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Build A Computer Lab
GOING ON A
MISSION TRIP?
BRING A GIFT!
Recycle computers
and BUILD A
COMPUTER LAB!
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Technology Considerations For The Developing World
Ministries
Lab Administration
It will probably be difficult to find technical
support and IT help for a computer lab in a developing world country.
Fortunately, the K12LTSP Linux build we install on the computer lab server has
VNC included in its
software suite.
"VNC has a wide range of applications including system
administration, IT support and helpdesks. It can also be used to support the
mobile user, both for hot desking within the enterprise and also to provide
remote access at home, or on the road. The system allows several connections to
the same desktop, providing an invaluable tool for collaborative or shared
working in the workplace or classroom. Computer support within the
geographically spread family is an ever popular use."
VNC will let the computer lab be supported from anywhere in the world and
will protect against everything except hardware malfunction.
Shipping Costs
Shipping costs vary depending on many factors and can run $75 or more per
unit. Tariffs and import duties can be a consideration also. Not all countries
give exemptions to charities or don't give them uniformly. Fortunately, the thin
client will function even with major parts like the hard drive and cd drive
missing. Four out of five power supplies can be can be removed with some minor
re-wiring. Removing the power supplies also reduces the heat production. Excess
heat can be difficult to control, especially in the hotter climates. And it
saves on the electric bill. There is even a possibility we can eliminate the
computer case. Doing so not only drastically reduces the weight but also reduces
the shipment to the classification of computer parts instead of computers.
Computer parts will have less problem with customs and less chance of being
stolen than a complete computer would.
Internet Costs
ISPs in the developing world can be very expensive. This is mostly because
telephone service is very expensive. In many locations users are charged by the
minute. If reducing these costs is important then it may be prudent to shift as
many downloads to evenings when phone service fees are often reduced or free.
Finding Teachers
The software we install on the lab server is designed specifically for online
education. That means that labs can have teachers from any where in the world.
It also means they can be elderly and/or not old enough to drive. In fact, youth
seem to be the most likely teachers. A church youth group devoted to mission
work would be the ideal.
Curriculum
The K12LTSP software has pre bundled software especially suited for the K
thru 12 grades. These programs provide excellent resources for use in a Moodle
course. One of the most technically challenging courses conducted on Moodle and
K12LTSP are courses teaching languages such as English As A Second Language. K12
even includes an astronomy program that lets the user look at the stars in any
part of the world.
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Your inward willingness to obey God is the way to know God's will for your
life! Develop this by daily studying God's word and spending time with Him. God
has the blueprints of our lives, not us. We are to rejoice in times of trials.
Don't regret your past mistakes, just learn from them and realize that God uses
them to as stepping stones to mold you according to His purpose for you and to
build your character. God is a covenant God. Psalms 25:9 He leads the humble
into what is right. John 7:17 If anyone has the willingness to do God's will, he
will have discernment. Only His sheep know His voice. Those that are His sheep,
her and obey him, not the world. For the world does not know His ways or His
voice. So next time you go through the valley (i.e. hard times), remember that
God is adding stepping stones to the ones you already have and is shaping you
into the person that can carry out His will for you and fell blessed.
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