Going High Tech on a Low Tech Budget
Going High Tech on a Low Tech Budget Georgia Adult Education's fall Conference 2012 Barry Burkett, Assistant Director, Thorn Hill Education Center Frankfort, Kentucky
Adding more RAM or other hardware • Don't worry, it's easy. • But, you can break stuff - do not shock your computer. • Ground yourself by touching the computer’s metal frame; do not touch motherboard. • Work with purpose.
What is RAM? • Random Access Memory • Helps memory operate quickly on computer. • Allows your computer to act quickly. • Turning off computer will reset RAM.
Barriers to technology Student Instructor • Lack of familiarity • Might break • Not comfortable being the knowledge base • Never used one • "Important for the younger kids, but not me" • Paper and pencil work "just fine" • Gimmicky
What tech was • Most computers dedicated to staff use or in "computer lab" • Computer lab held 8 computers, and was multi-use • Multi-use class occupied daily from 8 a. m. to 1 p. m. with programs focusing on at risk youth • Computers connected at walls
Positioning of lab • Computers against wall • Main focal point, traditional black board, behind students • Instructor behind students • No way to show students instructor's screen • Used a lot of handouts
Problem Two pronged A. Students don't have ready access to the Internet and/or technology. B. Teachers don't use technology with class, and therefore don't model proper use.
Solution Make traditional computers mobile and create a wireless network allowing: • Students to use own technology on network, • Projectors in classrooms for instructor use, • And computers able to be easily deployed.
The dream 15 Computers, 6 Projectors, 2 WAPs Plus laptops, networkable printing, etc
New problem $ Solution: • Invest in older computers by increasing their RAM, adding Wi-Fi modules, make desktop computers mobile. • Add projectors with dedicated, upgraded computers to classrooms.
What we have 15 Computers, 6 Projectors, 2 WAPs Plus laptops, printing, etc
In and out of the class?
Can tech be a companion?
Does it work? Works great for us! • Primarily used to share documents with Dropbox, • collaborate on writing with Google Docs, • to stream KET's GED Connection and Workplace Essential Skills videos on demand, • and to access the PBS Teachers Domain portal.
Student access to technology
A replicable product 1 Make traditional desktops mobile 1. Increase RAM, 2. Make computer wireless by adding modules, 3. Make desktop mobile by placing on carts (build or purchase).
A replicable product 2 Make learning environment wireless. • Add wireless router to your modem/server, • Routers usually provide access to 30 devices at once, • Router usually broadcasts up to 1, 000 feet, depending on a building's construction.
A replicable product 3 Give yourself 21 st Century Classrooms • Mount whiteboards to walls, • Mount projectors for your needs: think of your lighting conditions, "throw, " audio, etc. , • Dedicate computer for projector.
Is tech for literacy skills only?
Where to spend money?
Does technology benefit student interest?
Where did we spend?
Where are we going?
Where are we going?
Where are we going? Collaboration.
Barry Burkett • barry. burkett@thornhilled. com • office 502. 875. 1481 x 106 • mobile 502. 330. 8696 • Thorn Hill Education Center, Frankfort, Kentucky • Twitter: @barrylburkett • Facebook: Barry Burkett
• barry. burkett@thornhilled. com • office 502. 875. 1481 x 106 • mobile 502. 330. 8696 • Twitter: @barrylburkett • Facebook: Barry Burkett
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