The required readings in this module hit very close to home for me. HARDWARE, HARDWARE, HARDWARE. Hardware and the planning for long range use are influences that each school system has to look at meticulously. Factors include the durability of the hardware, the acquiring of new applications, and lastly the cost. My experience working in a title one school where technology resources are limited forced me to look outside my school system for resources and possible grants for my school/classroom to obtain valuable hardware and software.
I was hired by my school system in 2008. During this time, I had the pleasure coming in with a set of 3 new desktop computers and a new printer available, all of which are Heward Packard products. Right now I have only one working computer and my printer quit correctly functioning a few years ago. These products are now 8 years old. These products are well over the projected life cycle. Purchasing from one manufacture was prevalent in my school system's technology overhaul. However, that was one effective factor for identifying what hardware to be purchased. “Standardizing hardware manufactured by one or two vendors rather than many vendors” decreased multiple companies coming out to repair malfunctioning products (Picciano, 204)
Other factors reviewed in the modules readings were the hardware evaluations criteria.
Other factors reviewed in the modules readings were the hardware evaluations criteria.
Performance
Compatibility
Modularity/expandability
Ergonomics
Software availability
Vendor
Cost
Picciano, A. G., & Picciano, A. G. (1998). Educational leadership and planning for technology. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Merrill.
Technology for Access and Equity in Education. (2009). Issues in Education and Technology, 26-76.
Piccanno really hit home when he talked about the criteria for evaluating hardware. I remember as a teacher thinking why a certain decision was made and not having a much more global frame of mind. I think one piece he left off when looking at hardware was leasing options. that is something our system as chosen to look further into and I believe it could be more cost effective than purchasing equipment, that after 5 years, will be out out of date. Thank you for sharing!
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