Lisa DickAre you looking for an inexpensive way to create a student computer center in your classroom? Today was our first Fun Friday Makerspace for my classes…IT…WAS…FABULOUS! What does this have to do with making a computer center? EVERYTHING:)
Each Friday students have total control of their education. I have various items in our Makerspace for the students to chose from and each team works on a project of their choosing. Several of my student teams chose to make a Raspberry Pi computer. They were equipped with a Raspberry Pi starter kit , Internet, and recycled computer equipment access.
Each class had a fully functioning computer with wifi by the end of the hour. The booklet which accompanied the kit was very easy to follow (once they started reading instead of just trying to connect cables:)). To do this they ended up using the kit, a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Luckily, we have salvaged several of these when teachers are tossing old computers. This only cost us the original $70 for the kit. If you or your school or district has the other materials needed, you too can have a computer for only $70. You do have the option to purchase a Raspberry Pi 2 currently for $35 without the other items included in the kit.
What if you do not have the other items? There are several other options. One option we have in Louisiana is Computers for Louisiana Kids(CLK). Here you can purchased recycled computers or computer parts for your classroom. Look into various recycle groups in your area or state. CLK is actually four hours away from our high school, but they provides delivery and will pick up items to be recycled even if they are too old to refurbish for a classroom!
Speaking of CLK, this is a second option for supplying your classroom with a computer center. They sell recycled computers and even provide a one year warranty! Currently a desktop tower is $90 and laptop is $125. The laptops currently in stock are DELL’s with 2 gb ram and 80 gb hard drive. They have Window’s 7 or 8 installed. Side note: If you are only needing a computer for Internet access, keep a watch on Chromebook prices. They regular run in the $250 range, but currently there is one on sale for $159.
Ok, so then the question arises, “What if I don’t have even $50 to spend?”
I’m sure you have heard of Donors Choose. This is a great option to fund your computer center for FREE! Basically you create a project, fill your cart with what is needed for the project, get it approved, and started sharing! It is a great option for funding your projects.
Another option is Ziggedy! Ziggedy doesn’t cost a penny for you or your supporters. Thousands of companies have signed up to donate to classrooms from their sales. Your supporters just purchase through the Ziggedy site or install the Ziggedy Reminder and just click the cute icon prior to check out in their browser when shopping on their favorite site. This activates the donation percentage. Check it out today using one of these links:
Use this link to help support our classroom: http://www.ziggedy.com/MindenLDick/signup
Use this link if you are going to sign up your classroom: http://easyfundraising.ziggedy.com/referralsignup/?refUName=MindenLDick
I’m sure you have more ideas for supplying your class computers! What other things have you tried?
