TJMS Network Design Project by Jon Reader

When Jefferson walked through the yards of his home in Virginia at Monticello
(meaning little mountain in Italian) he glared down from the mountain one
day and spotted a perfect place for the University of Virginia below. So he
climbed upon his horse and rode down the mountain to this vacant and
perfect spot he had summarily concluded, and he pounded stakes into the
ground to mark the sites of future buildings in what would ultimately become
the first steps in 1817 towards the eventual creation of the school and
charter in 1819.

Image Source: http://faculty.virginia.edu/villagespaces/essay/prints00018.uva-from-the-south-bohn-serz.1856.jpg

Of particular interest is the fact that although Jefferson appointed "honorable

and distinct men" to teach in such diverse fields as Astronomy, Architecture,
Botany, Philosophy, Mathematics, Horticulture and Political Science, nobody
who came to listen had to pay or even register. If you wanted to learn, you
just opened the door and walked into the room of your liking and sat down.
And you were granted permission to stay... as long as you were quiet and
respectful.

"This institution will be based on the illimitable freedom of the

human mind. For here we are not afraid to follow truth wherever it
may lead, nor to tolerate any error so long as reason is left free to
combat it.
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~ Thomas Jefferson 1819

Thomas Jefferson Middle School Computer Lab Design Plan

The design plan details the hardware and support installed in a 30 workstation computer lab
meant for the nearly 400 students in our 19 classrooms at Thomas Jefferson Middle School
(TJMS) within the Shadwell Public School District (SPSD) in Goochland, Virginia. The budget
is $45,000.00.
The following considerations are addressed in the design plan; 1) Instructional Purpose;
2) Desktop Computers and Peripherals; 3) Server Hardware; 4) Networking Staffing for
Maintenance & Security; and 5) Budget.
Instructional Purpose
This open computer lab will be used to support classroom learning and for students and/or
staff to access and research information and collect data in order to complete assignments
and/or projects; for students and/or staff to participate in collaborative individual and/or
group project settings; and for instructional purposes lead by a single person.
A horseshoe design layout will be used for the room so that ten (10) students and workstations
are placed along only three (3) sides of the walls making it conducive to teaching and safe for
student and staff free movement (Picciano, 2006). All wiring and cables should be located along
walls and away from walking areas (Picciano, 2006). Staff will be strategically positioned in the
front or middle of the room and students will never have their backs to the teacher. In the middle
of the room will be two (2) tables for students to gather and share documents and/or resources
during individual and/or group activities, or to collect and/or place documents and/or resources
during class. An additional folding table suitable for wheelchair accessibility will be stored in the
room as well. The computer workstation for staff will be just in front of the empty wall so that
the students workstations are in front of and just to the left and right of the teacher. Located just
behind and up against the empty wall will be the Promethean Board screen. The printer will be
located in the corner behind the teacher workstation just inside the entrance door.
Desktop Computers and Peripherals
Computer labs usually require mid-level computers and in this lab will be a Dell Vostro 430
Mini Tower which includes the following specifications; Intel Core i5-650 w/VT
(3.20GHz 4MB L2 Cache) Processor; Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium, with Media,
32-bit, English Operating System; Microsoft Office Basic 2007 (Word, Excel, Outlook)
Office Software; 3GB DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHz - 3DIMMs Memory; Single Drive: 16X
DVD-ROM Drive Optical Drive; 160GB Serial ATA Hard Drive (7200RPM) w/DataBurst
Cache Hard Drive; 512MB NVIDIA GeForce G310 (DVI + VGA + HDMI) Video Card;
Dell 20 inch Widescreen E2010H Analog Flat Panel Display Monitor; Trend Micro Internet
Security, 36-months Security Software; No IEEE 1394a Adapter Selected Firewire; Dell
QuietKey Keyboard and Dell USB Optical Mouse; Dell AX210 USB Stereo Speakers;
Integrated 5.1 Channel Audio Sound; Adobe Acrobat Reader; 110 Volt Power setting;
Integrated PCIE 10/100/1000 Network Interface; 3-year Basic Limited Warranty; and Vostro
system quick reference guide. The cost of each computer is $932.00.
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Each computer in the lab is outfitted with a Dell 20-inch Widescreen E2010H Analog Flat
Panel Display Monitor which includes a16:9 widescreen aspect ratio with 20 diagonal VIS
(viewable image size), and 1600 x 900 maximum resolution for full high-definition (HD)
viewing. The monitor is suitable for classroom use and is included in the cost of the computer.
The lab will contain one (1) Dell 2135cn Multifunction Color Laser Printer which offers
professional-grade color printing along with a number of features designed to conserve resources
and help reduce costs. Users can print, copy, scan and fax and enjoy low cost-per-page
monochrome and color prints with up to 12 pages per minute. The Dell Multifunction Color
Laser Printer is Energy Star certified. On average, Energy Star qualified imaging equipment is
25% more efficient than conventional models according to the US Environmental Protection
Agency. (Source: www.energystar.gov). With Dell's Web-based interface, you can quickly and
easily configure and manage the printer onsite and remotely online, monitor the types of jobs
being printed and toner levels on the web and even order supplies (2135cn Multifunction Color
Laser Printer, 2010). The Dell 2135cn comes with a 1-year limited warranty and costs $399.
Students will be able to use the Dell 1510X Value Series Projector alone or as part of a group to
create extraordinary classroom presentations. This powerful technology helps to ensure true-tolife images with dazzling colors and stunning picture quality. Dual VGA connectors let you
switch between PC-based presentations with minimal time lag, while USB and HDMI
connections allow for instant and affordable connectivity to a variety of devices, including DVD
players. Microphone connectivity allows presenters to deliver voice-over presentations, while
closed-captioning via Composite / S-Video inputs allows users with hearing disabilities to read
the audio portion of select video and TV programs as on-screen text. A full-featured remote
control lets you easily perform quick shutdowns, adjust crooked images, change video modes or
even hide presentations (via the Blank Screen feature). The Dell 1510X Projector offers
thoughtful design features and comprehensive support options that make it easy to enjoy a low
total cost of ownership and includes a 2-year limited hardware warranty (Dell 1510X Value
Series Projector, 2010). The cost is $649.
The lab will also be equipped with a Promethean Board. A Promethean board is an interactive
whiteboard or IWB and is a large interactive display that combines the simplicity of a whiteboard
and the power of a computer and front projection (Interactive Whiteboard Solutions).
Promethean interactive whiteboards engage students with dramatic images, and brilliant video
and audio. The interactive whiteboard enables anything that can be seen or done on a computer
screen to be projected onto an interactive whiteboard bringing every classroom to life
(Interactive Whiteboard Solutions). The Promethean interactive whiteboard uses ground
breaking technology to advance student learning. The cost is $2,000.
Server Hardware
The lab will include a Dell Power Edge T710 Tower Server capable of delivering high
performance and capacity for server consolidation and virtualization. An interactive LCD
provides system health monitoring alerts and control of basic management configuration from
the front of the server. Supporting up to 16 hard drives, the server includes 288GB of memory.
The Dell Power Edge T710 is ideal for large capacity computing. Designed for virtualization,
this server offers two (2) Intel Xeon 5600 series processors. Dells Lifecycle Controller is even
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built to simplify administrator tasks. It can perform a complete set of provisioning functions such
as system deployment, system updates, hardware configuration and diagnostics from a single
intuitive interface. The Dell Management Console is designed to reduce manual processes, so
more time can be spent on strategic uses of technology (Dell Power Edge T710 Tower Server,
2010). The cost of the server is $1,599 and comes with a 3-year basic hardware warranty.
Networking
The Dell Power Connect 3548 switches provide robust and advanced security, resilient stacking,
and enterprise-class management features which are ideal for network applications requiring
speed, availability and management (Power Connect 3548 Details, 2010). The Dell Power
Connect 3548 features a 48 Port 10/100 Ethernet + 2 Copper Gbe Ports + 2 Fiber Gbe Ports via
SFP transceivers with flexible gigabit Ethernet options and the connectivity costs $529.
SynchronEyes classroom management software, which connects a teacher's computer with
every computer in a networked classroom will be used by the staff member in the lab at all times.
SynchronEyes software is easy to use and offers a variety of features that enable you to keep
students focused on learning and redirect their attention if they go off track. You can efficiently
communicate, monitor or collaborate with students individually or as a group via the software
program, so that everyone stays on-task and gets the most out of the classroom instruction
(SynchronEyes Classroom Management 7.0, 2010). The software costs $779.
Staffing for Maintenance & Security
An acceptable use policy (AUP) for the computer lab will set-forth the rules and/or guidelines
for users of this network. The AUP will serve to constrain the habits and/or conducts of those
users and will limit the ways in which the network or system may be utilized. The AUP will be
clear and concise and communicate what users are, and are not allowed to do on the Internet and
within the network(s) of the organization. It will also convey to users the sanctions and/or
penalties associated with those who violate the terms of the AUP.
The AUP will include a statement of the philosophy of SPSD and will communicate the reasons
why Internet use is offered to the users of this organizations network as well as the advantages
and disadvantages of this privilege. A disclaimer will denote the scope of rights and obligations
that may be imposed by parties in a legally-recognized relationship. The focal point of the policy
will be the code of conduct which serves to govern or regulate the behavior of the users on the
Internet and/or network connection. And the AUP will detail the consequences for violating the
policies of the organization according to the laws that are applicable and enforceable and which
govern the use of an AUP in our jurisdiction.
Additionally, the AUP will communicate to the users of the Internet and/or network that the use
of technology is a privilege and not a right and abuse of this privilege can lead to legal action
against the violator. Additionally, the AUP will advocate the need to maintain personal safety
and privacy while accessing the Internet, the need to comply with Fair Use Laws and other
copyright regulations while accessing the Internet and that the AUP is in compliance with
state and national telecommunication rules and regulations. Lastly, a critical aspect of the
AUP for students will be the student signature that is required and indicates that each student of
TJMS has read, understands and agrees to follow the principles and guidelines it contains,
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making the school district not liable by law for any actions or violations by the registered users
of the Internet and/or network.
Im satisfied that the SPSD Student AUP accounts for most, if not all of the concerns I would
have concerning the legal, safety and ethical issues regarding the use of the Internet and
technology in the school system. My expectations are that the students follow all of the
principles and guidelines contained therein. All staff members using the lab are expected to
monitor students to ensure that they follow the appropriate safety rules and procedures of a
laboratory and that they properly use and safeguard the computer lab equipment. Students
should be taught to respect the equipment and should be involved with its care. Basic rules such
as no eating or drinking anywhere around computer equipment should be strictly enforced
(Picciano, 2006, p. 268, Chapter 12).
Students are initially given their usernames and passwords for the network at the beginning of
the year. I will keep my own list of the students names and their respective usernames and
passwords so that I dont have to login to the system for the student using my own information.
In planning computer facilities, security issues should not be underestimated. To ignore them
leaves a school or district vulnerable and subject to major setbacks in computer development
should a breach in security occur (Picciano, 2006, p. 275, Chapter 12).
A computing facility requires staffing to install, configure, and maintain hardware and software.
Internet and/or network security issues such as filtering software, viruses, SPAM, and other
intrusive and harmful elements are maintained by the SPSD and details of these protection
features are found in the SPSD Computer Systems Security Manual.
At TJMS, Dr. Ed is a computer science teacher and the Network Systems Administrator
(NSA). Carol is the Information Technology Systems Specialist (ITSS) or Information
Technology Resource Teacher (ITRT); and is responsible for handling all computer and
network technical issues. A single person may not be able to handle server administration, user
account setup, personnel training, equipment failures, and all the other requirements of network
management (Frazier & Bailey, 2004, p.83, Chapter 4). Frazier & Bailey (2004, p. 83, Chapter
4) also say that as a network becomes more complex, the technology coordinator may need to
hire a certified network administrator. If troubleshooting efforts do not resolve the problem, then
Dr. Ed will report the issue to central office. From there a technician will be sent to investigate
the problem. The technician repairs on the spot, removes the equipment for repair elsewhere,
orders parts, replaces the equipment, or communicates with the manufacturer regarding warranty
issues or service bulletins.
The key to a successful program lies within the effectiveness of the collaborative relationships of
all the staff and students (Ellis & Phelps, 2002). Therefore, I will set aside $2,000.20 for
staffing/maintenance/security and/or additional resource needs in the future.
Design Budget - $45,000
Item Description

Quantity

Individual Cost

Total Cost

Dell Vostro 430 Mini Tower which includes the

following; Intel Core i5-650 w/VT (3.20GHz
4MB L2 Cache) Processor; Genuine Windows

31

$932

$28,892

7 Home Premium, with Media, 32-bit, English

Operating System; Microsoft Office Basic 2007
(Word, Excel, Outlook) Office Software; 3GB
DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHz - 3DIMMs Memory;
Single Drive: 16X DVD-ROM Drive Optical
Drive; 160GB Serial ATA Hard Drive (7200RPM)
w/Data Burst Cache Hard Drive; 512MB
NVIDIA GeForce G310 (DVI + VGA +
HDMI) Video Card; Dell 20 inch Widescreen
E2010H Analog Flat Panel Display Monitor;
Trend Micro Internet Security, 36-months
Security Software; No IEEE 1394a Adapter
Selected Firewire; Dell Quiet Key Keyboard and
Dell USB Optical Mouse; Dell AX210 USB
Stereo Speakers; Integrated 5.1 Channel Audio
Sound; Adobe Acrobat Reader; 110 Volt Power
setting; Integrated PCIE 10/100/1000 Network
Interface; 3-year Basic Limited Warranty; and
Vostro system quick reference guide.
Dell 2135cn Multifunction Color Laser Printer
Dell 1510X Value Series Projector
Promethean Board
Dell Power Edge T710 Server
Dell Power Connect 3548 Network System
APC BX900R UPS Computer / Electronic
Backup Battery
Dell Projector Ceiling Mount Kit
Beige Fabric Office Chair -- Manager with
Arms, Gas Lift, Student or Computer Chair
Paper

Ink Cartridges

Staffing for Maintenance & Security

Instructional Technology Resource Teacher (ITRT)
Network Systems Administrator (NSA)

1
1
1
1
1
1

$399
$649
$2,000
$1,599
$529
$117.48

$399
$649
$2,000
$1,599
$529
$117.48

1
31

$180
$48.83

$180
$1,513.73

20,000
sheets (4
case)
Yield per
toner =
10,000
sheets
N/A
1 ITRT
1 NSA

$5 per ream

$200

$82 per toner

$164 (2 toners)

$2,000
$90,000 (12 mos.)
$85,000 (10 mos.)

$2,000.20
N/A
N/A

LLR65760 - Folding Table, 48x24x29, Medium

Oak

$56.99

$113.98

Fold-N-Go - Black/ Silver Teacher Desk

$109.99

$109.99

Standard Floor Carrel and Privacy Workstation

w Laminate Panels
Power Connect 3548 Management,
Security, Fast Ethernet Layer 2
Switch
Netgear WNDR3700 RangeMax Dual Band
Wireless-N Gigabit Router

30

$121.02

$3,630.60

$529

$529

$149.99

$149.99

Belkin Thin Ethernet 50OHM Cable BNCM/BNC-M 6 SH

31

$6.99

$216.69

Koss Featherweight UR5 Stereo Headphones

with Foam Ear Cushions
Ironwood Multi Purpose Stand - Printer
Belkin x12 Pivot-Plug Surge Protector
WOW!PAD 7.5" x 8.5" Masters Series Mouse
Pad - Starry Night by Van Gogh
Nikon Coolpix L22 12.1MP Digital Camera with
3.6x Optical Zoom and 3.0-Inch LCD
SynchronEyes Classroom Management 7.0
Dell Black Deluxe USB Optical Scroll Mouse
XN966
Dell 104 Quiet Key Keyboard
LLR65760 - Folding Table, 48x24x29, Medium
Oak for Wheelchairs
3 In 1 Laser Pointer Pen w/ LED Light & 3
Extra Batteries

32

$6.79

$217.28

1
8
31

$201.99
$25.88
$7.99

$201.99
$207.04
$247.69

$100.95

$100.95

1
3

$779
$7.35

$779
$22.05

3
1

$19.99
$56.99

$59.97
$56.99

$6.69

$13.38

Total Cost

$45,000

References
Picciano, A.G. (2006). Basic Concepts of Planning. Educational leadership and planning for
technology. (pp. 21-22). Upper Saddle River: Pearson Education, Inc.
Dell Vostro 430 Mini Tower. (2010). Retrieved August 1, 2010, from Dell:
http://www.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/vostro- 430?
c=us&l=en&s=bsd&cs=04

Dell 2135cn Multifunction Color Laser Printer. (2010). Retrieved August 1, 2010, from Dell:
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&cs=04&l=en&s=bsd&sku=22
4-0638&redirect=1
Dell 1510X Value Series Projector. (2010). Retrieved August 1, 2010, from Dell:
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/products/Home_Theater_Projectors/productdetail.aspx?
c=us&l=en&s=bsd&cs=04&sku=224-7541
Dell Widescreen Flat Panel Monitor. (2010). Retrieved August 1, 2010, from Dell:
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/products/Displays/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=b
sd&cs=04&sku=320-8245
Interactive Whiteboard Solutions. (n.d.). Retrieved June 24, 2010, from Promethean Planet:
http://www.prometheanworld.com/server.php?show=nav.15
Dell Power Edge T710 Tower Server. (2010). Retrieved August 1, 2010, from Dell:
http://www.dell.com/us/en/enterprise/servers/server-poweredge- t710/pd.aspx?
refid=server-poweredge-t710&cs=555&s=biz
Dell Power Connect 3548 Details. (2010). Retrieved August 1, 2010, from Dell:
http://www.dell.com/us/en/business/networking/pwcnt_3548/pd.aspx?refid=pwcnt_3548
&s=bsd&cs=04
SynchronEyes Classroom Management 7.0. (2010). Retrieved August 1, 2010, from cnet:
http://download.cnet.com/SynchronEyes-Classroom-Management/3000-2051_410864796.html
Frazier, M., & Bailey, G.D. (2004). The technology coordinator's handbook. Eugene:
International Society for Technology in Education
Ellis, A., & Phelps, R. (2002, August 29). Staff development for online delivery: A collaborative,
team-based action learning model. Retrieved July 2, 2010, from Australian Journal of
Educational Technology: http://www.ascilite.org.au/ajet/ajet16/ellis.html
Beige Fabric Office Chair. (2010). Retrieved August 1, 2010, from Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Fabric-Office-Manager-StudentComputer/dp/B000ZPOXIA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=officeproducts&qid=1280711613&sr=8-2
Folding table. (2010). Retrieved August 1, 2010, from Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/LLR65760-Folding-Table-48x24x29Medium/dp/B0033URKX4/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&s=officeproducts&qid=1280712032&sr=1-16

Fold-N-Go Teacher Computer Workstation. (2010). Retrieved August 1, 2010, from Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Fold-2dN-2dGo-2d-Black-2fSilver/dp/B000BQW7Y0/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1280712739&sr=1-1-fkmr0
Standard Floor Carrel and Privacy Workstation w Laminate Panels. (2010). Retrieved August 1,
2010, from Workstations USA: http://www.workstationsusa.com/IVG2/N/ProductID46688.htm
Dell Netgear Wireless Router. (2010). Retrieved August 1, 2010, from Dell:
http://search.dell.com/results.aspx?s=gen&c=us&l=en&cs=&k=Netgear+WNDR+2000+
Wireless+Router&cat=all
Dell Thin Ethernet Cable. (2010). Retrieved August 1, 2010, from Dell:
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/products/Networking_Business_Client/productdetail.as
px?c=us&l=en&cs=04&sku=A0407573
Koss Featherweight UR5 Stereo Headphones. (2010). Retrieved August 1, 2010, from Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Koss-Featherweight-Stereo-HeadphonesCushions/dp/B0002EQUL2
Ironwood Multi Purpose Stand MPS. (2010). Retrieved August 1, 2010, from Accent Furniture
Direct: http://www.accent-furniture-direct.com/Ironwood-MPS-IWD1011.html
Belkin Pivot-Plug Surge Protectors. (2010). Retrieved August 1, 2010, from Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Belkin-BP112230-08-Pivot-Plug-SurgeProtectors/dp/B000JE9LD4/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1280717829&sr=
1-2
WOW!PAD 7.5" x 8.5" Masters Series Mouse Pad--Starry Night by Van Gogh. Retrieved August
1, 2010, from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/WOW-PAD-Masters-Pad--Starry78MS81002/dp/B000HWK7KO/ref=sr_1_3?
s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1280718271&sr=1-3
Nikon Coolpix L22 12.1MP Digital Camera. (2010). Retrieved August 1, 2010, from Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-Coolpix-L22-3-0-Inch-Redprimary/dp/B0034XIL60/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1280774456&sr=8-1
Dell Black Deluxe USB Optical Scroll Mouse. (2010). Retrieved August 1, 2010, from Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Dell-Deluxe-Optical-ScrollXN966/dp/B003BGB7ES/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1280768183&sr=81

Dell Quiet Key Keyboard. (2010). Retrieved August 1, 2010, from Dell:
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/products/I_O_Devices/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&
s=bsd&cs=04&sku=330-5317
3 In 1 Laser Pointer Pen w/ LED Light & 3 Extra Batteries. (2010). Retrieved August 1, 2010,
from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Laser-Pointer-Light-ExtraBatteries/dp/B000MGQYDE/ref=sr_1_46?ie=UTF8&s=officeproducts&qid=1280770646&sr=1-46
APC BX900R UPS Computer / Electronic Backup Battery. (2010). Retrieved August 1, 2010,
from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/APC-BX900R-900VA-USRetailOnly/dp/B000GWM9I8/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1280780668&sr=8-3-fkmr0
For Further Reference
SPSD Teacher Technology Standards
http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/technology/techstandards/index.sht
m
SPSD Teacher AUP
http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/policy/pdf/igtra.pdf
SPSD Student & Parent AUP
http://www.mcps.org/admin/stuserv/6-12.pdf

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