tkt8763-01: Donated computers

[Melanie Sanders <msanders@internet1.emcc.cc.ms.us>]

In reference to the pluses and minuses of donating to computers to
schools, I can see two sides.  First of all, if the donated computers
are the only computers/technology available to the students and
teachers, the equipment would be a God-send.  Also, this may be the only
opportunity for some students to learn the basic functions of the
computer such as how to operate a mouse, how to turn the computer on or
how to type.  Believe me, there are many people out there that have yet
to learn these skills!

On the flip side, accepting donated computers can also demoralize the
students if they believe that the school and community does not place
enough value on them to purchase even a few new computers. Secondly, the
computers are probably going to be out-dated and will need constant
repair which could be a problem if the school does not have a technology
specialist.  Finally, the school publics may not see the need for new
computers if the school has been given computers.  They believe that any
computer will suffice.

As far as choosing sides, I would say, do not accept donated computers.
This would hopefully force a change in the school budget and would serve
to justify to the State Department the need for more technology moneys.
The computers may in the end, be more trouble than they are worth.

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