NetSupport Radio

In this episode Kat interviews Vineela Pappu. Vineela is an accomplished DevOps Engineer at NetSupport, dedicated to enhancing software delivery through automation and process optimization. She specialises in building and managing CI/CD pipelines, overseeing infrastructure across multiple global regions, and maintaining high standards of security and scalability. With a strong foundation in software development and a keen interest in AI and automation, Vineela seamlessly blends technical expertise with innovative problem-solving. Beyond her professional role, Vineela enjoys drawing and creating web applications with her daughters, nurturing both creativity and a love for technology within the family. Committed to continuous learning, Vineela stays at the forefront of the rapidly evolving tech industry, always seeking to expand her knowledge and skills. Here are some of the questions we asked Vineela: Connect with Vineela to learn more: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vineela-pappu-614b16256/

In this episode Kat interviews Latoya. Latoya is a regional account manager at NetSuppport Inc. for the Northeast region. Her favorite NetSupport solution is classroom.cloud, as it supports schools’ abilities to empower their staff, students, and families from anywhere. Latoya is inspired by the impact of technology within all learning environments, including training, and staff development across industries. Outside of work, Latoya loves reading and enjoying nature. Previously, Latoya earned her master’s from New York University and has worked in both corporate and educational organizations, ultimately leading her to the NetSupport team. Here are some of the questions we asked Latoya: 1. Can you please introduce yourself and tell us about your role at NetSupport? 2. Who are you outside of NetSupport? 3. How did you get into your role? 4. Can you tell us a bit more about your career background (both in education and sales)? 5. What has your experience been like working in a tech company (including challenges and benefits)? 6. Do you think your background in education has helped you with working in a tech company? 7. What are your favourite aspects of your role? 8. What would be your advice for someone interested in a role like yours?

Episode 9 – Rachel Edwards, Product Services Testing Analyst In this episode Kat interviews Rachel Edwards. Rachel is a software tester at NetSupport, working alongside the development team to release the best possible product updates in a timely manor. Rachel started her journey in tech as an apprentice at Firebrand, then worked in IT support and management before moving into testing. Outside of her role at NetSupport, she is a crafter and outdoorsy person. Rachel loves hiking and woodland walks, going to the beach and spending time with her two loveable but very cheeky giant rabbits. Here are some of the questions we asked Rachel: 1. Can you please introduce yourself and tell us about your role at NetSupport? 2. Who are you outside of NetSupport? 3. How did you get into your role? 4. What has your experience been like working in a tech company (including challenges and benefits)? 5. What are your favourite aspects of your role? 6. What would be your advice for someone interested in working in testing? 7. As someone who undertook an apprenticeship, is this something you would recommend as a route into tech careers?

Rosalina is a dynamic professional with a diverse background spanning business, education, sales, and now, technology. With over a decade of experience, Rosalina has played a pivotal role in helping companies develop and expand their market share across North and Latin America. Her tech journey began in 2021 at NetSupport, as the Channel Manager for LATAM, driving success in the region. Fuelled by curiosity and a relentless pursuit of knowledge, she seizes every opportunity to learn and brings a transformative perspective to the industry. Outside of work, Rosalina's passion lies in cycling, as she enjoys exploring new destinations on two wheels. Here are some of the questions we asked Rosalina: 1. Can you please introduce yourself and tell us about your role at NetSupport? 2. Who are you outside of NetSupport? 3. How did you get into your role? 4. What has your experience been like working in a tech company (including challenges and benefits)? 5. What would be your advice for someone interested in working in sales or working for a tech company?

In this episode Kat interviews Emma Shorrock Emma has been an administrative professional for almost 20 years, with experience across the Financial Services, Retail, Logistics and most recently the tech industry – She has had the pleasure of working at NetSupport since October 2022. Outside of work she is an avid (yet slow!) runner, having recently completed her very first ultra. She also enjoys snowboarding and spends most of her annual leave either in minus zero temperatures on top of a mountain or pootling round the country roads in her campervan. Crochet was her lockdown skill/craft of choice and she is passionate about zero waste and trying to live as sustainably as is within her gift. Here are some of the questions we asked Emma: 1. Can you please tell us about your role at NetSupport and what it involves? 2. Who are you outside of NetSupport? 3. How did you get into your role? 4. What has your experience been like working in a tech company? 5. What challenges have you faced working in a tech company? 6. Are there any particular achievements you are proud of at or prior to working at NetSupport? 7. What would be your advice for someone interested in becoming an executive assistant?

There aren’t enough women working in the tech industry and all too often the ones that are, aren’t being seen and appreciated for the work they do. Role models are a huge part of attracting more women into the industry and so, in this new series, Community Engagement Manager, Kat Cauchi, interviews women in tech. She asks them about their roles, what it’s like to work at a technology company (challenges and benefits) and their advice for anyone wanting a career like theirs. Episode 4 – Jane Neal, Technical Author In this episode Kat interviews Jane Neal. Jane is a Technical Author at NetSupport who leverages her expertise to create clear and compelling technical documentation. In her free time, she enjoys reading and spending time outdoors at her allotment. Here are some of the questions we asked Jane: - Can you please tell us about your role at NetSupport and what it involves? - Who are you outside of NetSupport? - How did you get into your role? - What has your experience been like working in a tech company? - What have been some of the key challenges/opportunities? - What are some of your favourite aspects of your role? - What would be your advice for someone interested in becoming a technical author? Connect with Jane to learn more: LinkedIn Twitter

Introducing a brand new podcast series, ‘Her Tech Life’ There aren’t enough women working in the tech industry and, all too often, the ones that are aren’t being seen and appreciated for the work they do. Role models are a huge part of attracting more women into the industry and so, in this new series, Community Engagement Manager, Kat Cauchi, interviews women in tech. She asks them about their roles, what it’s like to work at a technology company (challenges and benefits) and their advice for anyone wanting a career like theirs. Episode 1 – Maggie Layfield, VP of Sales for NetSupport Inc. In this episode, Kat interviews Maggie Layfield. Maggie is the US/LATAM (Latin America) VP of Sales. She applies her experience as an educator to promote lifelong learning, which is why she has been a speaker at ISTE, TICE, ASTE, IAITAM ACE, and several other education conferences. Maggie is an enthusiastic baker, puzzler and mother of three rambunctious kiddos. Here are some of the questions we asked Maggie: Can you please tell us a bit about you, inside and outside of NetSupport? How did you get into tech? What was the transition like from working in education to working in tech? What have you found have been the challenges (especially as a woman in a male-dominated industry)? On the flip side, what have been some of the benefits and opportunities you have had working in tech? Does working in tech offer flexibility that supports your work-life balance? What have been some of your favourite achievements to date (professionally or personally)? What is your advice for women who are interested in working in the tech industry? Connect with Maggie to learn more: X/Twitter - layfieldmaggie LinkedIn - maggie-lyn-layfield

Episode 2 – Clare Elliott, Group Financial Controller In this episode Kat interviews Clare Elliott. Clare is the is the Group Financial Controller at NetSupport, with a passion for all things finance, business and operational excellence. Shortlisted for CFO Of The Year 2022 by Women In Finance Awards, winner of Best Financial Planning Service in 2019, a Fellow member of both the ACCA and AAT, and a Chartered Manager. Outside of work Clare likes to travel, take long country walks and eat out. Here are some of the questions we asked Clare: - Can you please introduce yourself and tell us about your role at NetSupport? - Who are you outside of NetSupport? - How did you get into your role? - What do you like about working in finance? - What has your experience been like working in a tech company? - What have been the challenges of working in a tech company? - What would be your advice for someone interested in working in finance? Connect with Clare to learn more: LinkedIn - clareelliott

In this episode Kat interviews Babita Panja, Product Developer Babita is a creative product developer with expertise in Angular and JavaScript, who also has a passion for dancing, painting, and travelling. Here are some of the questions we asked Babita: 1. Can you please tell us about your role at NetSupport and what it involves? 2. Who are you outside of NetSupport? 3. How did you get into your role? 4. Were you interested in technology when you were in school? 5. What has your experience been like working in a tech company (challenges and benefits)? 6. What are some of your favourite aspects of your role? 7. What would be your advice for someone interested in working in development? Listen to Babita’s story here. Connect with Babita to learn more: • LinkedIn - babitapanja

Al joins Rachelle Dené Poth at ISTE 2024 to hear all about how to to teach with AI and incorporate it into classrooms.

Maggie is joined by Britney Blackwell, who hosts the podcast "The Resilient Teacher", to discuss teacher burnout and how to avoid it. Britney says that the main reason teachers are burnt out is because they have too much added to their plate. They are expected to constantly be available to students and parents through emails and technology, and they have to deal with a lot of administrative tasks on top of their teaching duties. This makes it difficult for them to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Britney suggests that teachers set boundaries in order to avoid burnout. This includes things like not checking work emails outside of school hours and taking time for themselves. She also recommends using technology to automate tasks, such as grading essays. Listen in for more helpful tips for teachers who are feeling burnt out.

Maggie is joined by Josh Stock, a middle school English teacher from Santa Fe Middle School at ISTE 2024. Josh and Maggie talks about the benefits of using video creation in the classroom and give teachers some tips on how to get started. Here are some key points: Benefits of video creation: - Students are more engaged when they are creating something. - Video creation helps students see the practical application of what they are learning in English class. - Students can develop new skills, such as scriptwriting, filming, and editing. Tips for getting started: - Start with a small project, such as having students create a video to accompany an essay they have written. - Find a video production tool that is easy to use and that all of the teachers in your school can agree on. - Work together as a team to create videos. This will allow you to break up the work and allow teachers to play to their strengths. - Let students use the devices they already have to record videos. - Encourage students to help each other out. There will likely be some students who are already familiar with video creation and can help their classmates.

Al catches up with Matthew Woodruff, who works on Open Educational AI, to discuss the benefits and challenges of AI in education. Matthew highlights that while Generative AI (Gen AI) has received a lot of attention recently, it is important to focus on the bigger picture of how data can be effectively captured, collected and analyzed for educational purposes. He emphasizes that AI should be used ethically and transparently, and that human agency should be maintained. One of the key challenges discussed is that Gen AI, if fed with unstructured data sources, can lead to inaccurate results. They discuss Open Educational AI (OEAI) as a solution. OEAI is a collaborative effort that aims to reduce costs and implementation time for AI in education. It leverages existing data and frameworks, allowing educators to focus on the educational use and not worry about the underlying technology.

Al catches up with Evo Hannan to learn more about sustainability education. Evo discusses his work on the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) and climate action in schools. Evo discusses his passion for SDGs and how he came up with the idea for the design for the SDG project, and how he works with schools across the UK to promote sustainability goals. Evo highlights how meeting people from all over the world at conferences like ISTE helps him to learn and grow as an educator. He also emphasizes the importance of supporting others and sharing resources.

Maggie is joined by Matthew and Jess from the The University of Melbourne to discuss inclusive esports programs in schools. Jess and Matthew are conducing research to understand the gaps in regional and rural areas around resources and infrastructure of and how they can help remove some of those barriers for schools and families, helping students to have equity learning experiences whilst enjoying esports. They have also looked at inclusivity for females in esports, and ways to make it more accessible and better represented.

Al and Jaime Donally catch up at ISTE to discuss AI and XR in education. They discuss how XR and AI are both evolving fields and how AI can help eliminate limitations in creating 3D assets for the metaverse. Jaime talks about how AI and XR are being used in schools to curate and personalize learning experiences, via VR headsets and iPads for augmented reality in classrooms. They also explore the potential dangers of AI, as Jaime brings up the importance of privacy and data security. She also argues that AI should not replace teachers but instead be a tool to free up teachers time so they can focus on human interaction with students.

Maggie from NetSupport joins Phil Hintz from Niles Township School District at ISTE to discuss the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Augmented Reality (AR) VR in education. Phil talks about the challenges of implementing AI in schools, and one concern is that AI might be biased because of the data it’s trained on. To mitigate this, Phil suggests asking vendors questions about their data privacy practices and how they ensure the data is fair and unbiased. Another challenge is figuring out what data privacy agreements need to be in place when using AI tools. Phil talks about the importance of having a data privacy agreement with any vendor and how they got theirs approved. Phil also talks about his research on the impact of AR and VR for students with intellectual disabilities and learning life and occupation skills.

Al is joined by Vicky Davis, aka Cool Cat Teacher. Together they discuss the ethical use of AI in education. The key takeaways are: - AI is a powerful tool that can be used to save teachers time, but it should not be used without supervision. - Teachers need to be aware of the limitations of AI and how to use it effectively. - AI should not be used to replace teachers, but rather to supplement their teaching. - It is important to teach students how to critically evaluate information from AI sources. - AI can be a great tool for leveling the playing field for students who do not have access to traditional resources. - AI is a rapidly changing field, and it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest developments. - The use of AI has ethical implications that need to be considered, such as privacy, data use, and copyright. - The use of AI can also have a global impact, such as on energy consumption. Vicky shares her experience of using AI tools in the classroom, such as creating custom chatbots to teach specific content and using AI to help students with formative assessment. She also discusses the importance of teaching students about the limitations of AI and how to critically evaluate information from AI sources.

Maggie is joined by Deanna Bledsoe who runs a program called Kai Coders. Kai Coders is a program that teaches coding to elementary school children in a way that is fun, inclusive, and accessible. Hear Deanna discuss her background in IT and how she started Kai Coders as a way to teach her daughter and her Girl Scout troop about coding. She also discusses some of the cool projects that her students have worked on, such as a coded food drive and a giant paper robot that makes music. Deanna believes that coding is an important skill for all children to learn, and she is passionate about making coding education more inclusive and accessible.