Frederick County Public Schools

2013-2014
WES Media Center Budget
A Technology Proposal
Dylane Fink

WES Media Center: A Technology Proposal
Walkersville Elementary School Library
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http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/intel-learning-series/learning-series-
classmate-pc-convertible-prod-brief.html
http://corporate.britannica.com/library/online/bolse.pdf
Table of Contents
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................ 2
Walkersville Elementary School ................................................................................................................. 2
Computer .................................................................................................................................................................. 2
Classmate Convertible PC .............................................................................................................................. 2
Equipment ............................................................................................................................................................... 3
Laptop Storage Cart ......................................................................................................................................... 3
Peripherals .............................................................................................................................................................. 3
Logitech USB HeadsetH390 .......................................................................................................................... 3
Logitech Mouse M100 ..................................................................................................................................... 4
HP Deskjet 3050 Al-in-One Printer ............................................................................................................ 4
Samsung ML-3312ND Laser Printer ......................................................................................................... 4
Software .................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Encyclopedia Britannica School Edition .................................................................................................. 5
TrueFlix ................................................................................................................................................................ 5
Discovering Education Streaming .............................................................................................................. 5
PebbleGo .............................................................................................................................................................. 5
BrainPop............................................................................................................................................................... 5
Audacity ................................................................................................................................................................ 6
Google Earth ....................................................................................................................................................... 6
Picasa ..................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Miscellaneous ......................................................................................................................................................... 6
Promethean ActivSlate 60 ............................................................................................................................. 6
Amazon Kindle ................................................................................................................................................... 6
Reductions ............................................................................................................................................................... 7
Budget Comparison Chart ............................................................................................................................. 7
50% Budget Reduction ................................................................................................................................... 7
75% Budget Reduction ................................................................................................................................... 8

WES Media Center: A Technology Proposal
Walkersville Elementary School Library
Page | 2
http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/intel-learning-series/learning-series-
classmate-pc-convertible-prod-brief.html
http://corporate.britannica.com/library/online/bolse.pdf
Introduction
Walkersville Elementary School
Walkersville Elementary is located in a growing community in rural Western Maryland.
The majority of the school building has recently received a number of updates, renovations
and upgrades. Left out of the upgrades however was the schools library or media center.
Currently housing a collection of about 13,000 items, and staffed by a librarian and
assistant, the library is in need of a technological update to provide the best service to
students and teachers. A total of ten computers are housed in the library for student use,
insufficient numbers for a class working on individual research projects or assignments.
Currently students must pair or triple up in order to have a turn using the computers.
Computers are large, bulky and take up a considerable amount of library space.
It is for this reason that the media center seeks a budget of $20,000 for major technological
updates that can be utilized not only in the media center but also throughout the school. In
addition to computers the media center will be purchasing a number of peripherals, new
software (accessible in school and remotely) and miscellaneous technology items to
enhance media programs.
Computer
Classmate Convertible PC
This rugged new laptop is geared towards the constant use and abuse from students;
water-resistant and anti-microbial keyboard, drop resistant from 70cm, a hard clamshell
case and retractable handle ensure the longevity of this product. Manufactured by Intel as
part of their Learning Series the Classmate Convertible PC can transform into a touch-
screen tablet and includes a stylus for drawing and handwriting recognition software.
The 10.1 inch screen laptop boosts a 250GB hard drive with an SD slot for additional
memory if desired. The Windows 7 (or Linux) platform runs on an Intel Atom processor
and can be connected to the internet wirelessly or via Ethernet cable. Three USB2.0 slots
allow users to attach peripherals as needed.
While the computer is technically impressive it also has several preinstalled software
packages including the exclusive Intel Learning Series software suite. With this software
teachers, administrators and librarians can create collaborative projects, instantly quiz
students, monitor computer use remotely and set limits/filter internet access. New
WES Media Center: A Technology Proposal
Walkersville Elementary School Library
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classmate-pc-convertible-prod-brief.html
http://corporate.britannica.com/library/online/bolse.pdf
programs and software updates can be pushed to multiple computers at a time. Anti-virus
and theft deterrent software is also preloaded on the computer.
Additional features include:
Webcam (rotates 180)
Built-in microphone & speakers
Averages 8 hour battery life (10hr max)
Dual audio jacks for 2 sets of headphones
Equipment
Laptop Storage Cart
Delivered assembled and ready to use this laptop storage cart allows for easy transport
around the school building. The cart has a twenty-four unit capacity and includes power
strips for charging. Peripherals can be locked to the top of the cart which is covered with a
non-skid surface for protection of additional equipment. A modem and network cables can
be attached to the cart allowing laptops to constantly be connected to the internet receiving
updates while stored or in use. The steel cart is designed to allow air flow to reduce
overheating of materials and features two locking wheels and two turning wheels.
The ability to store and move the laptops as well as having printers and scanners wirelessly
available will allow for use throughout the school building.
Peripherals
Logitech USB HeadsetH390
Comfortable, high quality, headphones with an attached microphone can be used for
recording audio, narrating stories or creating videos. The USB plug and play feature makes
these headphones no hassle and easy for even the youngest students to use, the eight foot
cable helps prevent hang-ups and snags. The noise canceling feature of the microphone
helps limit background noise while clearly picking up the students voice. This headphone
also features mute and volume capabilities on the cord, the microphone rotates up and
down so it can be pushed out of the way when only using the headset. Headsets work on
Windows and Mac platforms.
WES Media Center: A Technology Proposal
Walkersville Elementary School Library
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http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/intel-learning-series/learning-series-
classmate-pc-convertible-prod-brief.html
http://corporate.britannica.com/library/online/bolse.pdf
Logitech Mouse M100
This optical tracking mouse can be used by both right handed and left handed students and
features a central ball of easy scrolling. The USB cable allows the mouse to be plugged into
any computer or laptop and requires no software, the mouse can be used on all computer
platforms.
HP Deskjet 3050 Al-in-One Printer
To accompany the laptop cart is a color printer, copier and scanner that students can access
wirelessly. This printer will not be utilized for everyday black and white printing but rather
for projects and pictures. This all-in-one accepts a wide variety of paper sizes and features
an Energy Star label. Set-up is simple and replacement ink cartridges are inexpensive and
easily found.
An second printer will be stationary in the library for students using library computers, this
printer will be attached to the network so it can be accessed from anywhere in the school.
Samsung ML-3312ND Laser Printer
For everyday black and white printing, both in the library and attached to the cart, is the
Samsung ML-3312ND Laser Printer. Cartridges last for 5,000 pages and anti-jamming
technology ensure the printer works efficiently. Printing is quick and quiet with a large
capacity paper tray. Easy sharing allows users to access the printer without installing
drivers on all devices. This is a basic monochrome printer for everyday use by students and
teachers.
Like with the HP Deskjet one printer will be kept on the cart while the other remains in the
library for use by anyone on the school network.
Software

Contract Terms
Audacity Unlimited
BrainPop 1 year
Discovering Streaming 1 year
Encyclopedia Britanica 1 year
Google Earth Unlimited
PebbleGo 1 year
Picasa Unlimited
TrueFlix 1 year
Table 1: Contract terms for software purchases
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Walkersville Elementary School Library
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classmate-pc-convertible-prod-brief.html
http://corporate.britannica.com/library/online/bolse.pdf
Encyclopedia Britannica School Edition
An electronic version of the famous Encyclopedia Britannica reference books geared
towards students K-12
th
grade. With an elementary specific homepage this extensive
reference collection features reading level indicators, thousands of images, animations,
audio and video clips, and includes printable and interactive activities.
Also included in the purchase is access to Encyclopedia Britannicas online dictionary and
thesaurus. Applicable to students across all grades and subjects this is a guaranteed to be a
frequently used source for students and teachers. A must have for any budding researcher.
TrueFlix
Exciting, fun, interactive and information. TrueFlix, a product of Scholastic, covers topics of
science and social studies including; Native Americans, US History, Natural Science, Earth
Sciences and more. Each topic is broken down into several units with videos and
accompanying flipbooks. Games, suggested resources, project ideas and more make this a
source students will be eager to use.
TrueFlix can be accessed at home with log in and passwords created by the school.
TrueFlix allows meets Common Core curriculum requirements and includes materials for
teachers and educators. Training is provided monthly, free to subscribers, via webinar.
Discovering Education Streaming
An excellent replacement for old and outdated VHS tapes with more than 9,000 videos and
70,000 clips. Discovery Streaming allows teachers to access a database of videos including
several Discovery Channel favorites (Planet Earth, LIFE) and create and share playlists.
Videos can be streamed or downloaded to play in a preferred multimedia program.
PebbleGo
Specifically designed with the younger students in mind this database features four
platforms; biographies, animals, social studies and science. Each platform contains topics
organized hierarchically that are easy to navigate with read aloud features. Articles can
also be read aloud and include pictures, sound clips and videos. Demonstrate what you
know games make this resource fun and informational. A perfect introduction to navigating
databases and utilizing the internet for students as young as kindergarten.
BrainPop
Activities, homework help, games, and more on one safe and student friendly site.
Subscriptions to BrainPop include several versions, each geared towards students in
different age groups. BrainPop also offers a version for ESL students. BrainPop
WES Media Center: A Technology Proposal
Walkersville Elementary School Library
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classmate-pc-convertible-prod-brief.html
http://corporate.britannica.com/library/online/bolse.pdf
subscriptions include access to teacher resources, assessment makers and tools for using
the site on different devices. Information covers a board range of topics.
Audacity
This free, open source, software allows users to record and edit audio. Used on all
operating systems a multitude of files can be opened and edited.
Google Earth
What can be more fun than taking 3D tours of all of the Earths major cities from the school
library? Google Earth is a free download from Google and is reminiscent of the maps
feature many students may already be familiar with.
Picasa
Another free product of Google, Picasa is an easy to use tool for saving, sharing and editing
images and pictures. Basic editing features include cropping, red eye, brightness, contrast,
etc. Great tool for students to experiment with at no cost.
Miscellaneous
Promethean ActivSlate 60
Accompanied by ActivInspire software the Promethean ActivSlate makes learning
interactive. The ActivSlate turns any computer screen or projection into smart board
technology. Highlight, draw on, and interact with any information displayed. The ActivSlate
can be connected both physically and wirelessly allowing students to participate in the
action. ActiveInspire software allows users to create flipcharts and access hundreds of
flipcharts and resources made by other users. An excellent alternative for classes that do
not have a smart board, interactive white board or Promethean Board.
Amazon Kindle
This basic e-reader is an excellent way to introduce reading groups and book clubs to
hesitant readers. The ability to load hundreds of books on each device make it a must have
for teachers and librarians holding multiple clubs or sessions at a time. Text can be made
larger and contrast increased for young readers or students with vision troubles.
Purchase plan also includes several outlet adapters for charging the devices as well as two
ear warranty for accidents and mechanical errors. Devices are replaced under the
warranty.
WES Media Center: A Technology Proposal
Walkersville Elementary School Library
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http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/intel-learning-series/learning-series-
classmate-pc-convertible-prod-brief.html
http://corporate.britannica.com/library/online/bolse.pdf
Reductions
Budget Comparison Chart

Figure 1: Category Expenditures
50% Budget Reduction
While a reduction of 50% would dramatically decrease the proposed budget it would be
necessary to make some changes to try to ensure students still receive quality items. The
largest different would be computers purchased for student use.
Rather than the rugged, student inspired, Intel Classmate PC the proposed computer would
be the new Acer C7 Chromebook. The sleek new laptop includes wireless internet
capabilities and a 320 GB hard drive. With the lower cost comes a shorter battery life, the
Google Chrome operating system (which would be foreign to nearly all users) and a less
durable design. While it would be compatible with all programs it would not provide
student users with experience on the Windows operating system.
Additional cuts with the smaller budget include purchasing a lower quality headset at half
the quantity and half the quantity of mice. Also reduced are the number of printers
purchased; rather than one of each being in the library and one of each staying with the
cart printers will be purchased for the cart only. The BrainPop software program will also
be cut in a 50% budget reduction scenario. Only three Kindles will be purchased limiting
the number of students that can participate in reading groups and book clubs.
$0.00
$2,000.00
$4,000.00
$6,000.00
$8,000.00
$10,000.00
$12,000.00
Computer Equipment Peripherals Software Miscellaneous
Comparative Breakdown of Budgets
Total Spent Per Category
Unlimited Budget 50% Budget 25% Budget
WES Media Center: A Technology Proposal
Walkersville Elementary School Library
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http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/intel-learning-series/learning-series-
classmate-pc-convertible-prod-brief.html
http://corporate.britannica.com/library/online/bolse.pdf
75% Budget Reduction
A reduction of 75% would be detrimental for the technology upgrades in the library. The
number of computers purchased would be slashed by nearly half with only fourteen
computers being available for students use. The mobile cart would no longer be purchased
limiting the mobility of the laptops. Lower quality headsets and mice would be bought for
each of the laptops and a one of each printer will be purchased for use in the library.
Encyclopedia Britannica, TrueFlix and PebbleGo will be the only purchased software and
two Kindles, and one power adapter, will be available for use. The Kindles however will not
include warranties.