HSDB Technology (07-2009)

JULY 2009 - HSDB TECHNOLOGY UPDATE

OUR CURRENT SITUATION:
In Fall 2007, HCDB was able to take advantage of a legislature financial surplus and refit much of our classroom technology. This was and continues to be a tremendous benefit for our students and their learning. Unfortunately, because our equipment was all acquired at the same time, theoretically it should all “die” or become obsolete at the same time. Now that our state is facing a severe economical situation, it is prudent that we make our equipment last as long as possible. Life expectancy of computers is generally about 5 years. Given such, we can expect our newer computers to hit their “peak” by 2012 – this means we’re almost half way there.

DESKTOP COMPUTERS:
During the past school year we saw a tremendous surge in the use of webcams with students filming themselves signing – either as a way to project their thoughts in sign language and translate them into written English or as a part of a multi-media presentation they were creating. This year, we expect to see even more webcam/video capture – especially in the Language Arts areas. For this year, we have rearranged our classroom computers so our 3 Upper School Language Arts classrooms now have 3 desktops (with webcams), while reducing 4 other classrooms with a single desktop. Because video files take a lot of memory, we are in the process of purchasing external hard drives for many of our classrooms. The idea is – the more we free up the computer’s own hard drive, the happier and longer it will last. External hard drives are much cheaper to replace than computers and still have a good life span of 3 to 5 years.

LAPTOPS:
We have just about 25 newer laptops (equipped with webcams) in our two Mobile Lab carts – enough to equip 3 classes of 8 students each. We want them used – by our students. Laptops can be borrowed individually in the mornings for students and classes. They MUST be returned before lunch so they can recharged for afternoon classes. Special afternoon Technology classes can borrow laptops or entire carts. Laptops/carts can be reserved on a calendar and must be checked-out/checked-in their logs by a Teacher or EA (NOT students). Laptops are not to be borrowed overnight.

FILE SAVING:
• When possible, computer files should be saved on flash drives, external hard drives, etc. Exceptions could include photo and movie files. If an external hard drive is available for use, even these files should be saved “off the computer.”
• Each computer has folder labeled “Documents” (on its Desktop). Please deposit all files in it (with the exception of photos, movies and multi-media projects that have their own unique place). This keeps the Desktop uncluttered and helps the computer run faster.
• Purging files: Files on computers should be purged regularly (weekly, monthly or quarterly). At the end of the school year, ALL files must be purged. Purging is the responsibility of the EAs and Teachers.
• When working on large movie and multi-media files, move files TEMPORARILY to the computer being used. When finished, return it to the external hard drive (and remove it from the computer).
• To find files much easier, setup folders for each class (beginning with “SY 09-10” in its name). Then title files beginning with a date (ex, “2009 08-25 ) and finish it with the student’s initials (ex, “2009 08-25 KG-draft 1.doc”). If followed, files will “fall in order” when viewed as a list and will be very easy to find.
• On the HCDB Server – text files are fine, but no movie or large files.
• Flash Drives:
- Elementary: Rm. 104 students will be loaned HSDB Flash Drives.
- Middle School: all MS students will be loaned HSDB Flash Drives.
- High School: students are required to have their own Flash Drives
(we do sell them – 2 GB for $10).
- Staff: HSDB will no longer can provide Flash Drives for staff,
but it is a very good idea to have one (and to replace every 1 to 2 years).

PRINTERS/PRINTING:
In 2007, we did not refit our classrooms with new printers. As a result we are starting to see our 5 to 6 year old printers failing. We do not have money for the purchase of new printers (and their toner), therefore we placed classroom printers where we felt they were most needed. Fortunately all of our computers are setup to print to the copier machine in the staff workroom. Also fortunately, this is where it is cheapest to print. An additional way to save on printing - it is suggested that to have students create “eDrafts” – save their rough drafts in electronic form and ONLY print their final drafts.

MULTI-MEDIA EQUIPMENT:
This year multi-media equipment (digital cameras, video camcorders, tripods, etc.) will be loaned out on a by-need basis (generally by the day or week). By doing this, there will be greater access to more equipment for students (especially Photography, Media classes and such). Hopefully, this will also mean less loss of cords, videotapes, and batteries too).

COMPUTER LAB:
There are ten newer desktop computers in the main Computer Lab. The calendar for reserving the Lab is on the mauka (mountain side) door. Please write in the period(s)/time for use, teacher’s last name and how many computer will use. An upcoming change will be the addition of a cross-wire to accommodate the hanging of “light curtains” to be used as backdrops when students are shooting video clips with the computer’s webcams.

MEDIA STUDIO:
We are still in the process of acquiring special equipment to create a Media Studio. The majority of this equipment was provided to us by a special grant that included collaboration between HCDB, KCC and UH. Training for this studio (for both, students and staff) took place during this past summer. I will oversee studio’s use and scheduling. We are planning to use this studio to create a regular HSDB News Show and other special media products.

HSDB WEB PAGE:
The HSDB Homepage is becoming one of the main areas to broadcast news, events and information about HSDB. All classroom computer web browsers are configured to open with the HSDB Homepage. There is still a great deal updating and redesign needed for our website. This will take place over the course of the year – stay tuned! Our website can be accessed at either www.hcdb.k12.hi.us or www.hsdb.k12.hi.us.

TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST:
Finally (but NOT least), this year we bid farewell to Steve Hanai and the rest of the Diagnostic Team as they move to new quarters on18th Ave. (close by, but still too far). It was Steve who helped co-author our school’s original technology and network plan and continued to be the “brains” behind such all these years (even though his actual “job” was the Diagnostic Team’s Social Worker … or was it Special Olympics Coach?). He will be sorely missed. I plan and hope to be able to meet regularly with him to continue to learn all that’s needed to be able to further service our technology and network needs.

Mahalo, Tom Graham – HSDB Technology Specialist

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