[Yr11 Information Technology] Any Schools out there with No Computer Labs??????????

[Darren Scott]

We just had this conversation on the Software Development list :) ... I've just copied and pasted my response to that post, replacing "Troy" with "Paul". The content leans more toward SD but I also put in some notes for year 11.


Hi Paul, my school went 1-1 laptops back in the Rudd era ... we had no choice about the labs going, but we've kept most of the infrastructure (power points, network outlets, etc. - I can't stress the value of having a room with 50 power points when you're dealing with laptop batteries). We lease our student machines rather than BYOD ... having a better quality laptop has helped, though the business manager of course looks to cut the cost of leasing every rollout wherever possible. We still have our techs for any laptop or network issues - I'd say you actually need more techs as you're running more machines. Good luck convincing your business manager to spend the cash that was in the machines on a technician.

In terms of Software Development and the Year 11 unit, I haven't had many problems with compatibility - we're not doing any heavy PhotoShop or video editing, but I found it easier to use older versions of VB (2010) for the programming side (less demanding on the machine but not legacy software yet). We don't run Informatics so I can't comment there.

For authentication, I found it easier to run smaller tasks during Unit 3 Outcome 1 - if some of your tasks are in a double period for example, everyone has the same time. My students have to send work in progress regularly during a SAC - this also acts as an extra backup in case their laptop gets stolen, wiped or other disaster (our students are meant to backup regularly, but we all know how often this actually happens). Most authentications for the SAT include handing up a copy of what they've done for checking and backup purposes. You might also set up a network drive or LMS for storage of SAC and SAT materials; whatever your network techs will allow (we have had disasters in the past where the kids have copied the contents of the share drive into a teacher's drop folder).

Hope this helps, happy to elaborate further.

Darren Scott


From: yr11it-bounces at edulists.com.au [mailto:yr11it-bounces at edulists.com.au] On Behalf Of Paul Pascoe
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2017 11:51 AM
To: Year 11 Information Technology Teachers' Mailing List <yr11it at edulists.com.au>
Subject: [Yr11 Information Technology] Any Schools out there with No 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 operating 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>



[cid:image001.png at 01D2CD76.436DCCB0]



Catholic College Bendigo

'Living Mercy'

[cid:image002.jpg at 01D2CD76.436DCCB0]


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