Technology Operations, Infrastructure, and Management
Domain 6 - Technology Operations, Infrastructure, and Management covers the systems behind instruction: devices, networks, interoperability, security, and procurement. Questions test practical troubleshooting and total-cost thinking.
Operational rules
- Bandwidth planning uses per-student targets and simultaneous-use estimates; Wi-Fi coverage and access points matter as much as internet circuits.
- 1:1 and BYOD models differ in support, equity, and management; MDM profiles configure and secure district-owned devices.
- Interoperability standards - LTI, OneRoster, SIF - let LMS, SIS, and content tools exchange data; proprietary silos raise cost and risk.
- Security basics: MFA, least privilege, patching, phishing training, backups, and an incident-response plan.
- E-rate subsidizes eligible connectivity and internal connections; CIPA compliance is a condition.
- TCO includes devices, cases, licenses, support, replacement, and staff time - not just purchase price.
Worked example
A wing reports slow LMS loading while the rest of the school is fine. The specialist checks whether the issue is circuit-wide (it is not), then tests Wi-Fi signal and access-point load in that wing. The reasoning isolates a local coverage or capacity problem rather than assuming the internet provider is at fault.
Traps
- Blaming bandwidth for every slowdown.
- Buying devices without refresh, support, or licensing costs.
- Ignoring interoperability until migration.
- Treating security as IT's job alone; staff phishing behavior matters.