Introduction

You have been hired by the school district as a computer consultant.  Your mission is to present the School Board with options/recommendations for choosing a workable computer network.
 

You are to design a basic computer network throughout the High School.  The school anticipates 2 computers in each classroom, and 1 computer for each administrative staff member.  The school will have 24 computers in each of 3 labs and 30 in a fourth lab.  With today's economy and the promises from School Board members to lead our school toward the "Information Age" and keep taxes at a minimum, it is important to lease or purchase high quality equipment at a reasonable cost.  Your presentation will include comparative cost graphs from Excel, mapping of the Local Area Network displayed in whatever medium you choose, and responsibilities and recommendations in the form of a PowerPoint presentation.
 

In groups, you will take on the roles of the following interested parties:

• Student   Wants access to all that is current. Believes that high school should prepare them for the "Information Age." Technological access is a paramount concern.
• Administrator   Desires networking the district to provide a cutting edge learning environment for teachers, students, and community. Budgets and costs are of paramount concerns.
• Parent   Desires that children be prepared for college or a vocation after high school. Wants top education for child without paying tremendously high taxes. Also wants safe Internet access. District support, protecting one’s child and taxes are paramount concerns.
• Technology Coordinator   Assists in identifying the needs of the district. Recommends purchases. Assists in installing, implementing and maintaining network. Keeping up with the cutting edge of  technology is a paramount concern.

1. Determine what equipment will be needed to successfully connect the entire school.

2. Determine how "connectivity" will enhance learning.

3. Determine the total cost to purchase or lease the entire system.

4. Determine concerns, fears, and responsibilities with networking the district.
 

Finally, after having participated in these roles, you will:

I.    Use Microsoft Excel and graphs to compare costs from at least three different vendors and
reasons to accept specific bids.

II.    Present your diagram of the mapping of the Local Area Network throughout the building using any medium that best enhances the presentation.

III.    Present the responsibilities of students, administrators, parents, and the Technology Coordinator within the district along with your recommendations with a PowerPoint presentation.

What is a network?

The Network Book

How do I get started?

Area 1 Learning Technology Hub

Servers and other network products

Amazing Computer Trend

Networking products

C|Net.com Networking Buying Guide

C|Net.com

Windy City Networks

Networking Virtual Library

Vendors

Gateway Computers

Dell Computers

Compaq Computers

Network Consultants

Alpine Networks

Telemedia, Networks, and Systems Group
 

Grading Rubric

Discuss your LAN model. After sharing LAN ideas, are there changes you would make to your
LAN model? How can it be improved? How can your school's networking be improved?

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