Computing at Waterview has moved up several notches, thanks to a CANZ recycled computer suite installed in the former junior resource room.

"We've had to minimise costs in every area of this school, and we couldn't afford to buy new computers," says deputy principal Shane Devery, who is responsible for ICT. "However, for what we want to do, recycled computers are as good as new ones."

Auckland recycler The Ark installed its entry-level CANZ computer suite, with thirteen 486 DX66 and DX100 computers linked in a simple peer-to-peer network. Five of the computers came from existing school stock, and were refurbished and standardised in The Ark's workshop. The Ark supplied eight additional CANZ 486s.

The machines run on Windows 95, and are equipped with Microsoft Office, Microsoft Publisher, Kidpix, Internet Explorer and Outlook Express.

Internet and e-mail for the whole school was catered for by a separate Linux-based 80486 server, linked to the computer suite. Training in the use of this equipment was provided by The Ark.

Furniture for the suite was cheap, with desks knocked together out of 4"x2" timber and MDF. Chairs were donated, as was paint for the walls, which was applied by one of the parents in lieu of school fees for his three children.

The total hardware and setup cost for the computer suite was around $8,000. Application software was extra.

Future expansion

CANZ networks are designed for future expansion. Waterview's system, including the intranet, will expand to individual classrooms, using cables installed this year on Netday. The expanded network will be based on either Windows NT or Novell, driven by a Pentium III server.

None of the staff at Waterview were very computer literate at the beginning of the year, but they're learning fast - with help from both outside and inside the school. Shane Devery does some of the staff training. Student 'tutors' who have used computers at home or have shown particular aptitude, are effectively doing additional training!

Staff have also gone to the West Auckland Education Centre for training, and the school has gained a great deal from its association with Papatoetoe Central, one of the Ministry of Education's ICT Professional Development Schools.

Individual classes are allocated times at the computer suite, and every Friday morning Shane holds extension classes, which individual students can opt to attend. Eventually he hopes the suite will be generally available for individual student use outside teaching periods. Even now, some students are able to spend personal time on the computers, with help from the student tutors.