{"id":311,"date":"2009-07-14T11:23:38","date_gmt":"2009-07-14T15:23:38","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/edutechdebate.org\/?p=311"},"modified":"2012-09-27T10:37:35","modified_gmt":"2012-09-27T14:37:35","slug":"increased-computing-saturation-requires-cost-effective-solutions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/edutechdebate.org\/individal-and-communal-computer-usage\/increased-computing-saturation-requires-cost-effective-solutions\/","title":{"rendered":"Increased Computing Saturation Requires Cost Effective Solutions"},"content":{"rendered":"

In Walter Bender’s previous post, For Real Learning, Mobility and Saturation Matter<\/a>, one of his concluding statements was: <\/p>\n

“I echo Dukker in being supportive of whatever means we can deploy to get great software into the hands of children, inexpensively.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

I completely agree. Shared computing vs. 1:1 is a false dichotomy. Is it better for every student to have a computer at their fingers at school and at home? Absolutely. But pushing 1:1 as the short-term objective vs. long-term goal sets up unrealistic expectations with schools and governments that just don’t have the funding. <\/p>\n

Is increased saturation of computing devices better?<\/b> <\/p>\n

Yes, but that can only happen with ultra-low cost solutions. Mr. Bender commented that he would leave the math to me, so let me provide a few tools and references (there are many available). <\/p>\n

Vitalwave Consulting<\/a>, a research firm that specializes in information and communications technology (ICT) in emerging markets, produced a report titled Affordable Computing for Schools in Developing Countries: A Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Model for Education Officials<\/a> that compared TCO for various platforms. Below is a summary:<\/p>\n\"Source:<\/a>\n

The key is the Total TCO<\/b>, which ranges from $2.6K to $2.9K per seat over 5 years. This dwarfs the acquisition price of $285 to $750. That is why many have criticized Nicholas Negroponte’s infamous target of a $100 laptop as unrealistic and misleading.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, alternative computing models, such as virtual desktops were left out of the report. According to a Vitalwave source, they included NComputing in the initial analysis but the sponsor of the report asked to keep these results hidden. <\/p>\n

NComputing also has a comprehensive TCO Calculator (.xls file)<\/a>. It shows: <\/p>\n