About

A BIT ABOUT ME

I’m Thomas Mason and I’m currently the Technology Coordinator for Scotland Elementary School in Scotland, CT, USA. I manage all the technology for the school and provide support and training to the school staff of about 60 people.

Technology is truly my passion in both personal and professional areas. When I’m not busy being a technology superhero at the school I also enjoy programming and creating content for fun and profit in the virtual world of Second Life. My hobbies are mainly video games, cooking, powerlifting, and collecting Transformers toys. I have a wonderful wife who’s from Canada and we spend as much time together as possible. I’m also a big Apple fanboy :)

I take pride in two main areas of my work:

  1. Being able to apply myself and figure out solutions to problems, preferably ones that are particularly challenging
  2. Providing exceptionally friendly and charming help.

WHAT I’VE DONE

Some of my achievements at Scotland School include:

  • assisted with the 2007-2008 building expansion by coordinating with architects, tripling the network size, and setting up new wall and ceiling mounted whiteboard and projector equipment.
  • implemented electronic door access system including card readers and security schedules. Set up proximity access cards for 60 staff members.
  • implemented the PowerSchool student information system to track student demographics and attendance reporting, bookkeeping for the school lunch program, and electronic grade book needs (including online parent access to grades)
  • programmed a custom standards-based report card application in C# used for report cards school-wide
  • implemented the Scantron Performance Series software used to evaluate student progress and provide detailed reports on academic progress
  • set up a Windows network for 88 computers including a new lab of 26 computers and a secure building-wide wireless network
  • provided fast and courteous support for staff of 60 and a student body spanning preschool through sixth grade. Provided professional development sessions for teachers, saving thousands of dollars in the school’s budget.

In the past I’ve also taught certification classes for Eastconn to students ranging in age from high schoolers to retirees. I taught introductory classes for complete beginners as well as intermediate-level classes covering word processing, spreadsheets, and the Windows Interface.

I worked as the Card Services Technician at Eastern Connecticut State University where I provided maintenance and support for all the student/staff card tech on campus, including card readers, laundry control units, point of sale units, and electronic door access systems. I also worked to support security camera recording equipment and the Blackboard commerce system.

In addition I’ve done freelance computer support since college, which is often a real eye-opener! Things I dealt with have included website development, setting up monitoring devices for a hydroelectric power plant, private computer lessons, and creating an inventory control system for a vintage and antique toy store.

Thank you for visiting my site. Don’t be afraid to get in touch!