ROBERTSON HIGH SCHOOL

NETWORK INFORMATION SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY PLAN

Las Vegas City School District #69

April 1996


This plan prepared as an addendum to the current LVCS Technology Plan, scheduled for completion by the year 2000.

Kevin J. hatch, NASA/NMHU Outreach Coordinator

hatch_kevin@venus.nmhu.edu

An examination of the present and future status of the computer networking systems on the Robertson High School campus. This plan outlines the proposed changes occurring on the Robertson campus and advises in their implementation. All Robertson classrooms, labs, offices, and centers must be wired to complete the communication network for the campus. Modernizing the technology will increase the productivity of students and staff, and eventually tie Robertson into the regional education network.

A plan for the development of appropriate and current computer networks and resources to improve the educational teaching potential of Robertson High school is needed to establish Robertson as the technology hub of the Las Vegas City School District. Robertson should be a leader in providing global information resources as part of a common education curriculum, and inclusion of advanced networking system will support an increase in productivity by both the faculty and staff. This change will be directly reflected in the productivity of the students and their education.

This plan requires two specific major goals:

Goal 1:

Modernization of the Robertson campus and curriculum to reflect the changing face of K-12 education, and using this modern campus to promote higher education than was previously possible.

The premises of this plan include:

˜ To create a stable and usable working environment for students and staff

˜ Include software and hardware to match the students= current educational needs

˜ Provide systems and software to help teachers and staff be more productive

˜ Wiring of all buildings and classrooms to create a communication network

˜ Make administration easier, automated attendance, accounting, and student services

˜ Offer training to faculty and staff, sessions for substitute teachers and student assistants

˜ Include the Internet in the classroom

Goal 2:

Establish a permanent connection to the Regional Telecommunications Network, centralized at Highlands University. Robertson should be an integral part of the technology hub in San Miguel county and the NE New Mexico region. To do so, the following must be accomplished:

˜ Establish a connection to the proposed Highlands University distance learning network.

˜ Use online communications and interactive video in the classroom environment.

˜ Use local homepages as an online resource for announcements and events, and publishing of newspapers/ letters online

˜ Connect to the New Mexico Highlands University library services

As we move toward the 21st century, education is approaching the cusp of a change in how it handles information and communication. The K-12 classroom is changing. No longer is a student restricted in his or her learning by region or city. Students with initiative have the potential to surpass the curriculum developed for the past classrooms. Robertson must be part of this change; it must provide the opportunity for students to grow and succeed in today=s and tomorrow=s environment.

As faculty and staff incorporate networks into their curriculum, not only is their work load decreased, allowing more time for education, but it brings the students into a computerized environment. This next generation will not be illiterate of phobic about computers and networks. They themselves will be part of the global information community.

The Vision

It is possible with our modern networking systems to provide a national and international link to education. Robertson must set the standard for the Las Vegas City School District in connecting to The Highlands regional network and the rest of the world. In providing this example, Robertson will make the same connections at Memorial Middle School and all the other district elementary schools, so that all will make this system part of their education.

Premises

The current Las Vegas City School District Technology Plan calls for many advances in the computer and network systems in their schools. For Robertson High School, these advances are of extreme importance, for Robertson, being the lead in higher education for the district, must lead all the schools in these changes.

˜ Increased access to modern technology, such as high speed computers, networks, software, and the Internet. the ability to use such technology in offices and classrooms.

˜ Use of networks in the classroom and in administration, simplifying the work and cost involved with education.

˜ Training of technology to all district staff. This is planned for the entire district.

˜ Educational software and hardware in the classroom to support music, special education, graphics/media arts, science, modern language, and industrial arts.

˜ Establishment of a campus, and eventual District, network that supports increases communication and growth.

˜ Modernize the Library and Media Centers using online texts, CD servers of Encyclopedias, Atlases, Dictionaries, and other reference materials, barcode readers, student id cards, and online catalog. Include access to Internet reference sources, such at the Library of Congress.

˜ Connection to the New Mexico Highlands regional network, providing telecommunications, research and distance learning on a wide scale.

Goals

Given the surveys of the district and examination of the issues involved with upgrading Robertson to this networked information center, the goals to remember during this change are to:

˜ Provide a stable and equitable environment in which to use equipment and software.

˜ Provide information and training to students, faculty, and staff.

˜ Increase awareness and develop a positive attitudes towards technology.

˜ Support students, faculty and staff which may require assistance during this transition.

˜ Commit the funding sufficient to develop this long-range plan.

History

Beginning in the Fall of 1994, the LVCS district accepted State Department of Education Technology funds to conduct a study of the districts technology needs. The Technology Study Team was formed and began to meet in September of 1994, finally presenting the Board of Education with a draft of the five-year technology implementation plan. Many of the issues discovered in this study are discussed in this document and should be directly related to implementation of this plan on the Robertson High School campus.

Existing Systems and Staff Resources

Robertson High School currently has many resources in which to call from. It is a member of the NASA/NMHU Educational Outreach Network, which has already placed a 56KB Internet connection on the school=s campus. NASA and Highlands University have already invested well over $30,000 towards placing Internet connectivity in Robertson, and so the school should be interested in maintaining this connection. There are two labs in place with machines that can be utilized and upgraded to conform to the modern network, and there are faculty and staff trained in the use of computers, networks, and the Internet which can help spread this knowledge.

The Computer systems on the Robertson campus currently include: ten Intel Pentium PCS, twenty-five 286 PCS, fifteen Macintosh stations, two Ares Pentium multi-media systems, and the Micron Pentium PC leased through the Outreach. The 286 machines can be utilized with this system by installing a 486 upgrade chip with possibly the addition of more RAM. And if the Macintosh stations can be outfitted with the appropriate network cards, they to can be placed no this campus network.

Coinciding with the standards illustrated in the vision statement and goals, this plan is submitted for inclusion in the development of the network information system in the Las Vegas City School District. priorities as listed by the faculty that would be using them were to wire all buildings as first priority, allowing newly purchased machines immediate connection with the local network and the Internet. Once these systems are in place Robertson can take the next step, connecting to the rest of the district. With Robertson securely connected to the district network, the school can examine the plans to become involved with distance learning and the Highlands network. The department heads specifically wanted to see this kind of large scale integration with the district, Highlands, and the Internet.

The following are the goals and objectives put forth by this plan:

Goal 1: Modernization of the Robertson High School Campus

Objectives:

1. Fiber Optic Wiring of all Robertson Buildings, creation of the Robertson Network
   
2. Wiring of all buildings internally, with CAT5 STP. Purchase and installation of repeaters and hubs to sustain the internal networks. Labs each receive a DECRepeater 90C to daisy-chain the RG58 COAX between workstations.
   

3. Purchase is suitable workstations and servers to allow the utilization of the installed network. Each lab receives twenty-four Standard Workstations, one Multi-Media Workstation, and one Lab Serverstation (see Appendix B).

4. The faculty and staff affiliated with the labs become trained in the use and basic administration of these systems. Systems and labs are shared and faculty begin to incorporate computers and the Internet into the permanent curriculum.

5. Campus-Wide distribution of networking resources. All faculty and staff incorporate the computer network into their education system.

Goal 2: Integration with the District and Regional Network

Objectives:

1. Completion of Robertson Network

2. Establish the connection between the Robertson HS network and the District backbone.

3. Purchase and installation of new hardware and devices, such as online video cameras, and modern display equipment, to allow Robertson to take part in the distance learning program.

4. Purchase and installation of software and hardware needed to develop and use a district system, connected to the AS/400, for attendance, school records, and student services.

Goal 1: Modernization of the Robertson High School Campus

This is the most important facet of the networking plan. Robertson must have appropriate cabling and systems to assure the plan doesn=t become obsolete before it=s completion.

Objective 1:

The District plans to put Fiber Optic lines in as a backbone for their network. Robertson is scheduled to receive $45,000 in lines over the 96-97 academic year. At this time the Fiber aerials between the buildings should be put in place to connect all eight of the campus buildings.

Objective 2:

It is important that this network has advanced cabling so that new lines do not have to be pulled later, and at a greater cost. The eight buildings already are connected with COAX aerial lines used for television and speaker systems. Along these same aerial routes this plan calls for the placement of Fiber Optic cabling, 8 fiber. 12 fiber would provide a stronger signal, but the increases cost and the relatively short distance between any two of the neighboring buildings should not require it. In any case, copper wire should not be used. Highlands University has had to replace over $20,000 worth of equipment in the lat year due to lighting damage. At the very least this will minimize the damage caused by a storm, instead of destroying the entire campus network.

Once inside a building, the fiber line connects to a DECRepeater 90T-16. The multiple smaller buildings enable the use of these smaller repeater/hubs because there are few classrooms in any single building/floor. In the case of the main building, each of it=s two floors will have one repeater dedicated to it. A 90T will connect one CAT5 STP line to each room being wired. there are currently 55-60 members of the faculty and staff at Robertson, this amount of repeaters provides 144 potential lines, which should be adequate for Robertson=s growing needs over the next five years.

The District plans for Robertson=s network include three large labs of computers: an Instruction Lab, Production Lab, and a Technology Center. Each lab is scheduled to contain 25 machines and a server. One of these machines being a multi-media station for classroom presentations. In each of these labs an individual DECRepeater 90C will be placed that=ll provide daisy-chained COAX connections to the lab machines. Expandability will be easy with this system, should machines need to be moved or new ones added. With the addition of 25 machines in each lab (and the network will support much more) the total potential machines on the campus jumps to 219. There are approximately 825 students on the Robertson campus; adding their number to the faculty and staff which will be using the machines at well, returns a potential ratio of four individuals to every one machine. Given the size of the general rooms, and the youth of this plan, this is a reasonable ratio to work toward.

This hardware must be in place during the 96-97 school year to provide immediate connection to the machines being purchased that fall. Those machines cannot be utilized fully without proper wiring.

Below is a table of prospected prices for the components mentioned above.

Price Table of Network Component Parts

Item	Unit Price	Total Price
5,000ft. 4 pair, 24 gauge, plenum, STP CAT5 unit price/1,000 feet	$429	$2,145.00
12,000ft. Thin Ethernet RG58/u in pop boxes unit price/1,000 feet	$102.50	$1,230.00
5,000ft. Fiber Optic cable, 8 fiber, 62.5/125, no shield unit price/foot	$1.49	$7,450.00
(10) DECRepeater 90T-16	$545.00	$5,450.00
(5) DECRepeater 90C	$672.00	$3,360.00
(1) DECRepeater 90FA (stand alone)	$969.00	$969.00
BNC Plug (twist on) for RG58, 3 pieces unit price/100 quantity	$98.00	$98.00
(30) 3M Hotmount 6100 connectors	$6.69	$200.70
(10) DEC DE205-AC Bulk	$92.00	$920.00
(70) Standard Workstation (see appendix)	$2,000	$140,000
(5) Multi-Media Workstation (see appendix)	$2,500	$12,500
(4) Lab Serverstation (see appendix)	$3,000	$12,000

These prices reflect the general prices available at the time of this plan=s writing. All equipment and system purchases should be continually upgraded to match the current standards during the time of purchase. The quantities used should reflect the purchase of extra hardware, so as to provide backup repeaters and cabling incase components need to be replaced.

Objective 3:

In 96-97, Robertson is scheduled to receive $85,000 for the purchase of computer workstations. These funds would allow the purchase of thirty workstations, two multimedia workstations, and two lab servers, with money remaining for peripherals, such as printers. If sufficient funds have not already been found to equip the internal rooms with the cabling they need, a portion of this money could be spent toward that end.

Robertson has also been allocated $5,000 in 96-97, and another $2,500 for 97-98, to purchase multi-media machines for the library media center. A meeting with the Department Heads at Robertson illustrated their concern for noise in the learning environment, and so headphones have replaced the speakers for the basic workstation design, and they only desired one or two true multi-media stations (see Appendix B) per lab or classroom. Because of this, the configuration which should be purchased for the Media Center is the AStandard Workstation,@ which provided CD-ROM and other multi-media capabilities, but at a more manageable scale. This will also potentially allow the purchase of four machines, instead of three.

For most purchases, however, in all the classrooms and offices, the best machine will the Standard workstation configuration. It combines a considerable amount of modern power without the addition of expensive and unnecessary extras. One of the more popular uses of the network the department heads have pointed out is increased communication using the email system. This basic machine will handle both email and regular Internet browsing without any problems, and could actually run some of the simpler CAD programs without trouble.

Until such time as a machine can be purchased for every individual room, the next best alternative (with reservations of the labs being at a high premium) is to purchase a few of the standard machines and place them on mobile carts, not unlike the current TV/VCR carts in use today, which will allow a faculty member to checkout a computer, take it to their class plug it in and attach it to the network cable (which should now be present in every room) and use the network, Internet, share a CD-ROM of a lab server, or relatively anything. Until machines are purchased for every class, this is a perfect way to take advantage of the network, at a minimal cost.

Objective 4:

Training will be a key issue in providing this new technology. In some areas there will be a lack of technology awareness, in others perhaps an outright dislike. To combat this significant problem, training will be required to make all faculty and staff comfortable with these new systems. Only when the faculty and staff are trained will they be able to pass on their knowledge to the students. Another suggestion by one of the department heads was the instigation of mandatory training for all teachers; this is definitely something to consider. The District has allotted $5000 annually for the training of faculty and staff. This money should be put to use as soon as possible.

The Technology Study committee has also recommended the creation of a Director of Technology position. This district-level position would maintain the implementation of the Technology Action Plan and manage the District=s technology. this position will also have a Technical Assistant. These two positions cannot alone handle the administration of the entire District=s system without help. The training of faculty and staff at Robertson will greatly enhance the total capabilities of this system, quickening the response time for problems, and providing locally available individuals for questions and solutions.

These issues and the training can be started in the fall of 1997. Once the labs are in place, and before more machines are purchased, the faculty and staff should be informed as to the purpose of the computer network and how to make use of it for education.

Objective 5:

Once the faculty, staff, and students are trained the network can be utilized as it was planned: on a global campus-wide scale. The computer network will provide instant communication between departments and offices, the email system being considerably less disturbing to the classroom environment than the audio system. And the integration of a text-bases communication system such as this should produce improved reading skills and greater vocabulary.

The use of scanners, cameras, and various commercial arts software will allow the addition of true hi-tech media in the classroom. TV journalism, student movie production, and electronic art are just a few of the possible uses. The Internet in every classroom will provide limitless research opportunities to the faculty and students. whether they wish to study New Mexico history, or perform an interactive frog dissection, the potential for the Internet as an Educational tool grows on a daily basis.

The greatest benefit at this point in the plan is that students and faculty should now be very familiar and comfortable with computers. The time spent in the computerized classroom should be on the course itself and not on how to use the computer. An accounting course will not achieve anything if no accounting is done till the last two months. The education environment evolves into media classrooms for improved learning, not hindered. It is important that these students leave high school with the ability to get a job without a college degree, as one used quite easily in many vocational fields.

It is very likely that many of the faculty and staff will in relatively no time become proficient in the use of the machines and software, given good training, and they will want to incorporate the machines into their curriculum as soon as possible. For this reason, early in 1998 this phase of the plan should begin its implementation.

Goal 2: Integration with the District and Regional Network

Modernizing Robertson=s network internally will definitely provide greatly expanded educational resources to the students and staff, but there is no reason not to assume the next step in connecting all the local networks for greater shared resources. The middle and elementary schools in the district would definitely benefit from the strength of the Robertson network.

Objective 1:

It is essential that all objectives of the first goal be at least partially in effect before proceeding on to the second goal. Without a completed Robertson network, utilization of the district server and resources can not be realized. The core of this should be accomplished by the end of 1998.

Objective 2:

The District has allocated $24,000 for the purchase of an IBM AS/400 Server to run all the school systems. When each of the local networks have grown so that they can accommodate the online administration facilities, this server will be a valuable resource. Robertson will require considerable more long-range wiring and planning to accomplish this, however. The funds for this server should be available by 1999 or earlier, so it should be in place and connected by that Summer break.

The most ideal networking operating system available for small scale networks like Robertson=s is Microsoft Windows NT. This latest release of 4.0 includes the interface and multimedia capabilities of Windows 95, while still maintaining the stable NT foundation. NT has one of the best track records for compatibility with other networks, such as Novell and Macintosh, and so NT is the operating system of choice for this heavily PC-based network. For this reason NT is included in the configuration automatically with every system. Using Microsoft Domains and the networks multi-platform capability, the NT systems could even provide the go-between for the Macintosh networks already in place at both schools and the IBM district server.

Objective 3:

All the labs and conference rooms should be equipped with multi-media projection systems for presentations, reports, or class use. Purchase of digital video cameras will allow the Robertson campus to take part in online video conferencing and distance learning systems. Scanners will provide quick and easy image loading, as well as the ability to scan forms and text using optical character recognition.

This also should be taken care of by the Summer of 1999, as individual component parts can be purchased over the time leading up to this.

Objective 4:

Once completed this network can greatly automate the mundane tasks found when running an institution. Both grades and attendance can be kept on computers, as well as student services and financial information. The backup drive included with each server will allow the safe storage of all information incase of system failure. Attendance networked with the main office can immediately display a missing student, in class during the previous period.

And the addition of the Windows NT operating system, using the NTFS file partitioning system, will mean increased security for all systems. Properly set up, NT can completely restrict access to files and/or directories, by individual or designated group. The NT network domains can be administered through a central server which trusts the other servers for login information and security access. User profiles can be designed to make users see only the icons associated with their class when they login. And at all times, users cannot injure the operating system. Unlike NT, 95 systems files are relatively east to find and delete either by accident or intent. NT can easily prevent that, and when using NTFS, almost completely secure from all viruses. NT is a very low-maintenance system, and there should be no shortage of possible applications for it.

This objective, as well as the entire plan should be completed by the year 2000.

There are a number of additional issues that must be considered with the addition of each network component. Purchase of machines and cabling will not be effective without rounding the use of the Information System.

˜ Ergonomic concerns are extremely important, including wrist pads, desks, and chairs

˜ Projection systems in the large labs and conference rooms will allow the online information to reach a wider audience easier

˜ Space must be provided for maintenance of the systems and network

˜ Training is important for staff that don=t know, must plan for staff reistance to soe of the technology increases

˜ Proper training and administration to assure the effective use of equipment

˜ Funding of this long-term plan must be secure. If the district is unable to continue the funding as planned, possible outside grants and donations may need to be solicited.

˜ Must support fully the Vocational Arts where the High School educational system has always been most effective in the past.

After completion of the plan=s foundation, there a many future issues that should be considered for timely inclusion in the campus system:

˜ Inclusion in the regional distance learning project, centered in NMHU

˜ Automation of mundane classroom activities, such as attendance. This will speed up the completion of these tasks, and create more class tome for education.

˜ Electronic texts, sharing the text from a CD-ROM would prevent the need to buy multiple editions.

˜ Graduated teaching and reading levels available for different levels of students. Use of online texts can make such a system easier.

˜ Interactive laser disk instruction.

˜ Interdisciplinary networking, a cross-curriculum approach to the classroom

˜ Integration of network with a student IDs system. could be used with library books, vending machines, doors for security (if needed), and with a universal system, connection to the NMHU system and library resources.

This appendix includes four maps of the Robertson campus. The first is an overview of the entire campus, showing all the fiber lines betweenthe buildings and basic classroom hookups. the second and third are closer examinations of the main building and library/media center buildings. The new renovations and Science and Technology Center are added here. And the fourth is a general map of all the new construction, including the new Vocational Technology Center branching off from the main building.

- Repeater/Hub

- Repeater/Hub that is a second priority (building not completed, etc.)

- Cable

Red represents a CAT5 STP line or a DECRepeater 90T-16.

Blue represents RG58 COAX or a DECRepeater 90C

Green represents Fiber Optic cable or a DECRepeater 90FA

HARDWARE CONFIGURATIONS

Standard Workstation

Intel 100MHz Pentium Processor

16MB EDO DRAM

256K Cache

1.2 GB 9-10ms Hard Drive

1MB DRAM, 64-bit PCI Graphics Accelerator

3.5" Diskette Drive

15" .26-.28dp Monitor

Creative Labs Sound Blaster Pro, no speakers, headphones

Combination BNC/TP Network Card

104+ Keyboard, MS Mouse 2.0

MS Windows NT 4.0

Multi-Media Workstation

Intel 100MHz Pentium Processor

16MB EDO DRAM

256K Cache

1.2 GB 9-10ms EIDE Hard Drive

2MB DRAM/WRAM, 64-bit PCI Graphics Accelerator

3.5" Diskette Drive

17" .25-.26dp Monitor

Creative Labs Sound Blaster AWE32, Altec ACS-400 DSS Speaker System

4x EIDE CD-ROM Drive

Combination BNC/TP Network Card

104+ Keyboard, MS Mouse 2.0

MS Windows NT 4.0

Lab Serverstation

Intel 133MHz Pentium Processor

32MB EDO DRAM

256K Cache

2GB 8-9ms EIDE Hard Drive

2MB DRAM/WRAM, 64-bit PCI Graphics Accelerator

3.5" Diskette Drive

17" .25-.26dp Monitor

Creative Labs Sound Blaster Pro, Altec ACS-40 Speakers

4x Three-CD Changer

Combination BNC/TP PCI Network Card

104+ Keyboard, MS Mouse 2.0

2GB DAT Tape Backup

APC UPS

MS Windows NT Server 4.0

Peripheral Hardware

B&W Lab Printer: Hewlett Packard LaserJet 4M+

B&W Personal Printer: Hewlett Packard LaserJet 5L

Color Printer: Hewlett Packard DeskJet 1500C

Scanner: Hewlett Packard 4C Flatbed

Modem: US Robotics Sportster 28.8bps

Video: Desktop Color Video Camera

Lab Projection: LitePro 580 color LCD Multimedia Projector

SOFTWARE CONFIGURATIONS

Operating Systems

Workstation OS: Microsoft Windows NT4.0

Multi-Media OS: Microsoft Windows NT4.0

Serverstation OS: Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0

Information Systems

Office Suite: Corel Perfect Office Pro/ Microsoft Office Pro

Word Processor: Corel WordPerfect 7.0/ Microsoft Word 6.0

Spreadsheet: Corel Quattro Pro 6.0/ Microsoft Excel 5.0

Database: Borland Paradox 5.0/ Microsoft Access 5.0

Accounting: Intuit Quicken Deluxe 5/ Microsoft Money 2.0/ TurboTax

Reference Applications

Encyclopedia: Grolier=s Multi-Media Encyclopedia

Encyclopedia: Microsoft Encarta

Learning: Microsoft Musical Instruments

Multi-Media Applications

Desktop Publisher: Ventura Publisher 5.0/ Microsoft Publisher 2.0

Presentation Software: Corel Presentations/ Microsoft Powerpoint

Graphics Design: Adobe PhotoShop 3.0

Graphics Design: Fractal Design Painter 4.0

Illustration: Adobe Illustrator 4.1

Utilities: Classic Gallery Effects, Kai=s Power Tools

Internet Applications

Netscape Navigator 3.0 (Atlas)

Agent NewsReader 1.0

Eudora MailReader 1.52

WS-FTP 32

LView Pro 2.0

Paint shop Pro 3.12

NETWORK HARDWARE

Digital Equipment Corp. DECHUB90 (stand alone)

Digital Equipment Corp. DECRepeater 90T-16

Digital Equipment Corp. DECRepeater 90FA (stand alone)

Digital Equipment Corp. DECRepeater 90C (hub based)

STP 10Base-T Pair - Xft.

STP CAT 5, 8 Pair - Xft.

COAX 10BASE-2

4 pair, 24 gauge, plenum, STP CAT5

Thin Ethernet RG58/u

Fiber Optic Cable, 8 fiber, 62.5/125, no shield

ERGONOMIC/SAFETY SUPPLIES

Keyboard Wrist Rest

Mouse Pad with Wrist Pad

Static Guards

Safeskin Keyboard Protector

Computer Chairs

Appropriate Desks