[Informatics] Any Schools without Computer Labs???????

[Lee, James Q]

Hi Paul,

I think it would depend on the devices your students can bring, the licencing of software you want on the devices.. Many 1:1 devices aren't high spec with limited graphics cards, whereas some mandate higher end Macbook Pros.

I find that 1:1 devices are a good productivity tool to do 95% of what schools need for teaching and learning.

However, you probably still need a high spec computer lab for specialist subjects like VCE Media, IT and Vis Comm etc that allow less bulk licencing of programs like Adobe CC etc, while also allowing those programs to run properly.

I guess one way to look at it is that 1:1 devices aren't a replacement for school labs, but a modern essential learning tool they should now be expected to use (along with books, paper, planner, uniform - the former 3 possibly phased out over time).


James Lee
Head of eLearning and Reporting
ICT and Media Teacher
Bentleigh Secondary College



From: informatics-bounces at edulists.com.au [mailto:informatics-bounces at edulists.com.au] On Behalf Of Paul Pascoe
Sent: Monday, 15 May 2017 11:50 AM
To: Year 12 VCE Informatics Teachers' Mailing List <informatics at edulists.com.au>
Subject: [Informatics] Any Schools without Computer Labs???????


HI,



Sorry for the off topic post, and for any cross posts.



My school is looking at getting rid of our computer labs entirely in favour of a school wide student laptop program.



I was wondering if anyone else has any experience in this, especially in terms of software compatibility issues and authentication of student SAC tasks.



What should we be looking out for?



and finally if anyone has any compelling arguments for not having any computer labs at all in a school, other than to save the school opersating expenses money.  Eg. Is there anything "Beyond the Balance Sheet" to be gained by getting rid of all of the labs?



Thanks


Paul Pascoe

St Francis Xavier College
Beaconsfield

ppascoe at sfx.vic.edu.au<mailto:ppascoe at sfx.vic.edu.au>



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