Proposal for Programming Lab and Instruction

Topic: Proposal for Programming Lab and Instruction

The purpose of this proposal is to request authorization to conduct research pertaining to a new computer lab and programming course for Acadia Academy.

On October 4, 2019 Dr.Anne Marie Guzy asked us to develop a long-term plan for Acadia Academy’s computer program. As of recently, it has been noted that the lack of access to computers and computer programs is a huge injustice to highschools. Without proper computers and  programs students seem to be falling short in the technology field. With huge advancements in technology this past decade, institutions not having advanced computers and programs are almost unthinkable.

Therefore, in order to complete the task of getting more computer lab and computers we propose that our team will have to find proper rooms that can support the high amount of electrical wires and units needed. Furthermore, we would then have to meet with the school board and decide on what curriculum will be used for the computer programs. We will also need to discuss with them how many credit hours that the computer classes will be worth. After that, we would then discuss what networks and networking systems would work best for the labs and what the current one the school already has in place. Furthermore, we would need to research and compare costs of computers and computer accessories. We would form a budget in order to bring the best quality and price to students who are invested in this program.

If this proposal is approved and authorized, we would begin work on building new computer labs instataly. We would also provide full progress reports to the school board detailing our research and laying out our budget, so that we would be able to continue and complete our work.

We desire the ability to research the following tasks in order to determine the best allocation of funds and personnel. 

With such a highly specialized room needed to place this lab, research into what accommodations need to be met is a necessity. We desire the granting of permission to research the specifications needed for such a lab as well as what specifications have already been met.

Such a lab needs to have proper ports, table space, security, etc. Our team will need to study the wiring plans in order to know what electrical work needs to be done to prepare a room for the lab. Our team will also need to study the floor plans of possible rooms in order to map out how many computers can fit in the allocated space. Our team will need to determine what physical security measures need to be met such as adding cameras, locks, and/or security badge readers.

Summary

Knowledge of  computer programming has many advantages not limited to possible job prospects and an easier experience in today’s computerized world, but also in the problem solving and intellectual skills it teaches the students innately. We believe this course should count as credit within the school system to not only give an incentive for students to take the class, but also to ensure they are not punished scholastically for taking a course so akin to math or philosophy courses. Many schools across the country are adding programming classes into their curriculum. We would need to speak to the school board in order to ensure the class could count as a credit within our district. Hence the introduction of the programming lab at the school, this will enable students to learn basic concepts of programming and possibly other computer-related disciplines in the future. 

We plan on reaching out to both in, and out of state universities in order to make certain the credit could satisfy the requirements of being accepted as a college course. This will hopefully encourage students to not only take the course, but also to give them an incentive to continue the learning process through university. Research needs to be done in order to ensure this credit is transferable to colleges and between colleges if the student were to become a transient student. The correct certifications must be obtained and confirmed by the many different private universities throughout the US. 

With the introduction of a computer lab, many networking requirements need to be met, including, but not limited to: Internet access, cyber security, and programs to monitor use. We would need to research what local internet providers would be adequate if the school does not already have one in place. Our team would need to look into securing the school’s networking to prevent any malicious behavior to the central school network. We would also need to research monitoring programs that would allow the supervisors to have another level of defence against malicious actions. We would need to look into which available programs are fit for this purpose and do not break any laws pertaining to the students’ rights to privacy.

In order to provide students with such a lab, research into proper equipment needs to be carried out. We would need to research computer parts and/or manufacturers in order to keep costs down while retaining a high quality of computers for processing power and longevity of use. The correct cables need to be acquired, correct hardware and software need to be purchased, and physical security systems need to be in place. In order to keep costs down and functionality up, research into the correct equipment needs to be performed.