One of the challenges UNCC faced was having new computers but not were hooked up to the internet. The main ethernet switch box had at least four ports that did not work and the router that interacted with one side of the lab wasn’t big enough to accommodate enough of the lab. Though our grant money, we were able to purchased a new switch box. Hailley decided it would be educational (and fun) to install the new box together, as a center.
Miss Hailley explains the ethernet switch box to UNCC students.
On a Thursday in December, Hailley, Janice, and Kim rounded up all the students in front of the computers. Hailley asked the students what the box she was holding was and was happy to hear many students shout out the right answer. After a brief explanation, Hailley had the students line up and they ceremoniously unplugged the ethernet cords from the old box and then put them in the new box. It was fun and the kids were excited to do it.
The following day, upon reflection, Hailley moved the box to a more secure location and had a handful of enthused elementary students help her make all the connections and check the internet on the computers. This new box allowed UNCC to have a fully functioning computer lab, with 24 desktop computers running Windows 7 and many great applications including the Microsoft Office suite, the Adobe suite (Photoshop, InDesign, etc), and some open-source applications (such as Inkscape) that work with any technology the Fab Lab might bring in for a workshop.
A student raises his hand to answer a question.
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