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Thread ID: 13819	2001-12-18 02:27:00	Computer use in primary schools - need input.	Guest (0)	Press F1

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
27906	2001-12-19 12:12:00	Hi Robo I?m a teacher at a Form1-7 College. I teach senior computing and run the network. From time to time I get involved with the local primary schools. The vexing question of computers in schools. There is no doubt that computers are fascinating for the majority of students, however they can only aid teaching and should be treated as a really useful tool. There is also some really good software around eg Successmaker, which unfortunately is prohibitively expensive. Software cost is an issue. There is also no doubt that most small-medium primary schools cannot afford to provide the type of computer facilities that will serve them well. We live 1hr from Wellington. Network consultation and implementation would cost us $135 hr (old quote) including travelling time if we used an established firm. Very few primary schools would have a staffmember with the expertise or time to deploy and maintain a network so they have to make do or pay through the nose. Many rely on parents or other willing helpers. The Govt should be providing much more assistance in this area. You don?t need whiz-bang machines. Pentium 166?s can be had at the moment for $350. These will do just about everything needed. I still have 486Dx4-100?s running NT4 and office97 and they go OK. We have our PC?s custom built and pay about $1300. AMD Duron 900?s are more than adequate. I would have no hesitation in recommending schools develop an NT network. It is very stable. The workstations just dont break down. I would also suggest that all floppy?s are disabled in the bios and all Cd?s are run from a server. This has saved me untold time. We have computer labs and smaller pods. Our year 7-8 students frequently go to computer pods or classes in 1?s or 2?s, so we are putting PC?s in each room next year. The printer needs to be in the same room. I have tried to be brief but have not really done justice to this topic. regards Don	Guest (0)
27907	2001-12-23 23:38:00	As with many things in schools it comes down to people. Someone in the school will promote the idea, take ownership of the idea and get it underway. The troubles come later. The teacher in charge of it may be of an enterprenerial bent - likes starting things but moves on to new projects - or may leave. (I know 1 school with 2 unused, aging computers in the Food Tech Dept. Bought with their budget so unavailable for relocation when the teacher left. My adjusting daylight saving time 2 months late when checking for Y2K showed it's lack of use). A change of management (read Principal) can dramatically alter the focus too. A new IT illiterate principal sees the kids doing amazing things so figures it's easy and cuts back the budget and support staff (I've been there!) Personally I think that ALL 3rd formers should complete a 6 month course learning basic computer skills and how to touch type. Most jobs, from car mechanic to lawyer require it. But from what I've seen ALL IT projects in a school need clearly defined goals, budgets and written policies stating long term commitments - including staff requirements.	Guest (0)
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