Author Archives: TechnoLaurie

TechnoLaurie

About TechnoLaurie

Laurie Gerard, Research and Development - Laurie Gerard is responsible for the research and development center at John Knox Christian School (JKCS). Many years ago, TechnoKids Inc. formed a partnership with the school community to have teachers test our instructional materials. This relationship ensures that the projects are developmentally appropriate, meaningful to students, integrate into the curriculum, and have clear instructions. Laurie works with the staff and students at JKCS to help them operate their technology program. Her duties include curriculum support, computer lab maintenance, and upkeep of the network and server. As a key member of the Information Technology Committee at the school she provides advice regarding the technology program. Her devotion to the school community and their technology program makes her an invaluable member to our team. Laurie's contribution to the blog includes entries about the challenges of integrating technology in a school environment. The technical issues she overcomes related to hardware, software, and networking will be passed on to you in the form of practical strategies. In addition, she writes about the real-world problems faced by a school as they struggle to offer a quality technology program with a limited budget.

Don’t Throw it Out! Salvage Parts to Repair Computer Equipment

Don’t throw it out! You can extend your IT budget by salvaging components from old computers. These parts can be used to repair other equipment, saving you from having to make a new purchase. I regularly repair computers using hardware … Continue reading

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Computer Donation Checklist

Computer donations are a great way to extend the IT budget at our school. However, there are hidden costs to the free equipment. For example, the time it takes to get them classroom ready and the agony of trying to … Continue reading

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The Hidden Cost of Computer Donations

Another Donation! We are very fortunate to have a community that thinks about us when their offices are getting new equipment. Often parents of students at the school will convince their workplace to donate unwanted computer hardware to the school. … Continue reading

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The Latest Computer Equipment is Not Required

You don’t need to have the latest equipment to have the greatest technology program. It is how you integrate technology into curriculum that enhances learning and improves teaching practice. Not the size of the hard drive. Our school does not … Continue reading

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Old Technology is Good Technology

Donations Welcome! Are you looking to get rid of your old computer, laptop, or monitor? Before you dump it in the trash, consider a local school in your neighborhood. Many private schools are happy to accept your donations. I know … Continue reading

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A COW or Computer on Wheels Transforms Learning

Since we introduced a COW or Computer on Wheels at our school, education has improved. It has transformed teaching practice and enhanced student learning. If you are looking for an inexpensive technology tool that your entire staff can use then … Continue reading

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A COW at School? Computer on Wheels are a Great Investment

It’s a computer! It’s a projector! No, it’s a COW!! No, we are not a rural school that has brought livestock into the classroom. Nor have we adopted a barnyard pet. Instead, our school uses a COW or Computer on … Continue reading

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Computer Donations and Recycling Old Computer Equipment

A monitor donation! Thank you very much! Our school just received a computer donation from a local company who is updating their equipment. We now have 20 (gently used) 17″ flat panel monitors. The equipment is clean, in great working … Continue reading

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Technology Gremlins Do Not Take a Vacation

It was quite nice to have two entire weeks off – no early morning alarm clocks, no traffic, and most importantly, no work! However, as I was soon to learn, there is a major price to pay for that break. … Continue reading

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Resizing Images Without Losing Quality

Have you ever spent hours on a document making sure the layout was just right only to have it rejected by your ISP when you try to email it to a coworker because the file size is too large? Or … Continue reading

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