Here is the Hit on the responses I received concerning how to track computer
usage and manage student use of computers using student Ids. I am doing it
in Two parts as there were a lot of details in some of the responses. Very
interesting responses - Thanks to all , I am compiling them in a report I am
making to my principal as we are going to re-do all the computers ( AGAIN!)
and install an NT server. I want to be able to have students have
individual log-ons and I have to track usage because of a 5-year Technology
Improvement Study we are doing.
--------------------------------
I am not familiar with the NT server parameters as we use Mac servers.
However, all the servers we have had allow you to run a report that shows
usage. I run the report once a week and it will tell me who logged into
which computer, how long they were on the computer, what software they used,
and how many pages they printed to which printer. I import the log into
Excel and then can manipulate it almost any way I want to. If your server
does not have this capability, there is a software company called Netopia (I
talked to their sales rep at Schoolnet) that has software that does some
similar things. Their Customer Service number is 800-814-5000.
I would make sure that whoever is doing the loading of student accounts is
accessible easily to add new students, change log in ability (all students
won't get their Acceptable Use Policy turned in on time). Make sure you
have a master password that will access any account when the students forget
their passwords. We only enable logins for individual students after they
have turned in their Acceptable Use Policy. If your login ability is going
to be tied to having their IDs, there is an option we used to use. I got
some clear book pockets with adhesive backing and attached them to the
computers. The students had to display their ID in the pocket to be sitting
at the computer.
--------------------------
We also have the students using their own personal log ins. We have pretty
much moved beyond NT now.
The Big Brother aspect of the system tracks usage. Last person logged in
will show up in the sign in box, so we can see who used it last without
calling the tech guys to look at usage. We do require the students to log
into the drop in lab on a sign up sheet. so that we can show how much that
service is being used.
------------------------
The system can be set up so that the student ID is the log in. Also a
logbook with date, name, time in/out, computer # (label them 1-10)will track
who was physically in the lab.
------------------------
I still have my computers logged on to a generic ID because it allows
access to some programs that I have only available in the library.
Additionally, login and logout time is a pain, if you have a number of kids
who need the computers in a single period.
To track usage, I have kids "check out" a computer before using it. I
have laminated computer passes numbered to correspond to each
computer in my library. When a student wants to use a computer, he has
to stop at the circ desk first and ask for a computer pass. I also use our
library automation system to monitor who has signed AUPs on file or not.
If the student doesn't have his AUP turned in, the pass will not check out
to
him, much the way a reference book won't go out to a student, but will to a
teacher. Once issued the pass, the student uses THAT computer only,
and puts the pass on the "dashboard." That way staff can tell at a glance
who is legally on a computer, and if someone isn't. When the student is
done, he drops the pass off at the desk, and it is checked in. I use those
passes to monitor usage.
One unanticipated advantage of my pass system is that I can also use
them to seat kids as I wish. If two trouble buddies ask for computer
passes, one of them will just happen to get pass #2, and the other one will
get pass #10, separating them widely. Or someone I want to keep an eye
on will just happen to get the computer closest to the desk.
Good luck figuring out a system that works for you!
--------------
I've done it both ways. I created a sign in sheet for each individual
computer. We got Macintosh ibooks, laptop ones. I then barcoded each one
and
now check them out to every student that uses them. I was able to make the
due date 2 hours, we are on the block system and each block is 1 1/2 hours.
If you have regular monitors, barcode each one and keep a list at the desk,
computer #1 is barcode 44823. You could create a duplicate barcode and put
it
on a list and be able to scan it, but typing it in isn't too difficult. Hope
this helps!
---------------------
I don't have a system like yours but I do know that some servers can locate
vandalism problems via the student logins. I would check with your network
administrator to see if there is something that can easily be done to
compile the statistics for you.
I also use a check-in paper system but I do know that some systems actually
create a record for each computer and check it out to, and then check it in
from, the student's library barcode number.
-------------------
In the high school the students must take keyboarding. At that time they
are assigned a user name. We use fs (Fairfield Schools) last name first
initial year of graduation (04, etc). Each student has a folder on the
server and can save all materials to server (except bit maps). I would
suppose from that a useage count could be generated
------------------
Toni Koontz
akoontz@cdeducation.org
Media Specialist
St. Charles Preparatory
www.cdeducation.org
Columbus Ohio
Carpe Diem
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