Draft Report on the

Technology Committee Meeting of

February 15, 1996

Bennett Kayser explained the District's desired configuration for Internet access. Although extremely economical, it would require two routers, which are about $1,172 each. While our GTE $2000 grant might be applied toward one of these (which is currently being determined), the cost of both was seen as a potential delay in becoming fully connected. Another issue is converting office computers to models able to handle TCP/IP, which would save the District money that could then be applied to Internet service expenses. This too seemed distant in a budgetary sense, unless we are fortunate enough to receive major funding/grant(s).

It was decided to go ahead and hook up the library as soon as possible with a simple PPP connection. This will prevent delays in wiring and equipment-modification from keeping us off the Net indefinitely. Meanwhile, we will "march in step" with the District's plan and attempt to raise money to pay for it.

The school presently has 7 Apple/Macintosh computers and 1 PC. All except for one are in the two northernmost buildings. With 20 classrooms, this is clearly inadequate and having an MPC (multimedia personal computer, including CD-ROM) in every room is a long-term goal. Short of that, Bennett Kayser made the helpful suggestion that a new computer could be wheeled around on a cart from classroom to classroom. For the time being, however, many of our computers may not be moved to different classrooms because they were donated with the stipulation that they remain in a specific room.

The NetDay 96 kits will contain about 2,000 feet of category 5 cable and patch-ports for the classrooms. They will not contain routers or hubs (hubs are approximately $150 each, but may be available for less). Ethernet cards are also required for our somewhat old computers at a cost of about $60 each. One sample illustration of a possible configuration is the following:

The hub-to-hub connections which pass externally between buildings will have to be encased within protective conduit. For the time being, it is expected that the southernmost classrooms will not be attempted (unless enough money shows up to tackle them). The price of category 5 cable is approximately $65 for a length of 1,000 feet (or 6.5 cents per foot).

The committee will reconvene on Tuesday night, February 20th, at 7:00, at which time we will attempt to determine whether 2,000 feet of cable will be adequate to wire the two northernmost buildings.

Concern was expressed that many parents don't realize all this NetDay 96 excitement may result in successful wiring WITHOUT connectivity. The decision to connect the library ASAP was in response to this. It also became clear to us that if we were unable to afford any routers, we could set up the classrooms in a local area network. This would enable teachers to use the library internet connection to download website information, which could thereafter be accessed locally.

The hope is that we will be able to raise enough money to configure a satisfying, working system before April. Parents will be encouraged to brainstorm on fundraising ideas.

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last updated February 15, 1996