School Computers – A Scarce Resource

Once again, this time on twitter, there has been a flutter around the subject of school computers.  In most Scottish schools the overwhelming majority of computers are concentrated in three departments and while as a computing teacher I used to enjoy having 20 computers in my room, with the increase in ICT in schools, there has to be a case for computers being available when needed.  That implies all departments being housed away from computer labs and booking them as required with a senior member of staff to hold the coats when there are disputes. There is also a case for a few laptops in every lab which are available for nearby classrooms when not needed by the department booked into the computer lab.

I know that Islay High School and Ian Stuart have made a very good case for a device for every pupil I do not honestly see that coming to fruition in the foreseeable future.  My solution however unsatisfactory in some respects is at least better than the status wo.