[LINK] Cost shock puts school PCs at risk - was Computers for schools more than hardware [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]

[Marghanita da Cruz]

Howard Lowndes wrote:
> 
> Evan.ARTHUR at deewr.gov.au wrote:
>> Howard asked: <<Does anyone know if the federal model was based on a
>> laptop (with Vista) per kid basis or a thin client basis using, say,
>> Edubuntu

Having just returned from my Aegean Odyssey with a $500 EeePC (complete with
Xandros distribution of Linux, Skype, Firefox, Thunderbird, Open Office, built
in WiFi, Ethernet, Camera and Microphone), $1000/computer seems generous.  What
is particularly attractive is the size and weight.

I did get some envious looks from passing kids and
curious looks from those in the gaming cafe. Not sure Soiltare, Frozen Bubble, 
Crack Attack, Penguin Racer, Sudoku, Potato Guy or LTris would meet their 
exacting standards.

Notes here:
<http://www.ramin.com.au/linux/eeepc-aegean.shtml>

m

>>
>> As it happens I do have some knowledge of the Commonwealth approach :-)
>>
>> The Commonwealth is not making decisions on the model of deployment.  We
>> provide $1,000 per unit to an education authority (State Government or
>> Block Grant Authority in the Catholic/Independent sectors).  The total
>> funds received by any one authority depends on the number of students in
>> years 9 to 12 and the numbers of computers four years old or less on the
>> date of an audit carried out earlier this year.  In Round 1, all schools
>> with computer to student ratios of 1 to 8 or worse were able to apply
>> for funds to bring those schools to a 1 to 2 ratio, based on a $1,000
>> per unit costing.  It is up to whoever makes the buy decision in the
>> relevant education sector (normally Government departments in the
>> Government sector and the individual school in the Catholic/Independent
>> sector) to determine what access device they purchase and what operating
>> system.
> 
> <sarcasm>
> "We've got money.  Let's go shopping at Hardly Normals"
> </sarcasm>
> 
>>
>>
>> Evan Arthur
>> Group Manager
>> Schools Teaching, Students and Digital Education Revolution Group
>> Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations
>> *: GPO Box 9880 Canberra ACT 2601
>> ' 02 6240 5187 ': 0412 329 169
>> * evan.arthur at deewr.gov.au 
>>  
>>
>> Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
>>
>>
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>>
> 


-- 
Marghanita da Cruz
http://www.ramin.com.au
Phone: (+61)0414 869202