Keeping tech in check: How North Star Academy uses the UEN tech inventory to stay up to date
Bluffdale, Utah (November 12, 2025) – As technology continues to shape how students learn and teachers teach, the Utah Education Network (UEN), in partnership with the nonprofit Connected Nation, is helping K-12 public and charter schools across the state stay ahead of the curve through its ongoing Utah School Technology Inventory.
In 2015, UEN began tracking how technology is used in the classroom, as well as the access teachers and students have to digital materials, devices, and platforms. Data from the most recent inventory was released in 2023.
Troy Fernley is a middle school Technology Teacher and Specialist at North Star Academy, a K-9 school that has participated in the inventory since its launch. He said it helps technology officials like himself pinpoint what resources they have, what they still need and what needs updating.
“We have been participating in this inventory since the first iteration in 2015,” said Fernley. “It’s a constant and helpful reminder that we need to look into the tech that our students and teachers are using every day.”
An evolving technology journey
When Fernley started at North Star Academy in 2006, just one year after it opened, the school was using eMac desktops; it had only one computer lab and one rolling cart shared between classrooms. A couple of years later, the school opened a second computer lab for elementary students.
Since then, the school has steadily increased device access, adopted Chromebooks and implemented a 1:1 device model so every student has their own device. All teachers also have their own computers.
“Today, I manage around 600 devices, including Chromebooks and desktops for the labs and library,” said Fernley. “In addition to their computer devices, around three years ago the school implemented Newline Interactive Panels (smart boards) for many of the classrooms.”
The integration of technology at North Star Academy promotes dynamic learning experiences and encourages collaborative engagement among students.
Technology that supports success
Technology is more integrated into education than ever before. With endless online resources, students can dive deeper into subjects and stay connected with their peers and teachers beyond the walls of the classroom.
“I’ve seen in-school technology really grow over the past several years,” said Fernley. “The best and most positive impact that technology has on our students is that they now have access to innumerable resources. It’s the same for our teachers as well.”
As part of the school’s 1:1 initiative, students from grades seven through nine can check out their Chromebooks and bring them home to do homework, write essays, study for tests and more. North Star Academy even makes sure those students can access the internet on their devices if they do not have access at home.
“If a student does not have high speed internet access at home, North Star Academy is dedicated to providing access to this necessary educational resource,” said Fernley.
North Star Academy also makes sure every student is trained on how to use their devices and how to navigate their online learning platforms.
Technology inventory significance
By completing the biannual UEN inventory, North Star Academy can easily identify older equipment that needs replacing, highlight necessary upgrades, and plan long-term investments.
Fernley says the inventory reminds him of “what needs doing and what does not,” helping the school make smarter technology decisions overall. “After completing the inventory, I know the oldest piece of infrastructure is my firewall,” he said. “So, now I need to know how to update that. It’s really helpful.”
Recognizing the meaningful benefits the UEN technology inventory has brought to both students and educators in past years, North Star Academy enthusiastically joined the 2025 effort, helping to ensure every student has the digital access and support they need to succeed in the classroom and beyond.
Other UEN K-12 Technology Inventory content:
About the author
Lily McCoy is the Connected Nation Senior Communications Specialist. Lily provides support to the Communications Department through social media outreach and writing. She also adds a source of creativity to the team with a background in personal relations and marketing. Lily has a bachelors in corporate and organizational communications from Western Kentucky University.
