2 page Case Study - Posted 6/14/2007
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School Provides Pupils and Staff with Latest Software and Boosts Learning Potential
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If we are preparing children for the big wide world, we need to replicate that world by providing the latest equipment and software. |
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Richard Vasey, Head Teacher, Long Eaton School |
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Long Eaton is committed to investing in the latest IT as it aims to maintain its “outstanding” OFSTED rating. The school upgraded its technology cost-effectively through the Microsoft® School Agreement and implemented Windows Vista®, the 2007 Microsoft Office system, and Microsoft Office SharePoint® Server 2007. Now, staff and students have access to intuitive technology, while the IT team can fix problems without interrupting their daily activities.
Business Needs
To keep its “outstanding” rating from OFSTED, Long Eaton School near Derbyshire must maintain an exceptional standard of education for all of its students. When the school moved into a new, purpose-built site in February 2006, it decided to adopt the latest IT.
Richard Vasey, Head Teacher, Long Eaton School, says: “If we are preparing children for the big wide world, we need to replicate that world by providing the latest equipment and software.”
Five years ago, the school relied on limited hardware and networking technology and wanted to increase its ratio of computers to pupils. As a result, it committed to purchasing 100 PCs each year and an additional 200 more when it moved to the new premises.
By relocating the majority of its existing desktop and laptop computers and deleting the oldest stock, the school has given 1,300 pupils access to 470 PCs, the oldest of which is three years old. With up-to-date PCs for all of its students, Long Eaton School also ensures that all of its IT software and services are up-to-date.
Traditionally, the process of implementing and upgrading technology has been expensive. Long Eaton needed to find a means of introducing innovative technology to the school without stretching its budget.
Solution
Long Eaton School decided to take advantage of its Microsoft School Agreement. Alan Richards, Network Manager, Long Eaton School, says: “With the Microsoft School Agreement, we don’t have to go back to the governors to bid for more budget each time we want to implement an upgrade. All we do is download the latest version of the software we are licensed to use, and away we go.”
The IT team implemented Windows Vista, the 2007 Microsoft Office system, and Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 across the school’s infrastructure. Working with technology partner Teksys and using Windows® Deployment Services in Windows Vista, the team managed to deploy the new software in record time and with minimum disruption to students and staff.
Richards says: “We created two images—one for students and another for teachers, which included the software for the whiteboards—and used Windows Deployment Services to upgrade all the desktops and most of the laptops.
“Previously, we would have needed separate images for each hardware profile, which was extremely time-consuming and problematic. But, with Windows Vista, the process was straightforward. Of course, we did come across a few issues as we went along, but they were resolved by consulting Technet and provided a useful learning curve for the team.”
Benefits
The Microsoft School Agreement has helped Long Eaton School to introduce the latest technology to all its staff and pupils. This cost-effective approach to IT development ensures that the school can depend on a reliable and innovative infrastructure that reflects its “outstanding” OFSTED status. Richards says: “There were quite a few moans to begin with, but, if we took it away now, there would be an uproar!”
In addition:
- Staff and pupils are finding the 2007 Office system more intuitive.
- Students and staff can share information quickly and easily.
- Simplified administration helps the IT team fix problems more quickly, reducing downtime.
- Security features in Windows Vista provide elevated privileges within an application, speeding up problem-resolution in the classroom.
- Group Policies tool helps IT team set permissions for access to certain features.
- “Follow me” RICOH printing technology improves efficiency and reduces waste because printers only print if the user is there to collect it.
- Microsoft School Agreement simplifies the school’s upgrade process.
- Windows Deployment Services in Windows Vista accelerates deployment of new software.
- SmartArt and graphical tools in Microsoft Office PowerPoint® 2007 are popular with students, while the Say It gadget has impressed staff, who use it to quiet down classes.
Microsoft Office System
The Microsoft Office system is the business world’s chosen environment for information work, providing the programs, servers, and services that help you succeed by transforming information into impact.
For more information about the Microsoft Office system, go to: www.microsoft.com/office
Windows Vista
Windows Vista can help your organisation use information technology to gain a competitive advantage in today’s new world of work. Your people will be able to find and use information more effectively. You will be able to support your mobile work force with better access to shared data and collaboration tools. And your IT staff will have better tools and technologies to enhance corporate IT security, data protection, and more efficient deployment and management.
For more information about Windows Vista, go to: www.microsoft.com/windowsvista
© 2007 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. This case study is for informational purposes only. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, IN THIS SUMMARY.
