students.ā€

Calls will be fielded by OIT student employees who worked at the IT Service Desk in the Tech Depot before social distancing restrictions closed that location.

"It's a win-win situation," Mary Jeffreys, OIT Service Desk manager, said. "We can handle the added call volume, and it gives our students a chance to keep working remotely while making a meaningful contribution to the local community."