Thin client/server-based computing eMINTS alternative

Teacher access and workstation must be installed by Sept. 1, 2007. Student access must be installed and fully functional by no earlier than Dec. 1, 2007, and no later than Feb. 1, 2008.

Alternative advantages

Thin client computing has the opportunity to provide a more cost effective solution in acquisition and ongoing support costs. In some cases it will also facilitate teacher – student collaboration more readily, such as the ability to easily collaborate on shared resources including homework, assignments, documents, images, etc.

A thin client/server-based computing alternative model is approved by eMINTS and DESE.

Thin client computing description

Thin client computing refers to the utilization of a server centric solution that provides workstations their desktops. Thin clients are inexpensive computer workstations that have very minimal hardware components to operate. The thin clients used in the eMINTS pilot described below have no disk storage media (CD-ROM, hard disk, diskette drive), no operating system, not even a fan! One advantage is the significant reduction in workstation cost: $200 compared to that of the typical computer workstation (known as a “thick client”). In addition, these thin clients have no moving parts, thus greatly increasing the productive life of thin client workstations over typical workstations while at the same time reducing support resources.

Some industry publications have begun referring to these configurations as server-based computing. Server-based computing or thin client solutions are acceptable for eMINTS classroom configurations if they provide exactly the same functionality as the traditional configurations currently specified for PCs and Macs.

eMINTS pilot information

A pilot was conducted at the Kearney School District in 2003-2004 using a thin client/server-based approach to equipping an eMINTS classroom. The pilot successfully demonstrated the functionality of the configuration in terms of the eMINTS instructional model. The configuration is approved by eMINTS and DESE as an acceptable equipment model for eMINTS classrooms.

Professional development materials

Districts that choose the thin client alternative are advised that eMINTS professional development materials related to software will not be fully adapted to teach software used in thin client configurations. Teachers will be provided with materials about the thin client software by the vendor. Teachers are required to attend all eMINTS professional development sessions to learn about teaching strategies regardless of specific software implemented in their classrooms.

More information

Contact the eMINTS National Center office at (573) 884-7202 or emints-info@emints.org.

Reviewed February 7, 2007.