On Monday 17 December 2001 16:27, Jonathan Bacon wrote:
Hi all,
What does everyone on this list (and I know there are IT managers for schools in here) typically identify a schools requirements for IT?
As a registered Inspector with OFSTED I have inspected IT in many schools across the country. I would say that 80% of usage should be with generic applications such as WP, SS, Drawing, Web browsing etc. About 10% data-logging, control and programming and 10% on things like computer based training and subject specific applications eg music technology, successmaker in mathematics and so on.
Do schools typically need to use productivity software such as word processors and spreadsheets or is there more customized software in use (educational titles and such like).
See above. Some might have a different point of view but in my experience children, even the youngest can use basic productivity tools with little modification. Mostly its the adults who transfer any prejudices they have to the children.
AllI can remember of school was a large proportion of work done in productivity applications (MS Office), and not really any custom applications.
I think a Linux thin client running Star Office and a web browser with flash support would be capable of providing the 80% mentioned above. This would free up resources for some specialist machines for which (at the moment at any rate) the only option is for specialist Windows based applications. What is required is a management perspective in IT that takes a critical approach to the prioritising and deployment of resources. Where ICT is concerned there is rarely the experience or technical knowledge in the decision makers to make good strategic decisions in this respect. HTH, -- IanL Open Source - save money - employ more teachers Use Star Office the free replacement for Microsoft Office