Technical information
ICT in the science department 1606 © CLEAPSS 2005
An integrated approach to ICT is often described as ‘multimedia’. More schools have
adopted this approach in recent years, with varying levels of success. Those that have
benefited most have appreciated the following points.
• The whole system needs good management and maintenance to work well.
• Staff will need good and regular training to build their confidence.
• Reliable back-up and fall-back systems need to be in place if so much activity in
the department relies on the computer system.
• Redundancy is needed (eg, 20% more computer workstations than the minimum
required). Spare equipment should be readily accessible and easy to substitute
at short notice.
16.5.4 Types of computers and displays
There are pros and cons for each type of computer and display. Most science depart-
ments currently use traditional desktop or tower computers. However, a few prefer
laptop or other compact computers. Often just one or two laptops will be purchased for
fieldwork. In some schools, laptops are already standard (or subsidised) issue for each
member of the teaching staff. A few departments have chosen to purchase palmtops or
personal organisers. Advantages and disadvantages reported to CLEAPSS are summ-
arised in Table 16.1. Note that changing technology may date this section rapidly.
Table 16.1 Computers and their displays
Type of computer or
display
Advantages Disadvantages
Desktop or tower
computer
Usually best value for money for a
given performance.
Repair and upgrade is relatively
straightforward using standard parts,
often carried out by the school’s own
ICT technicians.
Extra connections, eg, for datalog-
gers and interfaces can be added
fairly easily and cheaply.
Spills over the separate keyboard
only involve keyboard cleaning/
cheap replacement.
Takes up quite a lot of space (but could
be kept in an under-bench cupboard with
good ventilation).
Needs separate display and keyboard.
Difficult to move outside the laboratory.
Desktop
CRT
1
display
Robust, cheap, fairly high resolution,
wide viewing angle.
Heavy. Inconvenient to move, takes up a
lot of space and heats the room.
1
CRT means Cathode Ray Tube, the traditional heavy, bulky, glass television display.