Network Design Project - Case Study – Team 2

David Garza, MaryAnn Avelar-Flores & Alejandro Flores

The case study consist of implementing a local area network at a welfare to work site that is designed to deliver computer based curriculum to clients that are in need attaining their GED. Planning for the learning center will require careful and detailed attention to cost issues. The expenditures will include the initial hardware and software, rental facilities, service and the upgrading of technology resources. Cost-benefit analysis of the acquisition (outright purchase or lease) of state of the art computers will be justified in achievement of goals and objectives (passing score on GED), and overall effectiveness of instruction and professional and technical staff. Our educational plan for the learning center would include educational goals and measurable instructional objectives. Our plan would prove to be effective by demonstrating a 90 percent passing rate on the GED after learning activities and services had been provided to students. Implementation strategies would include: integrating computer based learning activities with GED curriculum; staff development and training activities; planned expenditures for equipment including hardware/software, facilities modification, wiring, line charges, and maintenance and upgrade needs; provisions for acquiring, connecting and maintaining equipment; and a comprehensive evaluation plan. Furthermore, for every dollar spent by the Learning Center on equipment, at least 30 cents be allocated for staff development.

Cost Effectiveness of Learning Center?

The Initial cost of purchasing fifty computers and the installation of a local area network would save the learning center money over the long haul. By purchasing fifty state of the art computers instead of leasing, these computers could be utilized over the next few years until newer, faster and better computers come along. Leasing would be consider if: lease transfers ownership of the property at the end of lease term; or lease term is equal or greater than 75 percent of the estimated economic life of the leased property. This situation should not strain or swamp the continual funding of the learning center. Major concerns for the learning center would be issues of costs and quality of study programs being offered. For example, the day to day operation, maintenance, replacement, and upgrade costs of hardware and software, facilities, staff development and training would all have to be cost effective and maximize educational opportunities for welfare recipients.

What would the Learning Center Purchase?

Cost effective expenses would include: developing plans for learning center; equipment specification; facility configuration design; equipment (computers, related hardware, related peripherals, digital cameras and tools); wiring; access fees, including Internet service providers; software and supplies; servicing, repair and maintenance; staffing; training and professional development opportunities. The only administrative costs that would be considered allowable are those directly related to the learning activities and services that assist students in achieving program objects. For a more detailed breakdown of program see 2000-2001 budget below.

2000-2001 Budget for Learning Center

Staff Salary	Cost
1 Program Coordinator	40,000
4 teachers @ 30,000	120,000
1 Computer Lab Coordinator	18,000
22% Fringe Benefits for staff	39,160
Total	217,160
Hardware
52 Dell PIII 850, 30G, 128 RAM @ 1500.00 each	78000
50 Computer Work Stations @ 100.00 each	5000
50 Computer Chairs @ 50.00 each	2500
3 HP Laser Jet Printer @ 1500.00	4500
6 Teacher Desks @ 300.00	1800
6 Teacher Chairs @ 50.00	300
2 TV/VCR Panasonic Combinations @ 400.00 each	800
2 Overhead Projector @ 300.00 each	600
2 HP Scanners @ 300.00 each	600
1 Dell Network Server w/1000G HD & 1 GIG MHZ, 512 RAM	6500
Total	100600
Software
Window NT 2000	1000
Fortress 4.0	895
MS Office 2000 Premium plus Site License	2000
US Basics Software plus Site License	13500
Rosetta Stone Software plus Site License	500
CCC Software plus Site License	2000
McAfee Software with upgrades plus Site License	1000
Total	20895
Supplies
Copier lease, paper, pens, phone, postage, etc.	2000
Staff Development
Teacher Registration Cost	1000
Teacher Travel	3000
Total	4000
Grand Total	344655

Costs of Instructional Equipment

The Learning Center would purchase instructional equipment that would meet all of the following: a price range that can be accommodated within the designated budget; it must provide the same educational functions over a 5 year span; and it is non-expendable (if the item is damaged or worn out, it is more feasible to repair the item than to replace it.