|
|
Mulgrave Technology Report to the Board
Vision
Phase 1 (95-96)
Purchase a computer for the library and library software. Catalog the existing collection and use the computer for cataloging and circulation functions. (Mar 96)
Phase 2 (96-97)
Purchase additional workstations for the school and a server. Upgrade the existing macs and network all the computers together. Purchase educational software. (Dec 96)
Phase 3 (97-98)
Add Internet connectivity and publishing devices. This involves the purchase of an internet connection to a local service provider and a router. Increase the size of the network to adjust for the school's growth. Purchase educational software. (Aug 97)
Phase 4+ (98+)
Maintain the computer to student ratio based on the school's growth. Evaluate requirements for a multimedia lab as an annex to the library. Purchase educational software. (Aug 98+)
Status
Phase 2 is now complete.
The current computer distribution is as follows:
Location Quantity Kindergarten 1 Grade 1 1 Grade 2 2 Grade 3 2 Grade 4 2 Grade 5 2 Library 2 Admininstration 3 Server 1 There are 3 printers connected to the network, 2 in the library and 1 in the office.
The computers are connected via a 16 port hub using an ethernet backbone.
A slow speed internet connection via a telephone dial-up (28.8 modem) is also in place. This is presently providing slow internet connectivity to all workstations.
The administration computers are located in the library, office, and staff room.
A detailed list of the school's software titles is available in the library. Major titles include Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher, and FrontPage. There are many more educational and reference titles.
The current student to computer ratio is 9.5 : 1 (114 / 12). This is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the computers available to students. The server and administration computers are excluded.
Plan
Implement Phase 3 over the summer.
The planned computer distribution is as follows:
Location Quantity Kindergarten (1) 1 Kindergarten (2) 1 (+1) Grade 1 (1) 1 Grade 1 (2) 1 (+1) Grade 2 2 Grade 3 2 Grade 4 2 Grade 5 3 (+1) Grade 6 3 (+3) Library 2 Admininstration 4 (+1) Server 1 The quantity items in brackets indicate where the new computers are being placed.
The workstation configurations are essentially the same as last year. Some differences include a faster processer (130 Mhz vs 100Mhz last term) and monitors with integrated speakers, microphone, and headset jack. The budgeted dollar figure for each computer now includes the cost of a computer desk, security cable, and headset.
A laptop computer is being trialed as the new administration machine. Hitachi now offers a multimedia laptop with the same configuration as the workstations for only $500 more. This will facilitate the ability of staff to take the machine home in the evenings when required. A conventional monitor and keyboard will be provided when it is in use at the school.
A higher speed laser printer is required in the office. The existing printer will be moved to one of the classrooms most likely on the east side of the building.
A scanner is being added to the library so that pictures and artwork can be scanned in.
A TV and VCR has also been included in this budget. This increases the number of televisions in the school to 2.
The school currently has no backup solution so a recordable CD has been added to the budget. These CDs can be read by any conventional computer CD reader. They have a shelf life of at least 20 years as compared to approximately 3 years for magnetic tape backup solutions.
The school's network needs to be upgraded to incorporate the new classrooms. The current 16 port hub is at capacity so a second one will be added. Additional ethernet jacks will be added to what is currently the nursery (3), the library (3), and Ms. Hamer's office (2). The area which was formerly used as the assembly room has already been wired.
It is still not clear which internet strategy will be used due primarily to availability. The 2 major contenders are dial-up ISDN and Rogers Wave. Rogers is indicating that they should have the Wave solution available in North Vancouver by September but this is based on an aggresive installation schedule. This would cost $55 / month including the cost of the router. The traditional ISDN dial-up connection will cost $300 / month plus the cost of the router.
The budget assumes the higher cost solution. A decision is expected to be made late in August for the next term. Choosing the ISDN solution for the 97-98 term does not preclude switching to Rogers Wave in 98-99.
The student to computer ratio will be 10 : 1 (180 / 18) a slight decrease from last term.