Last week Lifespan attended the 2015 TCEA Annual Convention & Exposition to talk with school system IT managers about making ITAD simpler and still making sure it’s done right. The goal of the TCEA is to demonstrate to teachers and administrators the types of tools, techniques, and resources that are available to them that will help further advance their teaching curriculum and interaction with students through the use of technology.
Of course, computers – PCs, laptops, and tablets, can be used to help teach the curriculum in schools, and to help students gain general computer and software skills that they will need when they graduate. Computers are especially important in creating interest in and teaching Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). They also increase confidence, independence and higher-level thinking skills, which are key in a student’s development.
As an IT manager or executive, you might assume that K-12 students now have access to computers every day, and that there are teachers who can teach them the necessary skills to prepare them for the workforce. Unfortunately, there are still barriers to making this a reality. Many schools do not have the funding to purchase and support a computer for every student. They also don’t have either the funding or the teachers to support a curriculum that gives students the kind of technology skills they really need. The average student to computer ratio is 3:1. At TCEA there was a lot of talk about 1:1 initiatives – how to get one computer for every student.
Refurbished equipment plays an important role in getting affordable PCs, laptops and tablets to every school and every student. Schools find refurbished equipment particularly appealing because they can acquire two, and sometimes three computers for the same cost of a single new computer. If the equipment is purchased from an experienced vendor and is backed by a warranty and support service, the school can save money on the purchase and also reduce their support costs.
In addition to schools lacking technology, many kids still do not have access to computers and the internet at home, which puts them behind their better-off peers in the school programs. According to some reports, as many as 25% of US households are without internet service.
There are many programs that aim to tackle these issues. i-Foster, whose program is highlighted on our website, is one example. i-Foster’s mission is to help foster families afford refurbished laptops for the children; its overarching goal is to ensure all students have access to a computer at home.
The FCC developed a program, now called Connect2Compete, that partners with cable companies to make broadband internet service affordable for low income families. The program includes the opportunity to purchase a refurbished PC or laptop and a very low-cost internet service.
Even in schools where there are more computers available, there can be a gap in the availability of trained teachers and curriculum to take full advantage of that technology. This is particularly true in schools and districts with a large number of low income students. One organization that is filling that gap in Colorado is KidsTek. Using computers in the school classroom or lab, younger students learn basic computer skills, mid-level students use technology to explore their interests in music, art, programming, robotics and video. High school students get specific technical training that will help them get a job or succeed in college.
ITAD doesn’t really mean “end of life” for your equipment. It could be just the beginning for a student. Ask us for more information about refurbished computers for students and schools by speaking with an ITAD professional.
If you missed our presentation at TCEA, contact us and we’ll get you a copy.
