Technology in Parks

Technology.

The word that sends many people in this agency running for the hills... Or woods. Or ocean. Or wherever you find your happy place in nature.

Despite the fact that there are challenges associated with technology in the Park Service world, there are also many benefits that can be used to make our parks better, more pleasant places to work and to recreate. Check out the articles at the links below to see how some parks connect with visitors using technology:

• Parks Using Technology to Engage and Inspire
• If You Think Technology Has No Place in the National Parks, Think Again

Not only can tech be used to draw in visitors, but it can also be helpful when simply trying to increase efficiency. There are simple ways to increase productivity in the park using technology like the computers and phones that we already have. The resources listed below may give you some new ideas to try out at your park that can make our jobs a little easier. Add to this list in the comments section if there is something new and exciting you are doing with technology in your workplace!

Google Hangouts

• Google:

• Hangouts - This instant messaging app allows you to connect with coworkers at any time via phone OR computer. You can reach out statewide to chat with one, two, or ten people in text, phone or video form. Some parks currently use a group Hangout to communicate important information to one another (closures, scheduling issues, etc). This quickly allows everyone in the park to be on the same page, without disturbing those who are not on duty.

• Keep - With this app, you can take notes from a meeting and simply drag and drop them into a document on Google Docs or Google Slides. It's also a great way to keep track of your tasks for the day, as you can create a checklist and cross off items as you complete them. 

• Sites - There is a specific Google Site that I'd like to direct you to: https://sites.google.com/a/maryland.gov/maryland-park-service-training/training-resources. At this site, you will find tabs on the left side of the screen which link to various topics. These topics include Policy, Procurement, and Training Resources. There are links to a number of forms and detailed instructions on some of the topics listed. Additional information will be added in the future, so keep checking back to use this valuable resource!

• Training - To learn more about the various Google apps available, there is a built-in link that can be found on the "waffle." When you are logged in to your Maryland.gov account, simply click on the waffle (top right of the screen), scroll down and click "More," then click on "G Suite Training." This opens a window with simple training videos about all of the different Google apps offered. 

• Mapping:

• Avenza PDF Maps app - On the DNR webpage, the public can access instructions for how to download interactive trail maps as PDF files onto their phones. There is also a brief paragraph about using the Avenza app to pinpoint your location on the map. This app comes in handy when hiking a new trail, doing trail work, or even attempting to ensure visitors don't get lost on a trail.

• Free Phone apps:

• Audubon Bird Guide - For all experience levels, this birding app allows you to identify the birds you see based on all factors you observed. It also has sound clips and habitat maps to reference. 

• iNaturalist - Keep track of your life list and ask the app community to help identify the species you come across with this app. This is a great use of technology in promoting citizen science. 

• Leafsnap - To help identify tree species at the click of a button, download this app! After taking a photo of a leaf, this app will help you determine what tree species the leaf is from. This app was developed by Columbia University, the University of Maryland, and the Smithsonian Institute.

• Nature's Notebook - This citizen science app lets you register the location of all the flora and fauna you find. You can even track migrations! The information you observe goes to the National Phenology Database.

Now, don't get me wrong - nature doesn't require that we have technology to enjoy the beauty we see every day. It's perfectly acceptable to watch the sunset without taking a single selfie. It's okay (some might even consider it wise) to take a kayak out on the lake and leave your phone on land. After all, technology isn't perfect and we sometimes get frustrated with the complications of these devices.

For those times you find yourself struggling with IT related issues at your office, check out some of the most common problems (and some potential solutions!) that the DoIT team sees regularly. Thanks to Mark Eanes for assembling this list!

1. Passwords:
1. The current default McAfee encryption (PBA) password for new accounts is "DoIT2017" and ONLY the DoIT Service Desk can help you reset it. This password applies only to new accounts and only on the encryption screen. If you cannot remember the password that you created after you first signed in to the encryption, you must contact the service desk.
2. The typical default password for new or returning user accounts (for seasonal employees, volunteers, etc.) is "newuser," but not always. Your regional IT support personnel (listed below) or the DoIT Service Desk can reset these passwords.
2. Accounts:
1. The link to request new, returning or updated accounts is: https://sites.google.com/a/maryland.gov/dnr-information-technology/?pli=1. If you can't access the link directly, use the IT tab on the DNR Intranet via Internet Explorer: http://intranet/.
3. General Troubleshooting (before contacting DoIT):

1. Software: Restart the software involved. If that doesn't work, restart the computer.
2. USB Devices: Unplug and plug them back in. If that doesn't work, restart the computer.
3. Attached printer issues: Shut down the printer, then restart your computer and turn on the printer. 
4. Wireless connectivity: Restart the wireless router.
5. All network devices: Restart the network equipment by turning off the uninterruptible power source (UPS).
6. Always wait a minute before turning back on ANY hardware or computers. 
4. Drive Mapping:
1. On your desktop or laptop, search "Map network drive." Select by clicking the "Computer" tab, then "Map network drive." Choose the desired drive letter and type the path below it. You must know the path you're attempting to map in order to correctly do this. It may help to see the path that has been mapped on a coworker's computer (should look something like: \\server\share).

If you made it through the list and still couldn't find a solution, give the DoIT Service Desk a shout at 410-697-9700 or service.desk@maryland.gov. Make sure you have the updated phone number for DoIT. You can also contact your regional support personnel:

Western Region: 

Mark Eanes

Mark.Eanes@maryland.gov

410-349-7535

Central Region:

NaTosha James

NaTosha.James@maryland.gov

443-336-2302

South/Eastern Region:

Kim Bennett

Kim.Bennett@maryland.gov

410-279-8555

There are online resources as well that can help you solve a problem if you're in immediate need of assistance. Just typing the issue into your favorite search engine can show you a number of potential solutions! If you're not 100% confident in the results from the search engine, be sure to contact DoIT first.

Although many of us tend to get frustrated with technology when it doesn't work exactly like we think it should, the efficiency that these products provide is invaluable.