Any cost comparison can only be indicative and are as at 31 December 2005. It eventually depends on the quality and capability of the technology selected.

This comparison is based on the use of tier one ICT, in mid 2005, for use in a primary school setting. The pricing is in Australian dollars.

The desire is simply to demonstrate the relativities between the different approaches.

The comparison is made between:

• An interactive whiteboard deployment
• The use of six personal computers in a classroom
• A 26 station computer laboratory
• The use of six laptops on a trolley

In general terms a school can set up nine to ten IWB classrooms for the cost of one computer laboratory.

In each situation it is assumed that high-speed network access to the classroom has been provided. The number of outlets required in each situation has then to be added.

In each situation there is a costing of the core and the desired elements and an indication of the operational life of the technology if it will need to be replaced within five years.

In making the comparison we are very conscious that if the funding is available an ideal might be to couple several of the options.

All pricing is in Australian dollars.

An Interactive Whiteboard Deployment

The pricing is based on the use of a 70” quality board. Significantly cheaper options are available by opting for a smaller board. Note the general price of IWBs has continued to fall over the past year, particularly as more brands have become available.

Core

• 70” IWB ($2,500)

• IWB software (Free)

• Data projector ($1500 replace 3-4 years)

• Annual replacement of bulbs ($500)

• Desktop computer with monitor, CD and DVD play and burn facility ($1600 replace 3-4 years)

• MS Office ($200)

• Professional installation ($600)

• Power (invariably able to use existing power points)

• 1 x network point ($200)

• Ceiling mount ($400)

• Network maintenance ($560)

Desirables

• Scanner ($80)

• Digital camera ($220)

• Surround sound system ($200)

• VCR/DVD combo unit ($150)

Approximate cost $8000 - $9000

Approximate cost $6500 if you already have a desktop computer.

The Use of Six Personal Computers in a Classroom

Core

• 6 Desktop computers with monitor, operating system, stereo speakers and CD and DVD play and burn facility ($9,600 replace 3-4 years)

• 6 MS Office ($1200 upgrade 3-4 years)

• 6 Ergonomic chairs ($1200)

• 12 Power points in addition to existing power ($2400)

• Network printer ($800) replace 3-4 years)

• 6 Network points ($1200)

• Cabling ($90)

• Installation ($800)

• Network maintenance ($1680)

Desirables

• 3 Scanners ($240)

• Digital camera ($220)

• Data projector ($1500 replace 3-4 years)

• Annual replacement of bulbs ($500)

Approximate cost $19000 - $21000

A 26 Station Computer Laboratory

Core

• 26 Desktops with monitor, operating system, stereo speakers and CD and DVD play and burn facility ($41,600 replace 3-4 years)

• 26 MS Office ($5,200 upgrade 3-4 years)

• Data projector ($1500 replace 3-4 years)

• Annual replacement of bulbs ($500)

• 26 Ergonomic chairs ($5200)

• 26 Computer desks ($3200)

• 35 Power points in addition to existing power ($7000)

• Cabling ($390)

• Network printer ($800 replace 3-4 years)

• 26 Network points ($5200)

• Installation ($3000)

• Network maintenance ($7200)

Approximate cost $78,000 - $82,000

The Use of Six Laptops on a Trolley

Core

• 6 Laptops with 14” screen, operating system, stereo speakers and CD and DVD play facility ($13200 replace 3-4 years)

• 6 MS Office ($1200 upgrade 3-4 years)

• Laptop trolley ($800)

• Laptop recharge facility ($120)

• Network printer ($800 replace 3-4 years)

• Network connection ($1200 - $1400)

• Network maintenance ($1680)

Approximate cost $19000 - $20000

In very general terms if you reduce the number of computers to be maintained on a network five fold, the maintenance cost will drop five fold.