[elearning] Re: [Year 12 IT Apps] Re: NSW EdDpt,
Interactive Classrooms
Roland Gesthuizen
rgesthuizen at gmail.com
Thu May 1 21:48:35 EST 2008
Probably better to post replies this thread via the eLearning mailing list.
Somebody pointed out to an interesting IWB solution that doesn't use any
software, running on just about any computer with a USB (cable or wireless)
connection. Australian made, no vendor lockin and better bang for your
school bucks.
I am not going to promote any one company over another, you can Google the
details yourself. Although I missed the display a the annual conference
trade-stand last year (VITTA are again looking for 2008 presenters folks), I
am keen to see one of these units in action.
I raise this as it does does raise the question, how much research the NSW
department of education put into their vendor shortlist and would it have
been better for them to just publish a selection criteria list for school
ICT managers to consider when making a purchase?
Regards Roland
2008/5/1 Biggins, Leanne D <biggins.leanne.d at edumail.vic.gov.au>:
> So someone concerned with this initiative has noticed the software /
> hardware issue that yu brought up!!!!!
> Leanne
>
> ________________________________
>
> From: itapps-bounces at edulists.com.au on behalf of stephen at melbpc.org.au
> Sent: Thu 1/05/2008 3:07 AM
> To: itapps at edulists.com.au; offtopic at edulists.com.au
> Cc: gtardiani at tpg.com.au; chris at betcher.org
> Subject: [Year 12 IT Apps] Re: NSW EdDpt, Interactive Classrooms
>
>
>
> From: Greig Tardiani <gtardiani at tpg.com.au>
> To: Professional community for teachers <oz-teachers at rite.ed.qut.edu.au>
> Date: Wed, 30 Apr 2008 22:54:54 +1000
> Subject: Re: [Oz-teachers] DET Announcement
>
> I find this decision by DET to be a little confusing. Mixed hardware and
> software with possible incompatibilities, what are they thinking.
>
> However, having attended a DET meeting at the end of last term re the
> Connected Classroom project which is the major push by DET for all
> schools, DET would be developing their own software to work with any IWB.
>
> This comment was a bit of a surprise as DET's past record at delivering a
> usable piece of software to schools has not been that good. I site OASIS
> as an example. For those not in the know OASIS is THE database management
> system that DET schools live and die by (according to DET, most however
> use many other apps to be effective) it contains Finance, Library, student
> and staff info, timetabling etc.
>
> However, it appears that they have don a spin on the spot and decided to
> choose a piece of software rather than build their own. Thank god for
> that.
>
> What will be interesting is if the software works with anything that is
> currently out their.
>
> I'll look into it and see?????
>
> Thankyou
>
> Greig Tardiani
> Head Teacher ICT
> (Large NSW High School)
> --
>
> From: Chris Betcher <chris at betcher.org>
> To: <oz-teachers at rite.ed.qut.edu.au>
> Date: Tue, 29 Apr 2008 23:57:23 +1000
> Subject: Re: [Oz-teachers] DET Announcement
>
> Huh??
>
> They recommend the SmartBoard SB680 as hardware and Promethean ActivStudio
> as software? That's covering all your bases, but not allowed under any
> software licences I'm aware of. You basically can't use ActivStudio on a
> Smartboard, not legally anyway.
>
> Why would they recommend the ActivStudio software, but not the
> ActivBoards, and the Smart Hardware but not the Smart Notebook
> software... that's just bizarre.
>
> Also odd to me... they recommend the Panaboard as the first choice for
> hardware It may be a good board, i don't know, haven't used one, but
> between Smart and Promethean, that's the great bulk of the IWB market just
> there. Why on earth would you recommend someone buys a board that is not
> one of the top two? That's like suggesting someone buys a Betamax VCR.
> Good technology, but ..
>
> When you are putting products into a system like DET or CEO or any large
> school system, surely it makes sense to get the product with the biggest
> user base, so that support from the user community is easy to get. Online
> forums, lesson librraies, etc... you want the biggest you can get.
>
> You also want the most mature software with the biggest feature set and
> the most refined user interface. Also, if SmartBoards and ActivBoards are
> the bulk of the market, do you really want to work in a school with boards
> that make up 2% of the market, spend a few years developing resources for
> it, only to find when you move schools that they don't use the same
> boards, so all your resources are useless.
>
> Not trying to diss on the Panaboard specifically, but really... who makes
> these decision? Is everything decided on bottom line price? Sometimes
> the cheapest solution is not the one that costs least to buy.
>
> I reckon anyone who knows how to teach with interactive technology could
> be in great demand in the future, as systems look to employ people who
> understand IWB pedagogy and can use them effectively to improve
> learning... At some point, school systems will want to see some value
> back on all this investment... people who can't or won't use IWBs well
> could find it very hard to get a job in the coming years...
>
> Chris
>
> Chris
> --
>
>
> Fwd: (NSW EdDpt) Admin Email Memorandum
>
> Number: DN/08/00131
> Issued: 28 April 2008
>
> INTERACTIVE WHITEBOARDS
>
> I am pleased to advise that agreements have now been finalised for the
> supply of Interactive Classroom Project equipment, with significant cost
> reductions achieved through the tendering process.
>
> Connected Classrooms Program
>
> For the dedicated Interactive Classrooms installation, the equipment to be
> provided by the Connected Classrooms Program is:
>
>
> 1. Interactive Whiteboards
>
> § elite Panaboard UB-T780 hardboard (recommended)
>
> § Smartboard SB680 softboard (optional)
>
>
> 2. Data Projectors
>
>
> § Ultra Short-Throw Projector - Sanyo PLC-XE50
>
> § Short Throw Projector - Epson EMP400W
>
>
> DET recommends the use of the "ultra short-throw" projector as this device
> provides a more reliable and secure installation, as well mitigating any
> potential occupational health and safety concerns.
>
>
> 3. Flat Screen Monitor
>
> § LG 42LG30 42-inch monitor
>
>
>
> 4. Software
>
> § Promethean ActivStudio 3.
>
>
> It is important to note that for schools to be able to share content
> across the State it is technically necessary for the Department to
> establish a single DET standard software application that can be used with
> any brand interactive whiteboard. The software will be available for free
> download and installation on any machine in DET. It will also be available
> for home use by students and staff.
>
>
> Discretionary Purchases by Schools
>
> For schools wishing to purchase additional equipment to that provided by
> the Connected Classrooms Program, the following DET priced options (ex
> GST) are available:
>
>
> 1. Interactive Whiteboards and software
>
>
> elite Panaboard UB -T780 hardboard
> $1415.00 per unit
>
> Smartboard SB680 softboard
> $1930.00 per unit
>
> Smartboard SB660 softboard (for schools seeking a board for smaller
> spaces e.g. teaching in a seminar room)
> $1700.00 per unit
>
>
>
> 2. Data Projectors
>
>
> Ultra Short-Throw Projector - Sanyo PLC-XE50
> $2415.00 per unit
>
> Short Throw Projector - Epson EMP400W
> $1955.00 per unit
>
> Long throw projector - Dell 1409S
> $1035.00 per unit
>
>
>
> 3. Flat Screen Monitors
>
>
> LG 42LG30 42-inch monitor
> $1590 per kit
>
>
>
> 4. Installation
>
>
> Board and Projector bundled installation
>
> (note that this is a "standard" installation charge - other
> installation charges apply when products or combinations of products are
> purchased) $960.00 per kit
>
>
> ORDERING FOR DISCRETIONARY EXPENDITURE
>
>
> 1. Equipment should only select from the options listed.
>
>
> 2. Orders should only placed through the DET ICT Fleet Manager.
>
>
> 3. The DET ICT Equipment Fleet Manager is to be contacted on,
>
>
> Phone: 1800 654 310
>
> Facsimile: 1800 808 385
>
> Email: ICTfleetorders at det.nsw.edu.au
>
>
>
> 4. The ICT Fleet Manager will coordinate purchasing and delivery
> of equipment from the selected vendors and will asset tag and register of
> equipment.
>
> 5. The ICT Fleet Manager will also arrange installation at
> negotiated contract prices.
>
> 6. Equipment not acquired from the approved list and not purchased
> through the ICT Fleet Manager is not able to be supported by the DET IT
> Directorate.
>
> Departmental support for content creation for interactive whiteboards,
> such as the materials produced by the Centre for Learning Innovation and
> Curriculum K-12 Directorate, will use the DET standard Schools currently
> using alternative software will over time migrate to the ActivStudio 3
> software for lesson creation and sharing.
>
> There is currently a wide range of teacher developed lesson material saved
> in SMART Notebook and Microsoft PowerPoint file formats. The Centre for
> Learning Innovation will provide a range of support to teachers for the
> use of ActivStudio 3 teaching and learning.
>
> Professional learning to support the Interactive Classroom Project is
> being developed by regions and state directorates. Advice will be provided
> separately on its availability in the near future.
>
> It would be appreciated if you could bring this memorandum to the
> attention of any administrative staff under your auspices who are involved
> in the procurement of this equipment.
>
> PAUL HOPKINS
>
> Chief Procurement Officer
> --
>
> Cheers Greig & Chris,
> Stephen Loosley
> Victoria, Australia
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--
Roland Gesthuizen - ICT Coordinator - Westall Secondary College
http://www.westallsc.vic.edu.au
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change
the world; indeed it is the only thing that ever has." --Margaret Mead
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