[Offtopic] Re: NSW EdDpt, Interactive Classrooms

[stephen at melbpc.org.au]

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