The hardware
The hardware used within educational projects is a mix of used and new hardware. The used hardware has of course been tested and has high minimal specifications. The new hardware is used when used hardware does not suffice, for example for printers and UPS systems. The server has a web server so that students without internet access can also use educational software. For schools with internet acces the server has been equipped as a standard with a firewall, cache server and virus scanner.
The software
Edubuntu is installed as a standard on the work stations and we use Ubuntu for the central server. These software packages have been optimised for educational purposes by Viafrica. All other software is Open Source, we use for example OpenOffice as office package.
At a request and for a minimal additional price it is possible to have Windows and MS Office installed. We can offer this very attractively because Viafrica is a "Microsoft Registered Refurbisher". However, we advise to use OpenSourceSoftware since this is more stable and easier to maintain in practice.
Support
All participating CLASSworks schools can make free use of the Viafrica helpdesk. Teachers can ask questions via e-mail or telephone about the use of the systems. At least twice a year we will visit the school for maintenance to check and upgrade all systems. Principals are invited every two months to attend a seminar with colleagues and Viafrica to exchange ideas and be kept up to date on new developments. We offer manuals to schools in the preparatory phase about, for example, how to lay on electricity.
Training
At least two teachers per schools are trained to be an ICT teacher. These are often subject teachers who teach computer classes as an additional subject. The teachers will get an education enabling them to train their students for the national ICT exam according to the national curriculum. Teachers can enrol for a free follow-up course each year.