The answer, provided by services and solutions provider, Computacenter, was LG's Network Monitor that uses virtual desktop software that enables 10 users to share a single host PC. The software transmits divided desktop screens from the host to each monitor, allowing pupils to run any application as if they were using individual PCs.
Using the Network Monitors, the school's teachers now have the ability to monitor each pupil's work from the host PC without needing to go to each individual computer. By easily switching between screens, they can also showcase a pupil's work to the entire class via an interactive whiteboard.
The cost of the installation of the complete system, including server, associated hardware/software, monitors, cables, keyboards, mice and installation service, amounts to approximately 60 per cent less than the implementation of 10 industry standard PCs.
Similarly, by implementing fewer PCs, energy consumption is significantly reduced, which feeds into Barry Island Primary School's environmental goals. A standard computer, for example, will use between 15 - 80 watts, but with Network Monitors this is reduced to between 1 - 5 watts, potentially lowering its annual energy costs by 80 per cent.
Due to the high achievements Barry Island Primary School has made in recent years, it is often called upon to share best practice and hosts regular visits from headteachers in the Glamorgan region to demonstrate its offerings. It has recently been assessed against the standards of the 2009 BECTA ICT Quality Mark and been recommended as a school of excellence, an acknowledgement for schools that approach ICT in an outstanding and innovative way, and its new offering will aide it in its bid to achieve this and fulfil its goal to become a centre of excellence.
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