His emails about IT updates usually sign off with “Thanks and have a wonderful day!” But who is the guy behind those emails? What is Mr. Kiang,  IT wizard-extraordinaire, really like?
Mr. Kiang’s title states “US Electronic Systems & Information Specialist and Teacher” in his online signature, which means his typical work day is unlike most of the faculty we interact with on a daily basis. “My day varies depending on the emails I get, or the questions teachers and maybe students ask me,” he said.
Mr. Kiang serves as the go-to guy for both faculty and students to ask any tech-related questions. When asked about the kinds of questions he receives, he said, “Teachers ask a lot of questions.” Imagine every time you were in class and your teacher couldn’t get the SmartBoard to work, couldn’t get the projector to turn on properly, or had problems with the OLC or Google. Now multiply that number tenfold–Mr. Kiang deals with all of these problems every day.
Besides fixing technical difficulties, Mr. Kiang also coached varsity boys badminton last year. Currently, he teaches an A5 Intro to Robotics class, helps out with VEX robotics, and works on game streaming with Mr. Sinclair. This year, TAS is hosting IASAS Track and Field, so Mr. Kiang is also heading of all the IT work related to scoring, timing, and set-ups.
Even though he studied graphic design and film in college, Mr. Kiang has always had an interest in technology. “I loved to code since I was in middle school,” he said. Prior to working at the Upper School IT department, he worked on several TAS design projects. These projects included coding database information and organizing student grades and SAT scores. “I could see every student’s grades,” he said. “But don’t worry! I forgot all of it.”
Mr. Kiang is currently looking to introduce new technology into TAS classrooms. One of the programs he’s working on is the Class Notebook, which is basically Google Docs on Microsoft OneNote. “[Teachers] can have an online class notebook on a cloud, so whatever you ink or put in onenote, the teacher can see it, even if you’re at home,” he said.
The IT department is also looking to implementing Apple iPads in Upper School classrooms. Ms. Chiang and Dr. Clapper of the science department recently started using the Swivel App for iPad. With this app and Bluetooth, an iPad on a tripod can swivel on its stand to follow students or teachers wherever they walk. This will be especially helpful when teachers travel overseas during student presentations or if teachers want to record their lectures.
Mr. Kiang’s favorite aspect of working at TAS is that everyday is different for him. What else does he like about TAS? The scones. “[They’re] so good, but they get sold out pretty fast, so I emailed Mr. O’Neill and asked for more. I have to go at 9 AM just to get a scone,” he said.