Hi, Andy: Good stuff, here. May I go through this line by line? I'll preface my comments with an "ANS": On Thursday 11 April 2002 10:21, Andrew Choens wrote:
How did your school obtain funding for the computers and what not? Where did this idea originate from?
One problem I've noticed is getting the hardware. Does your school put computers in the classroom or in labs?
What do people think about the pros/cons of dedicated computer labs versus computers in every classroom? With either solution what ratios of computers to students have schools managed to achieve?
ANS: This is an easy one for most people. One computer, one kid. Having said that, maybe cost has been a factor in the past, leading people to knee-jerk some ratio. However, what I think everyone agrees on, is that we're trying to come up with a model that will enable donated computers and Open Source software, combined with a mobilized support network, both on-site and remotely, that will enable one computer/ one kid to be a reality.
SuSE and Linux can handle the software side. That www.seul.org page is awesome.
ANS: You think that's good, try this one for schools: http://promo.net/pg/
So, having said that, perhaps some brainstorming on ways to obtain hardware would be constructive. I've been thinking about the idea of approaching local businesses. Going door to door however doesn't seem very constructive.
ANS: This is untested so far, but give me a week, and I'll have a better idea. The strategy is to contact IT directors throughout the community. Ask for an informational interview about putting computers in schools, and their opinions and advice, with a 15 min time-slot. This puts you in front of the IT Director, who also can champion the hardware problem on your behalf. Sounds good to me, and I've already started a tally sheet, "Companies that threw me out!", so I can get a good measure of my success. <grin> Remember, it only takes one good resource. Also, think about this, and tell me if I'm on the right track. I get in front of the IT Director, state my case, and indicate I want to mobilize all the IT folks in each company for volunteer support teams. This, my friend, smells a whole lot like some good 'ol fashioned wholesome competition brewing, what do you think? Thus, I came up with a couple of alternatives. People
listen to the radio. Radios like doing community organized projects because it makes them look good. Perhaps they could help get the word out. I've got another idea, but I'm waiting for more information to see if it seems feasible. Anyone else have ideas along thes lines?
ANS: Man, I don't know how to break into that one. I'd need some really big crayola-type instructions on how to make that happen. Thanks, Tom Poe Reno, NV http://www.studioforrecording.org/ http://www.ibiblio.org/studioforrecording/ http://renotahoe.pm.org/