3.1.6 Hardware

The next step that we must take is to define the difference between hardware and software. Hardware is any physical component of the technology. Since we are going to discuss the possibilities of computer access for students, we should discuss some of the hardware involved.

In computers, things such as the monitor, keyboard, modem, disk drive, and central processor are hardware components. Computers in schools are offered in a variety of ways. More often than not they are offered through a lab environment. Per student computer access has gotten much better recently. The goal of most school systems is to get per student computer access to a ratio of less than 10 students per computer. That has not been realized by many school districts, but it is becoming more of a reasonable goal. With the pupil-to-computer ratio declining, will we ever get to a day when each student will have a computer at his or her desk? The answer to that question is difficult. It is possible that we could offer students computer access at their desk, but is that necessary or even desirable? It is highly unlikely that schools will ever get to the point were all work will be done on computers. That means that, if the computer is sitting on the desk of a student, during the time when it is not in use, it is simply in the way. Unless the desk is large enough to hold the computer and still have room for the student to work other ways, this is not a desirable option. That is not to say that it won't be in the future. Redesign of desks, classroom space, and computer technology itself can have drastic impacts on the ability of the schools to provide computer access at the desk.

One of the more innovative methods of providing computer access to students and faculty is through loan programs. These are programs in schools that allow students and teachers to "check out" computers just as they would a library book. The computer can be taken home over a weekend or in some instances over the length of the summer vacation.

	No Parrot Question
	Mr. Andrews teaches an advanced placement Computer Science course at Wilson High School. Most of his students are familiar with computers and want to pursue a career involving them once they graduate. There are a few students in his class that do not own a computer and cannot do their assignments anywhere other than school when the lab is opened. What could be done to prevent the students that do not have a computer from failing the course because of that disadvantage?	Answer Here