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SMALLER
CLASS SIZE & WIRELESS TECHNOLOGYSmaller Class Size (personalization) and Wireless Technology (computer notebooks)
are solutions which, used in tandem, can level the playing field for inner-city children.
Smaller (15-20student) classes equipped with laptops which can be used anywhere in a
school become a flexible and dynamic solution for today’s student needs.
Existing school buildings will comprise more than 75% of future urban educational facilities. Introducing technology into the classroom requires enlarging the space or reducing class size. Wireless laptop computers in smaller classes reduce the need and costs of technology cabling and additional electrical power and wiring. They also reduce the disturbance of existing construction as well as the environmental hazards and costs for remediation of asbestos and lead paint. The Urban Educational Facilities Chapter of CEFPI’s Northeast Region is working closely with Lucent Technologies to introduce a working model "Learning Studio" at its Regional Conference this coming spring, April 22 – 24 in Boston at the Waltham Westin Hotel. Combined with a computer-enhanced interactive whiteboard called "Smart Board," each "Learning Studio" will become a totally interactive, on-line learning environment connected to the world. The next step is to incorporate this concept into actual school settings to serve as working laboratories. For more information, contact Ed Kirkbride at eek@bee.net
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 ENERGY $MART SOLUTIONS FOR AMERICA’S SCHOOLS The dilemmas facing schools today come from one clear challenge: meeting ever-increasing demands with highly limited funds. The Energy $mart Schools Partnership can help your school address this challenge by assisting you in making facilities and bus fleets energy efficient. When your school or district consumes less energy, you spend less on energy bills and have more funds for teachers and textbooks. Energy-related improvements typically bring many other benefits as well: less costly maintenance, more comfortable classrooms and better air quality to name just a few.ESS is an alliance of the US Department of Energy, utility companies, education associations, energy service companies, and others who are combining and focusing resources to help schools. Specifically, ESS aims to reduce school energy bills by 25percent in the next 5 to 10 years. The resulting savings would be $1.5 billion nationally – enough to buy 40 million new textbooks, hire 30,000 new teachers or spend $30 more per student. Contact Larry Shoff at lshoff@bellatlantic.net. The first ESS teleconference was held on February 9, 1999. It provided a detailed discussion about the merits of geothermal systems. Geothermal HVAC systems can save as much as 40% or more annually in school utility bills. UEF21’s David Anstrand served on the panel of experts fielding questions from a national audience. Contact david_anstrand@mtwp.k12.pa.us.Geothermal systems are expected to be one component of a "green school" program that Joyce Lee, AIA is promoting to New York City school administrators. Joyce (who is co-chair of UEF’s Sustainable Schools Committee) has asked for a pilot green schools program that will include sustainable features such as day-lighting, site orientation, indoor air quality, waste prevention, energy efficiency and water conservation, use of eco-friendly materials and recycling. Contact Joyce Lee at Ndogen@aol.com. UEF21 is supporting and promoting these features that will soon become standard in the design of new schools. |
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