1. HARDWARE & SOFTWARE Decisions Dana L. Miller EDUC638 Liberty University Summer 2013

2. HARDWARE & SOFTWARE DECISIONS Hardware ConsiderationsModularity/ ExpandabilityErgonomics1. Performance 2. Compatibility3. Modularity/expandability CompatibilityHardwareSoftware AvailabilityVendorPerformanceCost4. Ergonomics 5. Software availability 6. Vendor7. Cost 3. HARDWARE CONSIDERATIONS Performance Performance can be focused on capacity, speed, or quality of output (Picciano, 2011, p. 191). Central processing units (CPUs) are often compared based on the amount of storage (or number of bytes) they can hold. This is effective providing all other facets of computing (software and other hardware components) are equal. 4. HARDWARE CONSIDERATIONS Performance CAPACITY Central processing units (CPUs) can be evaluated by the size of the data path inside each unit. These paths that transport data from one CPU to another come in 8-bit increments.A32-bit channel can carry twice as muchinformation as a16-bit channel, and its capacityis twice that of an 8-bit processing channel . 5. HARDWARE CONSIDERATIONSNorthern Arizona University (2010) 6. HARDWARE CONSIDERATIONS Performance MEASURING SPEED Megahertz (MHz): a million machine cycles (electronic pulses) per second, is the most common speed measure. A240-MHz machine is twice as fast as a 120-MHZ machine, and its speed is twice that of a 60-MHz machine. 7. HARDWARE CONSIDERATIONS Performance QUALITYFor printers, videos, and visual display output devices, quality is as important as speed. Resolution is the term used for picture quality. It is measured by the number of pixels used to create the image. Color quality is managed with set color profiles. In general, printed materials should be created using CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, & black), and RGB (red, green, blue) combinations should be used to create display media. How to check your computers performance 8. HARDWARE HOW TO CHECK PERFORMANCE 9. HARDWARE CONSIDERATIONS Question: Do Macs and PCs store and transfer data in different ways? Or are their processes basically the same?Compatibility Either equipment is compatible or it is not. Look for hardware manufacturers who subscribe to open system architecture. Their hardware specifications are public, allowing other manufacturers to create compatible products. 10. HARDWARE CONSIDERATIONS Modularity/Expandability Modularity interchangeability of components or parts of a hardware system Expandability ability of computer hardware to grow or expand as new applications are developed or as old applications become larger. Due to these variables, equipment and components are usually replaced on a staggered cycle that lasts between 4-7 years. 11. HARDWARE CONSIDERATIONS Ergonomics (including software availability) Hardware features should be friendly. This could refer to: The feel of the keyboard The height of the screen and keyboard The color and style of visuals, including graphics Screen resolution Accessibility/special features Software availability and ease of use 12. HARDWARE CONSIDERATIONS Vendor (and cost) Hardware purchases are long-term investments, which means relationships with vendors are important. Apple controls about 25% of the education market, but it is no longer the only go-to provider for primary and secondary schools as it once was. Administrators need to consider the total cost of ownership (TCO) when considering a purchase. This includes ongoing maintenance, upgrades, and support costs. 13. HARDWARE & SOFTWARE DECISIONS Software ConsiderationsHardware RequirementsEfficiency1. Efficiency 2. Ease of use3. Documentation Ease of UseSoftwareCost4. Hardware requirements 5. VendorDocumentationVendor6. Cost 14. SOFTWARE CONSIDERATIONS Efficiency Efficiency is a quantification of a particular softwares response time once it has been given a request. Access time length of time it takes to fetch a record Sort time time required to sequence or merge data Benchmark tests can be used to compare the efficiency of programs with the same CPU speed and overall characteristics. Efficiency can depend on how well a program is written (structure, logic flow, programming language, etc.). 15. SOFTWARE CONSIDERATIONS Ease of Use (and documentation) Ease of use refers to software that is tailored to the end user. Characteristics: Menu-driven screens Online Help features Good supporting documentation (i.e. tutorial information) Input from target users is helpful in acquiring the right software and documentation. It also creates a more fertile environment for the advancement of technology within the school and among its staff. 16. SOFTWARE CONSIDERATIONS Hardware RequirementsAll software programs have some minimum primary storage requirements (Picciano, 2011, p. 200). RAM (Random Access Memory) - any byte of memory that can be accessed without touching the preceding bytes. RAM is the most common type of memory found in computers and devices. i.e. Microsoft Office 2003 requires 400 MB of disk storage; Office 2007 requires 1.6 GB.Question: When hardware and software are acquired at different times during a 4-7 year cycle, what considerations need to be made in order to choose the best software? 17. SOFTWARE CONSIDERATIONS Hardware and Vendor Vendor characteristics are the same as those used for hardware evaluation: Characteristics: Support Maintenance Industry Position Reputation These characteristics cannot be used in isolation. IT professionals will look at industry research as well 18. SOFTWARE CONSIDERATIONS Evaluating VendorsReliable sources industry research include: Gartner Group, www.gartner.com CNET, news.cnet.com InfoWorld Test, www.infoworld.com Zdnet, www.zdnet.com Tech & Learning includes a software review column, http://www.techlearning.com/ 19. SOFTWARE CONSIDERATIONS CostThe cost of software varies widely, from free applications to course management software (CMS). Other cost considerations include: Training Intake from cost-per-user programs Site licenses Structure of the network Question: What are some scenarios that might drive cost up or down? 20. PEOPLE, TECHNOLOGY & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENTThe Professional Development Planning Model Ideally, instructors and administrative staff should have pre-service technical training. This does not always happen. Components should include: Planning for professional development Assessing professional development needs Designing a program that meets the needs of both district and school Providing incentives for staff to participate Implementing the program, and Evaluating and reviewing the program (Picciano, 2011, p. 217) 21. PEOPLE, TECHNOLOGY & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT The Professional Development Planning ModelAssess needs Design programsProvide incentives Implement ProgramEvaluate Review (based on Picciano, 2011, p. 217)Check out and download Closing the Gaps Professional Development Toolkit 22. PEOPLE, TECHNOLOGY & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENTElements of a Professional Development Program Hands-On Activities learning by doing One-on-One Coaching large group instruction followed by individualized training Training the Trainer key tech people are trained by outside consultants to be in-house training experts Equipment - Professional development shouldnt be hampered by a shortage of equipment. (Picciano, 2011, p. 220) 23. PEOPLE, TECHNOLOGY & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENTIncentives Staff compensation for training and/or evaluation of equipment during the summer or on weekends. (i.e. dollars, release time, equipment) Tuition reimbursements or sabbatical leaves for teachers who upgrade their skills by taking college courses. Recognition for faculty members who make a major contribution to professional development. (Picciano, 2011, p. 222) 24. PEOPLE, TECHNOLOGY & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENTEvaluation and ReviewOnce a professional development plan has been executed, it is evaluated. This provides information that can be used to begin again. Professional development is a continuous process. (Picciano, 2011, p. 223) 25. HARDWARE, SOFTWARE & PEOPLE PRESENTATIONReferences Closing the gap professional development toolkit (2013). Retrieved June 15, 2013, from http://turningdataintoaction.org/content/professional-development-toolkit-complete How to monitor CPU usages (2012, April). Retrieved June 14, 2013, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=z4I3034FmG0Northern Arizona University (2010, January). Data transfer rates. Information Technology Services: Flagstaff, Arizona. Retrieved June 16, 2013, from http://jan.ucc.nau.edu/~lrm22/technology/techstuff/data_transfer_rates.htm Picciano, A. G. (2011). Educational leadership and planning for technology (5th ed.). Columbus, OH: Pearson Education