From March 23 Livonia Observer
"LPS board delays vote on computer replacement"
article

Guess they don't know Macs can run Windows, too, if need be. Best of both worlds, lower cost of ownership. Someone needs to set them straight!

FYI: I have spoken to Steve King in the past. Yesterday, at the request of Livonia parents, I provided him with some additional information. We'll see where it goes.

quote:

Guess they don't know Macs can run Windows, too, if need be. Best of both worlds, lower cost of ownership. Someone needs to set them straight!

I have very little idea what I'm talking about regarding teaching, Jamie, so I'll say it anyway.

Find out what the issues are for Livonia parents and school administrators.

A couple years ago, in Dearborn Public Schools, a shop teacher had to make a decision to go Windows or Mac. The DPS IT Department didn't give him any help - only money and responsibility. He blew it big time.

Since he couldn't get any internal help in the decision, he found a Company specializing in school networking. Unfortunately, their claims were highly exaggerated. Also unfortunately, I don't believe a written performance specification (which is the basis for a contract) was ever issued to the Company. The specification and contract phase of a project is very important, as it is the only legal "leg" you have to stand on when things don't work out.

To make a long story short, the shop teacher needed networking capability for a number of CAD stations, CAD software, and software that could "de-corrupt" or re-platform every CAD station every class period, but still retain student's CAD work. Windows was good at CAD, but bad at everything else, and the Company messed up the hardware installation as well.

The School Board needs to write a performance contract about what they expect, and I would also include penalty clauses for failure to perform. They may need to hire a technical writer, project manager, or contract specialist to help them through these issues. They need to vicariously look into a crystal ball to anticipate technical needs and forestall problems.

Good luck.

I think their big mistake was in deciding that the whole purchase had to be either one platform or the other. Macs are better for some situations and PC are better for others.

As far as the IT department goes, if any IT manager/Systems Admin is too lazy to learn one platform and favors another, that person just told me that they aren't a very good IT person.

I completely agree with Paul's statement above. With the advent of the Intel processor giving the user the ability to use BOTH Mac OS X and Windows on the same machine this should be a "no-brainer". However, School Districts typically go with the lowest bidder when it comes to purchases

Perhaps asking the School Board if they have ever played Solitaire/FreeCell/etc on their School District supplied computer would be an interesting question. Especially if they claim the kids need "real computers" for the "real world"

To update you on the situation...

A Livonia School Board member called this evening and wanted to discuss the situation. After about 20 minutes, he asked if I would be willing to speak at the school board meeting. Plans are for me to be on the agenda.

It appears that one particular school IT person will be speaking in support of using the PC bid. In our discussion, I was told that there will be a likelihood of heavy "Mac Bashing." It was also mentioned that the majority of teachers prefer Macs.

So, well documented feedback would be appreciated. I've presented to school boards and committees before, but I would not at all be surprised if you wonderful MacGroup experts came up with some salient points that I have missed.

If you prefer to email me directly, use drjdf at mac dot com.

I am hoping to get the specific proposals to review. That may create some questions that I can post here.

Thanks for your help,

Hoorah! Hooray!

While I am not wise enough to formulate any questions, as an interested Livonia resident I'll be at the Meetimg to provide moral support.

Many thanks, Jamie

Bll W.

You'll have to define the problem more, Jamie.

I cannot recommend anything, because I don't know what Livonia wants to do.

Have they WRITTEN DOWN what they want to do? Writing tends to make most people think more logically than simply spewing words that may or may not be relevant to the task at hand.

From what little I understand, the best solution you can give them at this time is to help them organize their project.

It may be the case that Windows is the best solution, but for that objective judgment to occur, some criteria for a judgment would need to be set forth. Where's that criteria? What do they hope to accomplish?

Generally, the steps toward a project include:

1. Writing a performance specification : what do you what to do? What is the scope of the project? Who will it include, and how long will it last?

2. Finding software solutions: What software best accomplishes the written specification? It probably involves some kind of value analysis, which includes not ONLY functionality, but costs. What costs? I don't know. There's first cost analysis, & life cycle cost analysis. Life cycle cost analysis probably includes some consideration of IT Department costs, maintenance, and if you're really astute, cost to users (students and faculty). The value analysis should probably include the cost of security for the various platforms.

3. Finding hardware solutions: What hardware best accomplishes the tasks specified in the specification? You might decide on a mixed hardware environment!

I am not speaking of any particular person with this next comment. Just standing up in front of a bunch of people saying its got to be Windows or Mac is a very high risk proposition. It's putting the cart before the horse.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Chuck M,

To say that there on many on this board that would be more than willing to help would be an understatement. What is it that you need?

It may be necessary to counter a concept that some people have that the Mac is a "toy." I ran into that in a casual conversation recently. With Apple promoting media-oriented use by "average folks" so much (photos, movies, etc), there seems to be some misperception about the depth of its' capabilities.

Maybe some MG members who use it for rather heavy, sophisticated work could provide ideas for Jamie.

And what about Security (capital "S" on purpose)?
http://www.forbes.com/2007/12/20/apple-army-hackers-tec...-cx_ag_1221army.html

What about all the times one sees someone on TV (various PBS programs, reports, etc., NOT referring to network programs) - Scientists, etc., with a Mac.

This is all anecdotal, but the "real world" nevertheless.

One more thought: Paul has an important point, and it makes sense.

Perhaps someone with pro-level experience on both platforms could offer ideas to Jamie, or even do a presentation that is more substantive than just "taking sides." Regardless of how one feels about preferring the Mac, someone who knows both might be more convincing than someone who is "Mac only."

quote:

Originally posted by Paul:
I think their big mistake was in deciding that the whole purchase had to be either one platform or the other. Macs are better for some situations and PC are better for others.

As far as the IT department goes, if any IT manager/Systems Admin is too lazy to learn one platform and favors another, that person just told me that they aren't a very good IT person.

OK, I can be as big an Apple booster as the next guy, but why would any "pro level" person - who gets paid to do just such presentations, either for his company or for others - do this (unless he lived in the school district perhaps)? Isn't that Apple's job to sell their stuff?

quote:

OK, I can be as big an Apple booster as the next guy, but why would any "pro level" person - who gets paid to do just such presentations, either for his company or for others - do this (unless he lived in the school district perhaps)? Isn't that Apple's job to sell their stuff?

I was thinking that too Jack, but they may have rules at this meeting that Vendors aren't allowed. I doubt Dell will be there either.

But I do agree with you and I wonder sometimes, why doesn't Apple put more effort into this??

In responds to some of your questions/comments in random order...

Chuck Reti, you were absolutely right, "Someone needs to set them straight!"

The Livonia Board does have rules and protocols in place for their meetings. These are being clarified for me.

Paul, Apple is willing to put forth whatever is needed or allowed within the board's protocols.

This morning Apple Education provided me with a multitude of information and resources.

This evening I had confirmation from Apple that they are arranging to have representatives to support me at Study Sessions and/or the Board meetings as needed. They are also providing a clarification of their official bid response. That may be as far as they are allowed to go as a vendor.

We are exploring many of the concerns and questions of the board, district and teachers as well as the needs and specifications desired.

Bill, thank you. Support from the local community is invaluable.

Chuck M, it may be that the original RFP (request for proposals) was not written as well as it could have been. However, we are approaching this in an objective manner, roughly similar to what you described.

Mary Jo, I am also a Windows user (don't spread it around) and the company I work with is officially considered a Microsoft Partner.

Jack, many people give of their time, energy and resources to help others in need and support the larger community. Everyone has their own reasons for doing things. I can't say enough about your efforts on behalf of the MacGroup community. It is people like you that make this world a better place.

Thank you all. I will continue keeping you as informed as I can.

Jamie,

If Apple is in deed doing all of that to help you guys out, that's great. If they are, they seem to have changed their ways from the past.

I'm a Systems Admin that works in a Mixed environment. I don't claim to have all the answers but I can help you with what I know.

Paul,

Thank you. You are correct, Apple's response to this situation is indeed different than in the past.

I have even had contact from the manager of field engineering, not just sales. Their support is much more responsive and comprehensive.

The Livonia schools are closed this week for spring recess. I hope to get more detailed information next week.

An "Apple Seminars Online" email that came today suggested ideas for promoting Macs to Education. It included a "Sci/Tech" group of seminars. (The one that caught my eye was "Labview," which my son uses to do corporate global software for testing for GM).

From the email:
Sci/Tech [^]

Introduction to LabVIEW
This seminar introduces you to the fundamentals of creating computer-based measurement and automation applications using the Mac and LabVIEW graphical programming.

Getting Started with OsiriX - Reviewing and Manipulating Diagnostic Medical Images
In this 32-minute, pre-recorded presentation, Dr. Joe Borelli takes you through the basic installation, set-up and use of OsiriX.

ChemDraw and BioDraw for Mac OS X: High productivity tools for chemists and biologists
Jeffrey P. Carter discusses tips on how to make optimal use of both ChemDraw and BioDraw, so you can spend more time on your core research efforts."

As I suggested previously, the more technical and scientific uses and capabilities of the Mac seem to get little publicity. Providing more samples & info along this line might go a long way toward convincing educators of its' power.

Just a thought.

Here is some updated information on the Livonia School situation.

There is a site for discussion where you can comment and you can see some of the concerns.
http://livonianeighbors.com/

More information here at the blog of a Board member: http://stevekingchronicles.blogspot.com/2008/03/it-dept...n-computer-bids.html

A meeting will be held on Monday, April 7th, at 7:00 p.m. in the Board of Education office, 15125 Farmington Rd., Livonia, MI

To speak, you will simply have to fill out a request form before 7:00 pm. You will have approximately three (3) minutes to make your points. If you would like to run your “talking” points by me, you can contact me via email (drjdf at mac dot com) and I can give you my phone number if you prefer.

If you have links to any good articles or articles or documentation that you can send me, it would be appreciated. “Handouts” can be presented.

The meeting tonught has been moved up to 6:30 PM.

Jamie I apologize.. I didn't even see the PM from you until tonight.

I REALLY wish that Personal Messages on this board were more noticeable. This isn't the first time this has burned me!