Suzette has spent a lot of time responding with very clear reasons for her positions coming from her experience.  I agree with most of her observations but would like to add my comments about laptops, scanners and cords.  One very good reason to have laptops IN ADDITION to the desktops around the perimeter of the classroom even though they are more expensive than desktops, is a function of the teaching context.  If a teacher wishes to have free tabletop space for typical classroom activities AND also be able to have all of the students (assuming that there are more than 15 in the classroom mentioned in the original posting) work on computer-based lessons, than having a set of laptops that can be brought out of a closet and placed on the table tops is the optimal solution.

As for buying a scanner, I consider it an essential tool, not because I necessarily teach students how to use it, but because it is indispensable to me when I prepare lessons.  I would agree with Suzette that whether or not it gets used is heavily dependent on the instructor or instructors using the classroom, but instead of not buying one, I would go ahead and have it available and bring instructors "up-to-speed" about using it at a later point.  Once instructors see how easy it is to scan a newspaper article and drop it into a Word document to create an exercise, they'll find themselves using it often.

Finally, if extension cords are unavoidable, I would strongly recommend that rubberized floor "channels" for the cords be purchased as well.  These are usually bright yellow pieces of rubber that lie flat on the floor with a slot for the cord.  They are placed where students would have to walk over the cord.  Examples can be seen at http://cableorganizer.com/dropover-lite/.  Extension cords will be necessary if the decision is made to use the laptops on the centrally located tables because over time, the batteries for the laptops will degrade and you will want to have them plugged in for class periods of any length of time.

Barry Bakin
ESL Teacher Adviser
Division of Adult and Career Education
Los Angeles Unified School District




-----Original Message-----
From: technology-bounces at nifl.gov on behalf of Suzette Fox
Sent: Thu 7/20/2006 9:41 AM
To: The Technology and Literacy Discussion List
Subject: [Technology 414] Re: Tech Planning
 
My name is Suzette Fox and I am the computer applications instructor for
ABE/Community Ed in Billings, Montana.  I have also served as a
technology integration specialist and have taught Cisco networking in
the past.  

 

The classroom described below is a good setup and useful as it is for
most applications.  It is admirable to begin fundraising now since we
know that computers become outdated rapidly these days.  

 

Placing computers around the perimeter of the room is an optimum setup
giving the instructor a view of all screens at all times and allowing
for table work, group pods, and/or tutoring to take place in the center
of the room.  You can also place desks in the center and present lessons
without students fidgeting with keyboards, mice, etc.  Placing machines
around the walls keeps power cords out of traffic areas for safety as
well.  This arrangement is my favorite as a classroom instructor.

 

As far as what equipment is needed, there are many more questions to ask
concerning use of the equipment.  Here is my opinion.  Take it or leave
it as you like.

 

Since smartboards require an LCD Projector to function, it is my opinion
that you are better off to have the projector and save the exorbitant
price of the smartboard.  Adults don't need to touch the board to learn
the material and I would only consider smartboards for preschool and
elementary applications due to the cost of both the board and the
projector.  However, I also believe in supporting the instructor with
equipment they like and will use.  

 

If you decide to purchase a smartboard, be sure to get a large board and
mount it to a wall.  I have worked in schools with portable boards.
They require stringing cords across the classroom, take some time and
effort to set up, and don't work properly if someone bumps the board, so
you have to reinitialize it.  Overall, I have observed that it is too
time-consuming and stressful for most instructors to schedule time to
setup the board and they become infuriated when someone moves it or
trips on a cord and the setup must be reinitialized.  Therefore, my
recommendation for someone who knows they need the unique applications
of a smartboard is to mount the board on the wall and run all wiring
through the ceiling or floor for safety.  I have seen successful use of
smartboards that were installed in this manner.

 

Since I started at the bottom of your list, I will address laptops next.
Why would you consider laptops?  At this point in time, they are more
expensive and more difficult to upgrade.  There are security issues with
laptops because they can easily be picked up and removed from the
classroom.  On the other hand, laptops take up less space, can easily be
moved from room to room, and could be checked out by students.  An
optimal solution if money is no issue is for each student to have their
own laptop, learn to use it effectively and take care of it, and get to
take it with them when they go on to the next step of their program.
Money and time usually don't allow us to provide this type of a
solution.  Personally, I love laptops and own more than one of them
myself.  Practically, they are not usually a cost effective solution for
schools.

 

At this time, wireless networks are not as fast as a wired room and
wireless networks have different security issues that must be addressed.
If you install a wireless network, you must have the expertise to
operate it safely and effectively.  To use a wireless network, all
equipment must have a wireless card installed and configured to the
network.  The advantage of a wireless network is being able to move
computers around without plugging and unplugging.  Of course, this is an
optimum situation when using laptops.  The wireless connection makes it
nice to allow students to bring in their own wireless laptops and access
your network, but as I said before, requires some network configuration
and demands safety precautions on the network.  

 

Decisions about scanners or digital scanners depend upon what skills
will be taught in the class as well as the skills and preferences of the
instructor.  If they won't be used, don't buy them.  I use my scanner
and specialized scansoft software to scan job applications and help
students fill them out on the computer.  However, the software is
purchased specially and is more technical to use than the software that
comes with most scanners.  Therefore, many instructors will not take the
time to learn to use it effectively.  Evaluate the curriculum for the
class and ask the instructor.

 

As a business instructor who works to prepare students to enter the
workforce, it is my belief that Windows machines should be taught to
adults since over 95% of the businesses in the US use Windows machines.
There are applications and certain vocations that need to learn to use
the Apple system, but that would be specific training for a specific
software application or job.

 

Again, your wish list should consist of 1) equipment that serves the
curriculum and classes you will be teaching and 2) infrastructure to
maintain and support the equipment so that the network and internet
resources are accessible and the network security is not compromised.
Your instructor should play a key role in making this wish list and your
network technicians should also be included in the planning.  Equipment
is only useful if your instructor will use it and/or teach students to
use it.  

 

 

 

________________________________

From: technology-bounces at nifl.gov [mailto:technology-bounces at nifl.gov]
On Behalf Of Mariann Fedele
Sent: Thursday, July 20, 2006 8:34 AM
To: The Technology and Literacy Discussion List
Subject: [Technology 412] Tech Planning

 

Hello fellow tech list subscribers,

 

I recently got a question from a program that offers GED and ESOL
classes about how they should be thinking about their technology
planning.

They have a lab with 15 computers all equipped with Windows 2000 and a
high speed internet connection. The computers are along the perimeter of
the lab walls.

They have a scanner available in the lab.

They want to begin fundraising to update the lab, so they also want to
think about what they want/need to best serve their students.

 

What would you recommend in terms of hardware, software, room layout, or
other equipment to this or any adult literacy program? If you were
starting from scratch what would be your wish list and why?

Would you go with Mac or MS Windows? Would you replace the scanner or
get a digital camera? Would you go wireless? What would the physical lay
out of the lab be? Would you get laptops? Would you get a Smartboard?

 

I'm interested in hearing your feedback.

 

Regards,

Mariann

 

 

 

Mariann Fedele

Associate Director,

NYC Regional Adult Education Network

Literacy Assistance Center

Moderator,
NIFL Technology and Literacy Discussion List
32 Broadway 10th Floor
New York, New York 10004
212-803-3325
mariannf at lacnyc.org
www.lacnyc.org