From the comments on the previous posting it is clear that deciding on the correct broadband option is not a decision that can be made without taking a few important factors into account. In general most schools however are not in the position to make these decisions on their own due to a lack of understanding and knowledge on the topic. It is clear that schools need guidance in this regard. Since Internet connectivity forms an integral part of the Khanya project it must be the duty of the Khanya staff members to give the necessary guidance and to ensure that the schools are in a position to make an informed decision.
In the case of new roll-outs the person that should take responsibility should be the implementation project manager since internet connectivity is one of the deliverables on the implementation project plan. At existing Khanya partner schools the responsibility should be that of the EMDC coordinator who in turn could task the facilitators assigned to the school to fulfill that roll. The question however is whether we as IPMs, coordinators and curriculum facilitators have enough knowledge of the topic to be able to help schools to make such an important decision.
We first need to ensure that Khanya staff members have a thorough understanding of the various connectivity options available. This will allow them to give the necessary guidance and support to schools when it comes to deciding on a broadband option that will suit the school’s needs. In view of this it is suggested that a full day session is arranged for all Khanya staff members where the issue of connectivity will be work- shopped in detail. How do you feel about such a session? Do you think there is a definite need for such a session? Do you have any other ideas on how this issue should be tackled?
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Do you understand broadband?
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7 comments:
Thanks for your posting and have a good week
Khanya gives all the necessary support and advice to their schools that relates to using technology. This even includes how the tables for the PCs should look. Surely then it goes without saying that something so central to this theme as Internet access should be explained by them too.
Whoever in the project is given this responsibility needs to be properly informed though. What if ADSL is not an option and the Khanya staff member suggests 3G which does not have a hard-capping? He may not know that if the school reaches their cap it doesn't cut off, but they get billed R2/Mb automatically after that. The school will be very angry at their R2000 bill after being promised a reduced monthly cost.
I do think that a proper information session should be arranged. When IPM's visit schools they normally would discuss these issues with the principal who may not know what is best for the school.Decisions are based on current needs and not future needs.You also find that there are "preferred service providers" when it comes to ISP.
A session would be the ideal but whether we can devote an entire day would be another topic for another discussion.
While i fully agree with Malcolm that Khanya does give the "necessary support and advice" in relation to the use of technology,my limited experience in the Project has shown me that some aspects have to be force-fed or reinforced to individuals in order for their impact to be fully appreciated.One example is the LAN
training where LAN administrators are given guidance,manuals and most tools they need to run the Lab,but believe you me,most support calls one gets are related to issues FULLY explained in the manuals that every single attendant receives.
So yes,while it may sound like an overkill,we may need to rehash and regurgitate on the same issues for them to have an impact on our clients.
I love flow charts. They graphically offer guidance. Would such a chart be of value to schools?
A session on the different options available is necessary so that appropriate choices can be given to the school. Questions on broadband comes up a lot these days. Like cell phones and cell phone contracts, there a myriads of choices. Picking the one that suits your needs can be a struggle. Despite good advice the choice still resides with the school who should study all the options carefully.
Other things to consider besides the technical specs and sales packages available would be after-sales service and support. In many cases companies are lemons where the latter two issues are concerned.
It would be most irresponsible of us if we are not fully informed about this important issue, before we endeavour to inform the educators. A training session of this nature is essential and should be compulsory for all Khanya staff.
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