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LPS decides on Mac computers for online testing

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By MARGARET REIST / Lincoln Journal Star

Monday, Dec 01, 2008 - 12:47:26 am CST

In the ongoing debate that pits the Mac against the PC, the difference came down to $41, at least as far as Lincoln Public Schools is concerned.

That’s the difference between buying Macs and PCs and — perhaps surprisingly — the Macs are cheaper.

“I appreciate knowing that,” said Superintendent Susan Gourley. “I, too, thought it would be more cost-effective to go to PCs because it’s conventional wisdom.”

Story Photo
As Taylor Pierce (center) watches the large classroom projector screen, Erika Stabler (left) and Kimberly Padron try to follow instructions on their computers at McPhee Elementary on Tuesday. (Robert Becker)

But Mark Shepard, associate LPS superintendent for business affairs, said Apple offers substantial educational discounts and the district buys equipment such as computers through a state consortium that bids in large enough quantities to get better prices.

A task force composed of Lincoln Board of Education members and community representatives researched computer issues at the request of district officials, who are in the market for some new technology.

The district budgeted $1 million for student computers that will be used for statewide online testing, among other things. It budgeted another $703,990 to replace teachers’ computers.

Walter Weir, chief information officer at the University of Nebraska and co-chairman of the committee, said the task force was mindful of the public perception that PCs are cheaper than Macs.

“We were sensitive to the fact that people go to Best Buy and say, ‘Look how much cheaper a PC is from a Mac,’” he said. “But the difference is between the institutional price and (retail).”

The task force considered total costs of both systems, including  purchase price, repair and maintenance.

Based on specifications for laptops provided by LPS, the task force found the total cost of  a Mac is $958, compared with $989 for a PC.

Task force members also concluded it was more cost-effective for the district to continue using both PCs and Macs rather than switching to a single format.

About 70 percent of the district’s 11,500 computers are Macs.

To switch to an all-PC format  would cost $8.9 million, the task force found. Changing to an all-Mac system would cost $2.4 million.

Most elementary and middle schools use Macs, but some high school classes use programs made only for PCs.

The district plans to buy as many Mac laptops as possible for students, with the idea that it will create “mobile labs” that classroom teachers can check out. Mobile labs are carts with laptops plugged into them that move from room to room.

Which schools get the computers and how many they get will depend on what’s necessary to make sure each school is equipped for online testing.

A new law requires statewide tests, and the state Department of Education hopes to pilot the online testing in March. LPS wants to be a part of that.

Most of the new computers will go to elementary schools, which now each have one computer lab, Kirk Langer, LPS director of technology, said.

The ratio of students to computers is 7 to 1 in elementary schools, 3.6 to 1 in middle schools and 3 to 1 in high schools, said Marilyn Moore, associate superintendent for instruction.

Elementary students in most schools have a computer class, which means the labs wouldn’t be available for testing, Langer said.

But the district is still trying to figure out how many computers each school will need for online testing. There’s a number of factors to consider, Langer said, including the population of the school.

Also, some schools, such as Maxey Elementary, have mobile labs purchased by their parent-teacher organizations.

District officials have said the impetus for buying the new computers is online testing, but the district wants students to be able to use the computers for schoolwork, too. 

“I wouldn’t characterize (online testing) as the most important from a student learning standpoint,” Langer said. “But it’s a base need.”

The district also will spend $700,000 to replace teacher computers.

Now, each classroom is assigned one, but many are 6 to 9 years old and not able to handle grading and assessment requirements, Moore said.

Four years ago, teachers could put money toward computers through an LPS program, and 524 of them did. Many others, Moore said, have bought them with their own money.

The district likely will decide who gets new laptops based on who has the least access to computers and whose are the oldest, Moore said.

As for the student computers, district officials will move quickly. They have a number of logistical considerations, including how to make sure the laptops are charged and that wireless connections will be sufficient to handle the number of people who will use the network during testing.

“We know what we’re up against,” Langer said. “We definitely can get it done.”

But that doesn’t mean doing so by March — when the state wants to pilot online testing — will be easy.

“I feel a little bit like Tom

Hanks in ‘Apollo 13,’” Langer said. “The earth’s getting pretty big in the window.”

Reach Margaret Reist at 473-7226 or mreist@journalstar.com.


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Shawn Peirce wrote on December 1, 2008 1:42 am:
" Nice choice, LPS. You finally did something right. Of course, I'm sure we'll have more than a few ignorant PeeCee supporters post here, trying to scream something about "Well, ALL businesses use Windows..." FACT: No, they don't. In fact, both OS X (the Mac Operating system) and customized versions of Linux/Unix have continued to become increasingly popular in business environments of all kinds - often because of the lower cost of support vs. Windows. Of course, there's always the fact the Macs can run Windows on them in many various ways -- but Windows STILL can't run Mac software. And since so much educational and educational management software is made for Macs, this decision continues to make sense, both from a technical standpoint, and a fiscal one. I don't often says this, but nice job LPS. "

 weliveheretoo wrote on December 1, 2008 4:00 am:
" beings i'm a maccy myself, as are all my children, as were their schools..i give a hooray for LPS to "think different" and continue using Apple "

 STF wrote on December 1, 2008 7:08 am:
" But it is a FACT that most businesses use PC's (and all software writes for windows, not necessarily for MAC). The kids will have to learn both if they want to compete in the real world. "

 Pffft wrote on December 1, 2008 8:48 am:
" What is there to learn about using a PC? Other than learning to sit there forever waiting for it to do anything before it freezes up? "

 John wrote on December 1, 2008 9:07 am:
" Here we go again! Guess which one has more software available and for lesser costs. Guess which one has more value when LPS wants sell and upgrade down the road. Congratulation taxpayers. Check your property taxes and see where the money goes. "

 Reggie wrote on December 1, 2008 9:23 am:
" Macs are less likely to need repairs. Good choice LPS. "

 Mac is the right choice wrote on December 1, 2008 9:25 am:
" I agree with the decision to go with Macs. They don't have all the quirks that PCs have. And I wouldn't even want to think about maintaining the Vista OS on all of these testing PCs. Ouch!!!!! But I still wonder how LPS will keep track of these. I am always reading about laptop thefts in the police blotter. "

 Eric wrote on December 1, 2008 9:36 am:
" If you want kids to be learning what they'll be using in the job market in 10 years, better buy them an iPhone now. The days of the keyboard and monitor sitting on your desk or laptop are on their way out the door. "

 Im a PC wrote on December 1, 2008 9:52 am:
" Mac's make up less than 5% of all PCs. In the business world the percentage is signifactly less. Linux doesn't even register. In elementary and middle school the type of PC is mostly irrelevant. But in high school we should be educating the students on the systems they will use in the real world. The real world runs on Windows. "

 Im a PC2 wrote on December 1, 2008 10:36 am:
" Pfft...have you used Vista? We spend less time maintaining Vista than we do the Macs that require no maintenance. And yes there are approximately 4 Macs and 700 Pcs. "

 Dak wrote on December 1, 2008 10:39 am:
" I think this is going to confuse a lot of kids. My experience in the business world as a Network Administrator shows that the PC is the mainstream system of the business world, not the Mac.

Yes, I have supported the Mac in the business world, and it was a learning curve for me when it came to networking that Mac. There is an increase in Mac use in the business world, but walk into any major office and notice what you see. It ain't Mac, it's a PC>

The arguement has been made that OS X has brought more Macs into the business world. And it can run Windows too! But does that mean it is far better than a PC?

Let's remember, what LPS used to decide the deal; the price tag. Yeah, cheap Mac's look good on paper. So did that $1000 Corvette I bought three weeks ago. It was great, until the transmission fell out of it.

I wonder what is going to fall out of the Macs? LOL "

 Guillermo wrote on December 1, 2008 10:40 am:
" It really doesn't matter whether it is Mac or PC. Ten years from now, the technology landscape will look completely different than it does today. With the recession, we will enter another technology renaissance led by inventors working out of their garages, just like in 1983 and just like in 1992. The 1983 recession brought us the personal computer/macintosh and the 1992 recession brought us the internet and e-commerce. "

 Hey Zealots wrote on December 1, 2008 10:45 am:
" Computer platforms are not sports teams. Rooting for one and ridiculing the other isn't productive. The car kids use for Driver's Ed may or may not be the same make they'll have for their own, but the point is learning how to drive - not becoming a brand slave. At least LPS chose the cheaper bid. "

 Arch Kearney wrote on December 1, 2008 10:59 am:
" "The real world runs on Windows" says Ima PC. Is the real world running on Vista? Operating systems change and will continue to change. Get the best machine for the best money. Teach kids the basics of computer programming and let the future take its course. The Mac choice made good business and academic sense. "

 Mike the Realist wrote on December 1, 2008 11:00 am:
" I have owned four Macs in the last 15 years, and in each case I bought an upgraded model to get the faster processor, more memory, etc. Conversely, my mother has owned twice as many PC's during that same time, and in each and every instance she has been FORCED to buy a new computer because the one she had suffered from viruses, bad hardware or shoddy operating software. Kids don't have time to deal with crappy operating systems or faulty hardware...which is why Macs are the CLEAR superior computer. The world may run on Windows...but look at the state the world is in these days. Coincidence? I think not... "

 Real world does not apply to LPS wrote on December 1, 2008 11:00 am:
" MAC's do not cut it in the real world, They are only used in the Art community and schools. They are toys at best, but they are cheap for schools (Apple gives them away hoping school kids will never get hooked on them). "

 Alan wrote on December 1, 2008 11:04 am:
" I really don't care what type of computers they buy. Could they please stop leaving them lying around to be stolen every time there is a holiday? "

 Brian wrote on December 1, 2008 11:20 am:
" Windows based machines are more cheaply made, break down at at least 3x the rate of Macs and are incredibly more prone to infection by viruses, trojans and worms. Macs also come standard with a lot of software that you need to buy for a windows based machine. If worse comes to worse and you have to run Windows...you can on a Mac. In the long run, a Mac is a much more reliable and effective machine.

Just because 'most' businesses use Windows based PCs, doesn't mean they're the best. The stories of problems with Windows based PCs goes on and on and on. "

 by wrote on December 1, 2008 11:42 am:
" Doo ou realize that you can run PC programs on Macs, but you cannot run Mac programs on PC's? "

 Kevin wrote on December 1, 2008 11:56 am:
" I'm glad to know that homework was done, but the question I have that has gone unanswered is "How long are we looking to keep these computers before they are all replaced?" If the span is 5 years or more, then nearly $1,000 per computer is a good deal. If we're looking at 3 or less, then I'm not sure we're necessarily being good stewards. "

 Good choice wrote on December 1, 2008 12:08 pm:
" I have both a Mac and a Dell. I haven't touched the Dell since I got the Mac in March. There is no comparison. Macs are great computers and there isn't a lack of good software for them contrary to popular belief. "

 Buddha wrote on December 1, 2008 12:39 pm:
" Interesting that they will be exposing these kids to Macs, but lessening their exposure to PC's. I pity these kids when they get into college, because the Blackboard and Angel platforms that the colleges use for grading, homework, and posting of class assignments work mostly on PC's and are for the most part incompatible with Mac's. If you don't believe me, ask the students in my class who tried to open my PowerPoints on their Mac's during class, and ended up having to watch me bring them up on the big screen because they couldn't. "

 Confused wrote on December 1, 2008 12:42 pm:
" I'm wondering why LPS has to pay so much for these laptops. For $989, you can find a really good PC laptop in the retail market. I bought one for grad school last year for far less than that price. What kind of specs does LPS want? I can only think that they plan to lock in to these computers for the next five to ten years. I could find amply supplied PC laptops--dual core processor, large hard drive, 2+ GB's of RAM--in the retail market for half this price. Wouldn't it be a better strategy to buy a cheaper type of laptop for around $300-$400 (discounted price) and keep it for 3-4 years and then buy new laptops which in 3-4 years will be far more powerful and capable? In 3-4 years these $989 laptops will probably be $400 laptops. I'm sorry, but in ten years these computers (Mac or PC) will be basically worthless. "

 Yup wrote on December 1, 2008 1:05 pm:
" Most savy computer owners have a good anti-virus program that stops virus. And if you do get a virus, you can clean it up, or at worst, wipe the PC clean and re-install from your CD's. I've never had to throw away a PC because I had a virus, or shoddy operating system. "

 Pffft wrote on December 1, 2008 1:10 pm:
" I have run Vista and it's a joke.

The point is that kids today grow up with technology from the moment they leave the womb. It doesn't matter what they use in school. They'll pick up whatever they need to learn on the job in five seconds or less. It's only the current workforce that freaks out if they have to switch from Mac to PC or vice-versa. "

 Humm wrote on December 1, 2008 1:26 pm:
" I have an out of state friend that has a Mac and it needed repared and
couldn't find anyone in their home state and came here and couldn't find
anyone here in Lincoln to work on it either. A computer friend in another
state that is a computer executive at his banking company and sets up and
works on gobs of different businesses computers and says you won't find
any Mac's in his big city and state. Sometimes cheaper isn't always the
best policy!!! "

 That is a classic wrote on December 1, 2008 1:29 pm:
" The world is in terrible shape because it's using PCs instead of MACs! Oh that is truly a classic I've never heard before!

I can't imagine someone owning 8 PCs within 15 years. Kinda like having to buy a new car because you forgot to change the oil! Don't blame the hardware...blame the owner. Three of my PCs are over 8 years old and with a few upgrades they're running fine.

There's a reason why most businesses don't use MAC toys, but thanks for the laugh!! "

 Robert KIlts wrote on December 1, 2008 2:14 pm:
" Please don't forget that with only the cost of a facility license for Windows, intel-based Macintosh computers are fully capable of running windows under boot camp. I run ArcGIS 9.2 on my Macbook (not pro) without a problem. "

 Blah wrote on December 1, 2008 2:42 pm:
" Oh great, they bought thousand dollar elegant looking toys instead of real computers. Wonder if they will make the same mistake again in 2.5 years when these Macs don't work anymore. "

 Nina wrote on December 1, 2008 2:48 pm:
" Typically, Macs are used by educators and graphic arts people, notably, and most others use PCs. As an accountant who works for a graphic arts/marketing firm, I have a Mac on one end of my desk and a PC on the other. Since I easily learned to use both as a senior citizen, I suspect today's techno-savvy kids can do the same, only even more easily. No problem - don't sweat the small stuff! "

 Teacher wrote on December 1, 2008 3:09 pm:
" As a former LPS student and current Computer Science teacher, I am glad to see that LPS has stuck with Macs. I use PCs at the school where I work and while the day-to-day tasks are the same, I am suprised by the lack of experience students have with Macs. Schools should expose students to a wide range of experiences and products, LPS is doing that. "

 Gerard Harbison wrote on December 1, 2008 4:36 pm:
" "I pity these kids when they get into college, because the Blackboard and Angel platforms that the colleges use for grading, homework, and posting of class assignments work mostly on PC's and are for the most part incompatible with Mac's."

Nonsense. I use Blackboard here at UNL on a Mac. You access Blackboard via a web browser; the platform doesn't matter.

In my experience, it's harder to find Mac repairers, because Macs have better hardware and break down less often. I have a vintage 1990 Mac IIfx in my office that still runs as a web/mail server. Guys who know how to fix Macs are like the Maytag repairman. But if it does break, you can just ship it back to Apple. "

 CS wrote on December 1, 2008 6:23 pm:
" Blackboard is web based. I accessed it just fine at Doane. "

 Mac fan wrote on December 1, 2008 6:26 pm:
" I'm an old lady. I've use a Dell at my job and a Mac at home and I don't have any problems switching between the two. If I don't have any problems, I would assume our techno savy students wouldn't have problems either. I would take my Mac anytime over my Dell. By the way, Computer Hardware (just north of the old Hyvee on 70th & O services Mac. Yes I had to take my Mac in when I dropped a glass of water on it. (Don't think any computer would survive that!) "

 Hello India wrote on December 1, 2008 7:41 pm:
" I have a Mac and I have a Dell. My Dell has a problem and I spent 2 1/2 hours of pure frustration trying to understand some guy from India. On the other hand, I've had no problems with my Mac, however, I have called Mac from time to time for little things and those people in Canada can at least speak English and they are extremely nice and helpful. Time is money...who wants to spend their time talking to someone in India that they can't understand???? "

 I support both wrote on December 1, 2008 9:49 pm:
" I support both mac's and PC's, so I am probably the only unbiased person on this site. If maintained properly both systems will work fine. The problem with most school environments is ‘Kids will be kids’ since macs have less flexibility and limited software it is much harder to have problems, the drawback is they are more expensive to fix. Since PCs are more popular and more powerful and have many more options to “tinker with” it is much easer to screw them up. Either way if the system is well maintained both will do great, BUT I think this is a great example of LPS missing the point. If they would have consulted with even a moderately skilled computer expert they could have accomplished the same benefit using a thin client (http://www.wyse.com/thincomputing/) for a fraction of the cost. "

 andy wrote on December 1, 2008 11:14 pm:
" I do not care about either mac or pc. I say that computers should not be used at all in school until after high school. Schools are supposed to educate, not indoctrinate or expose children to different technology. America's era of highest literacy was in colonial times. No technology can take the place of dedicated teachers, a proper curriculum, dedicated parents, and strict academic standards. None of which require any technology beyond books, paper, a few charts and maps, a blackboard, and some desks. Crowing about how wonderful it is to have all these neato wizbang gadgets is puting the cart before the horse. Technology is not the answer. Computers do not benefit our childrens education. Technology allows the illusion of education while hiding the sad reality. The reality is that fewer high school graduates can read, write, or even think properly. Most of them have very little history, civics, critical thinking skills and the ability to learn. What they do have is the ability to use computers, palm devices, games, and chatting skills. We already have too much of that. We need clear thinking, solid individuals with the brain power of our forefathers so our nation can survive in an increasingly competitive world. We need graduates that are capable of holding a thought in their heads longer than the average television commercial. Please think about where our education systems are heading and teach your children well! "

 Im A PC wrote on December 2, 2008 8:55 am:
" For those that think Mac's are virus free perfect systems Apple is now recommending that anti-virus software be used on Macs. From Apple support; "Apple encourages the widespread use of multiple antivirus utilities so that virus programmers have more than one application to circumvent, thus making the whole virus writing process more difficult." Macs have hit another milestone, there are now enough of them for virus writers to start attacking them. Have fun! "

 WhyBother wrote on December 2, 2008 8:57 am:
" Why even bother with a PC or MAC? All you need is a thin client PC with no HD, just a browser. The world has already shifted to browser based applications and is starting to explore cloud computing (see http://www.cherrypal.com/). Soon everything will be be done over the web, and stored at places like Google, with minimal hardware and software required. I bet the LPS testing application runs in a browser. "

 Lindsay wrote on December 2, 2008 9:04 am:
" Seriously, I don't think that kids are that dumb that they have to only be exposed to PC's to be able to make it in the business world after college. When I was in college I had an arts class in which we used Macs...a system I had little exposure with and I figured out how to run the thing within an hour. "

 Sam I am wrote on December 2, 2008 9:04 am:
" Andy - you hit it right on the head. Ask any school kid past the fourth grade to calculate a square root of a number to the nearest 1000ths . . . and they will look at you with a completely dumb look. I am older, and was taught to calculate square roots on paper in the fourth grade. Not even using a slide rule, which I learned in high school.

Technology is crutch. I own a computer company, and design hardware (PCBs) and write software for the Department of Defense. I cannot count the number of times we get new "kids" in that don't know the basics of math, and we have to "retrain" them with principles that should have been taught in elementary school. "

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