Old computers destined for land fills were given a new life and new purpose thanks to the efforts of IT students at Glenmore Park High and their business supporters.

Using Linux software the computers were able to meet the robust performance requirements and zero cost budget of the local neighbour centres...

Aims:

• Increase the life of computers through a long term recycling program
• Divert computers from landfill and provide reprogrammed computers to community centers
• Information Technology HSC VET course students participate in a   project whilst gaining recognition of their Structured Work Placement requirements in a simulated Information Technology environment.
• Using information technology resources efficiently to provide the community with greater access to technology
• Develop ongoing relationships between schools, the community and industry
• Provide and promote an awareness of open source software options to schools and the community

Summary of previous program :

The Schools Industry Partnership fostered links with SPYNS, Penrith City Council, Linux Australia and Glenmore Park High School to form an ongoing computer recycling  project called “IT in the Community”. As the project name suggested… ‘old’ or ‘used’ computers were revamped by the senior information technology students at Glenmore Park High School and then donated to SPYNS and the Penrith City Council community centers for ease of access to affordable technology for the local community.

The project gave students the opportunity for hands on learning, by dismantling the used computers to identify components and rebuild them, constructing all computers to a standard capacity. The computers were then reassembled and with the assistance of a representative from Linux Australia, open source software was researched and installed on each computer. The industry mentor from Linux Australia made several visits to the students to share current industry knowledge and career advice regarding information technology, along with the benefits of using open source software within schools.

Once the used computers were recycled, a presentation was held for the students to display a demonstration of their work and a computerised ‘process diary’ documenting the learning achievements throughout the project. The computers were formally presented to SPYNS and installed by the students for use by all members of the community.

Past Business Sponsors and Mentors Involved :

Penrith City Council

SPYNS

Linux Australia

Schools Involved:

Glenmore Park High School

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BEING INVOLVED IN A SIMILAR PROJECT ... WE ARE LOOKING FOR INTERESTED BUSINESSES AND SCHOOLS TO PARTNER.

For further information please contact :  Ian Palmer  4725 0310   or email

ian@schoolsindustry.com.au