LM_NET: Library Media Networking
Several people asked for a hit. This is the first time I havve done one, I
hope it is of some help!
The information I got was a great help to me, at least I
now know what to tell my administration I need. When/if they ask. Thank
you all, sometimes just knowing that there are others who understand the
job is a tremedous help.
Thank you,
Cindy
. I wonder if location is a big factor in many of these cases. I have
heavily edited these
messages so any errors are completly my fault.
****This school’s experience seems to be typical
“We have 5 Zap computers in the library. They have had their days of not
working- but
for the most part we have had a good experience with them. I didn't get any
"training" I
have had a couple of correspondences with main office - but very little
information -
nothing I would consider training. Just some written instructions.
Students file on-line to use the program give name & age to receive a
password.
The computers seem fairly fast - we have a wonderful printer with them.
The machines we have do not have CD-ROMs with them - so they are limited .
******A Rural Mississippi Library
“we have 15 ZapMe computers in our library. No one trains anyone. They
furnish you
with a manual and leave it up to you.
Everyone in our school has access to the ZapMe computers. When classes come
to the library, they use them to search on the Internet and also to "word
process." The only problem we have had is the entry screen where students
sign in or register. Some of them never can remember who they registered
as...
Tech Support has helped us out - that is, after we were able to dial an
888 number from
the library phone. We previously could only dial 800 numbers!
We have discovered if you re-boot each computer each A.M. before
school, the ZapMe computers are more likely to run correctly without
problems.
**********From a Texas Library
“My first knowledge of the ZapMe computers came when the installers asked me
where to put the satellite dish. Before that I had never heard of ZapMe and
had no idea it was coming into my library. The computers are still not
installed (even though today is the deadline) so I have no further useful
information. You might want to check their website (www.zapme.com).
********From a Tennessee School Library.
“The Clarksville schools were given training for one day during last
summer. The trainer was excellent and talked a lot about curriculum and web
sites. She was furnished by the ZAPME people. When we began, each student was
supposed to register (get email address and password). This year the
registration thing
had "issues" and never worked.
The students just go straight through to the screen.
No parent involvement. Don't think the students gave addresses when they
did sign on.
When you have trouble, you call your tech people and they help. If it is a
hardware problem, they will send people to help. I had lots of trouble
until Christmas, but hardly any problems since that time. We have 5 in our
library because we have no more outlets, current, or space! The ZAPME's are
PC's and very fast. You need to have a telephone near the computers so that
when you
have tech issues, you can talk and "fix" at the same time. I really am
happy with ours.
They come with an excellent printer. You are responsible for paper and toner.
**********From a TEXAS highschool library
When our district implemented Zapme labs in the fall, Zapme sent trainers from
California for a half day session to train the personnel in the various
schools
who would be responsible for the lab. The trainer was a teacher who works for
Zapme and helps develop the Internet Educational links and advises the company
on curriculum.
At present, Zapme has no information about our students. There is no
individual
registration. We are not logging on, just using the Internet and not the mail
program. When we have logged on, minimal information from the student is
required. No names at all.
No students receive anything in the mail. We have been given CD-Roms recently
which we can give away.
Must students give their names and addresses? No
Do parents sign a release? No
The Zapme technology is ok. There are problems from time to time as we have
with other computers that we have bought ourselves. They send someone to fix
it when technical support cannot walk you through a solution. The turnaround
time is good.
********A pennsylvania school.
I have 15 ZapMe! computers on the main floor of the library. Zapme! sets
them up, services them and they are left on 24 hrs. a day. The company has
the ability to call in at night to trouble shoot if we have a problem. The
Co. had definite guidelines as to computer placement and closeness to the
satellite. I am responsible for paper, ink cartridges and our phone lines.
No other software may be installed (it does include Word, etc.) I have had
no training. The students logon and register the first time. I have asked
that the students not use their last names as a logon (other schools in our
district are using last name-1st initial). The only information needed is
sex, birthdate, logon and password. Our parents must sign an Acceptable Use
Policy before any student accesses the Internet, so there is not a separate
one for zapme. When they work, they are terrific and a real asset,
unfortunately they don't always work and they can be down for days at a
time. If all 15 are being used at the same time, they are incredibly slow
and the students do become frustrated.
Cynthia F. Smith
Library/Media Specialist
#################################
Rhea Central Library
1005 Delaware Ave
Dayton, TN 37321
smithcx@ten-nash.ten.k12.tn.us
#################################
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