As part of its new technology plan's objective to put every classroom and
every student online, the 9,800-student district is looking for cost-saving
ways to acquire 800-1,000 computers. One method under consideration is to
train students to build the machines. In addition to cost-savings,
advantages could include practical education and paid job experience for
students. If successful, the program could even be turned into a business
that would sell machines to other organizations, including school districts.
The concept calls for rolling saved money back into more technology for the
district.
Recognized difficulties include the expenses of maintaining parts
inventories and paying staff to train students and manage the program.
Also, some people say that the mark-up on assembly of computers can be as
low as $20-$50, which could preclude savings.
Alexandria district personnel would appreciate advice from those in the know
on this topic. Thanks for any insights you can share.
Posted for Mat Pasquale, Acting Asst. Sup. for Curriculum & Instruction,
Alexandria City P.S.
by Anne Ward, NSBA/ITTE, who will pass along
all responses.
award@nsba.org