Network Design Project EDTC 625 by Sheena Tolson

A computer laboratory is essential for students to conduct research, complete online

instructional activities, and create online presentation products. The design of the Meade
Heights Elementary Schools computer lab in Anne Arundel County, Maryland will house
technological resources for its 400 students. The computer lab will include 30 computer
workstations, along with other instructional hardware and software. The following is a
description of the computer lab layout and equipment that will work within the $45,000 budget.

Instructional Purpose

The computer lab will have 30 student computers and one computer workstation for the
teacher. The facility will serve instructional computing (instruction lead by teacher),
collaborative work, and open computer use purposes (for student assignments and projects)
(University of Colorado Boulder, p. 1). Therefore, the layout of the student workstations will be
Y-shaped (using crescent tables) to offer collaboration among students and to allow them to
easily view the teachers instructional tools. Terrill (2006) contends that effective computer lab
design should consider the teachers ability to teach without interference from the computers (p.
35). Moreover, this layout allows teachers to navigate easily around the computer lab in order to
monitor users and to go from student to student to address individual problems and concerns"
(Garger, p.1). The layout below illustrates 5 groups of workstations, with an area at the front of
the lab for teacher instruction.
Network Design Project EDTC 625 by Sheena Tolson

There will be two students per crescent shaped tables and the budget also includes one
end cap table (pictured below) that would be handicap accessible. The tables are designed to
have two work stations each and thus 3 tables will be configured together for a total of 6 students
per group. There will be 5 grouped stations in the lab to accommodate the 30 workstations.
Garger (2011) contends that the design must consider flexible options for future investments:
"Thought given to the layout of a computer lab dictates the usefulness of the lab and increases
user satisfaction which justifies its expense and assists in future investments in upgrades" (p.1).
The tables can also be configured in a more linear/serpentine design for future adaptations. The
design below shows how additional pieces can be added later for additional customization. For
example, the end cap tables can be also placed together to form a kidney shape workstation (not
pictured). The budget provided accounts for 35 student chairs that allow the student to sit
comfortably facing front, either side or rear. The extra 5 chairs are stackable for easy storage.
All furniture, both student and teacher, is mobile for reconfigurations.

This diagram is for illustration

purposes only. The actual
layout will have one end cap
and 3 crescent tables.

One of the instructional display devices that will be acquired is the SMART Kapp digital
capture board. The SMART Kapp has revolutionized the
traditional dry erase board. Teachers are able to write on
the board and capture, save, and share the images as (pdf
or jpeg files) via computers or mobile devices using the
SMART Kapp app. The device allows students to focus
on the material without having to take notes. In addition
teachers would no longer have to distribute hard copy
printouts of their presentation. It does not have to be wall
Network Design Project EDTC 625 by Sheena Tolson

mounted which allows the board to be conveniently placed in the lab.

The computer lab will also have a SMART LightRaise 60wi interactive projector. The
projector can be used on any wall surface and features multi-touch
(via fingers or pen) that allows for multiple users to interact with
the displayed features. This would further support collaborative
activities. I opted out of purchasing the interactive whiteboard
because the software is not compatible with the computers to be
acquired. However, SMART Notebook Web, is a web based
companion software that will allow for editing and sharing of the
presentations displayed using the projector and it is compatible
with the Google Chromebase computers that will be purchased in
this plan.

Desktop Computers and Peripherals

The computers to be acquired will be the LG Chromebase All-in-one computer that uses
Google Chrome operating system. There will be 30 student computers and one teacher
computer. The teacher computer will be setup as a management console that requires a license
to manage users and apps for all of the devices. It has a 21.5 screen and comes equipped with
keyboard, mouse, built in HD webcam, microphone, and two speakers. The computer comes
with 16GB storage and the Google Apps for Education Suite will be pre-installed. There is a 2
year offer for free 100GB of Google Drive cloud storage. Like the Chromebooks, the
Chromebase allows for integration with Google for Education utilities that will allow teachers to
integrate mobile and web based activities in their lesson planning. The slim all-in-one design
will allow for adequate workspace at the student workstations. The monitor can also be used as a
video source using an HDMI cable.
Network Design Project EDTC 625 by Sheena Tolson

The computer lab will have one commercial, multi-function printer. The HP LaserJet
MFP M525DN provides print, scan, and digital send features and is a cloud ready printer.
Google Chrome operating systems support HP ePrint, and therefore each computer workstation
can connect wirelessly to the printer without having to be networked. This is a heavy duty
printer that can handle multiple jobs that can also be managed from the printers touch screen.

Software

The Chromebase computers will come equipped with Google Apps for Education Suite
of productivity tools. Students will be able to create documents, spreadsheets, slide
presentations, and websites all within the same software package. Moreover, Google Chrome
operates using Google Drive, so students will be able to access their documents on any device
using their Google logins. There are also additional free Google tools that will be installed to
support instructional activities. For example, Google Hangouts is free videoconferencing
software that allows group conferencing for up to 10 users.
Network Design Project EDTC 625 by Sheena Tolson

Students will have a Google account login that will be used to access all tools including
educational apps on the Google Play store. The teacher web management console will manage
student access to the apps on the Play store.

Networking & IT Support

Each wireless access point supports 30 devices. The computer lab will be configured
using two access points. This allow for future investments and also connections with additional
mobile technology.

The student table group configurations will also share a I~0 Post Powered Network
Tower (see configuration below). The tower provides 16 grounded plugs to supply power to the
devices and house connections for network/phone connections. The tower can be routed from
either the floor or ceiling.
Network Design Project EDTC 625 by Sheena Tolson

Technology training will be provided by Anne Arundel Countys Office of Instructional

Technology (OIT). The county has already integrated Google Chromebooks in some schools
throughout the county, and the OIT specialists will provide training sessions to school faculty.
Teachers will then be able to self manage the web apps on the Chromebase directly or whitelist
and blacklist certain apps and extensions. In addition, the devices update automatically and will
revert back to a trusted version of the operation system if there is a security threat. The forever
fresh feature means there is no need for IT to update devices, as the consoles update instantly
and automatically operate on the newest version of Chrome.

Because Google Chrome is a web based operating system, there is less security concerns.
Most of the staffing needs will be required for initial setup and network configurations. Google
Chrome uses sandboxing in which if there is malware, only the tab is affected and not the entire
operating system on the device. The Google Cloud system alleviates such security concerns, that
there is limited staff needed to manage the system: As Chromebooks are cloud-based devices,
the security, device management, and even core content creation apps such as Google Docs are
run in the cloud which produces cost reduction on both managing and setting up the devices, as
well as some software licensing costs (Forrest, p. 1). The security is built in, as nothing is on
the device (apps and content are web based). In Crook County Schools in Oregon, the
integration of Google Chromebooks have eased IT strains and reduced networking costs, as IT
administrators use Googles web based management console to support all of the devices.
Moreover, the students in Crook County Middle School were able to setup Chromebooks in one
class period: In just one class period, students had unboxed the Chromebooks, set up their
wireless access, and were online learning about Lewis and Clark (Google Inc, p. 2).

Bandwidth and infrastructure considerations will need to be addressed by districts IT to

support a cloud system. The school will need to be prepared to handle increased bandwidths of
100mpbs and support future targets issued by the US Department of Education: The US
Department of Education recommends a minimum connectivity speed of 100 Mbps and a target
speed of 1 Gbps per 1000 students for schools by 2018 (US Department of Education, p. 17).
In order to support school technological infrastructure needs, the FCC has setup the E-Rate
funding program for schools and libraries to obtain affordable broadband.
Network Design Project EDTC 625 by Sheena Tolson

Equipment List

Description Type Qty Cost Total Notes

Acrobat Crescent Desk versatile configurations for
by Smith System furniture 15 $668.95 $10,034.25 individual or working in groups
Glide Series locking combine with teacher desk,
mobile cabinet furniture 1 $209.88 $209.88 uses built-in combination lock
Glide Series Single locking drawers, reversible
Pedestal Mobile pedestal (left or right),
Teacher Desk furniture 1 $329.88 $329.88 moveable on casters

ergonomically designed chair

OFM Antimicrobial made to handle round-the-clock
24-Hour Use Task use, made with anti-microbial
Chair furniture 1 $272.99 $272.99 upholstery

four-position, durable chair that

allows the student to sit
comfortably facing front, either
Smith System Flavors side or rear and is stackable
Stack Chair furniture 35 $52.99 $1,854.65 with other chairs

round table end cap that can be

Smith System added to crescent table
UL48RC Acrobat 3/4 configuration (handicap
Round End Cap furniture 5 $289.95 $1,449.75 accessible)
cloud ready multifunction
LaserJet printer (Print, Copy,
Scan, Digital Send) compatible
HP LaserJet MFP with Google Cloud Print using
M525dn hardware 1 $1,799.99 $1,799.99 HP ePrint
I~0 Post Powered network tower that provides
Network Tower by power source and connectivity
Smith System hardware 5 $1,753.95 $8,769.75 around table groups
monitor and CPU in one, 21.5"
LG Chromebase All- diagonal screen, HD webcam,
in-One 22CV241-W hardware 30 $319.00 $9,570.00 mouse & keyboard included
LG Chromebase All-
in-One 22CV241-W includes management console
instructor hardware 1 $348.99 $348.99 license for instructor
preorder promotional price for
Smart Kapp digital 84", MSRP for 42" is regularly
capture board hardware 1 $999.00 $999.00 $899
Smart LightRaise 60wi
interactive projector interactive projector used on
60wi hardware 1 $1,999.00 $1,999.00 any wall surface
Network Design Project EDTC 625 by Sheena Tolson

estimate including installation

Access Switch Ports network 6 $73.00 $438.00 based on CoSN E-rate survey
estimate including installation
Wired Drops network 6 $215.00 $1,290.00 based on CoSN E-rate survey
estimate including installation
based on CoSN E-rate survey
Wireless Access Point network 2 $520.00 $1,040.00 (30 devices per access point)

free for schools includes 24/7

support, includes productivity
Google Apps for suite (Classroom, Gmail, Docs,
Education software 31 $0.00 $0.00 Sheets, Slides, Sites)
compatible with HP ePrint for
Google Cloud Print software 1 $0.00 $0.00 wireless printing
100GB free for 2 years,
normally 15 GB free per
account or monthly service
charge ex: 100 GB =
Google Drive software 31 $0.00 $0.00 $1.99/month
videoconferencing for up to 10
Google Hangouts software 0 $0.00 users per conversation
unites student devices; uses
Google IDs same as Google
Smart Amp software 31 $0.00 $0.00 Apps for Education
Smart Kapp app software 31 $0.00 $0.00 Google Play or ITunes
web based companion software
for Smart Board that
Smart Notebook Web software 31 $0.00 $0.00 compatible with Chromebooks
$40,644.01

References

CoSN (2014). Analysis of Costs to Upgrade and Maintain Robust Local Area Networks for all
K-12 Public Schools. Retrieved from
http://apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/view?id=7521153181

Forrest, C. (2014). Private schools Chromebook program explains why Googles laptops have
captured nearly 20% of the educational market. Retrieved from
http://www.techrepublic.com/article/private-schools-chromebook-program-explains-why-
googles-laptops-have-captured-nearly-20-of-the-educational-market/
Network Design Project EDTC 625 by Sheena Tolson

Garger, J. (2011). The Four Best Computer Laboratory Layouts. Retrieved from
http://www.brighthub.com/computing/hardware/articles/52714.aspx

Google, Inc (2012). Google Chrome: World of opportunity. Retrieved from

http://static.googleusercontent.com/media/www.google.com/en/us/intl/en/chrome/assets/c
ommon/files/crookcounty.pdf

Terrill, T. (2006). Technology on a shoestring. New York, NY: Teachers College Press

US Department of Education (2014). Future ready schools: Building technology infrastructure

for learning. Retrieved from http://tech.ed.gov/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Future-
Ready-Schools-Building-Technology-Infrastructure-for-Learning-.pdf