Computer-lending in a PARENT Center

 

Many schools are finding technology helps increase parental involvement. For that reason, computer-lending has become an important part of some PARENT centers. Lending computers with educational or tutorial software to families is not only a way to generate parent interest in school projects, it is also a way to reinforce basic school-taught skills at home. In addition to providing computers to families through a lending process, PARENT centers might also offer several computer workshops. Such workshops might include basic computer awareness, word processing, and Internet surfing.

Computer Recommendations

Gus Bowering, informational technology planner at the Mississippi Department of Education's Office of Technology, made several recommendations for PARENT centers considering computer-lending. According to Bowering, PARENT centers should purchase computers with no less than a Pentium II processor at 233 MHz with at least 233 MB of RAM. This configuration will allow the computers to connect with the Internet, he said. Bowering suggested using the Internet to shop for computers. Compac, Dell, Tangent, Gateway and most other major computer brands have web sites. One can use any popular search engine to find where to shop.

Computer Training

Most schools with computer-lending programs train parents before the computer is checked out. Training may take the form of a group workshop or one-on-one instruction.

Detailed booklets may be provided by the school as a supplement to computer training. The booklets use diagrams to explain how to use the hardware, software and anything else associated with the computer.

Legal Liabilities and Contracts

Some schools will lend a computer only to a family that has homeowner's insurance. Other schools ask parents to sign an agreement before they take a computer home. The agreement might include such language as:

  • Use the computer properly in the home.
  • Provide a fire marshal's or police report if the computer is damaged.
  • Do not attempt to fix the computer if it appears to be broken.
  • The family assumes full financial responsibility for any repairs.
  • Return computer on due date.
  • Create a positive working atmosphere when computer is used.
  • Use the computer with the child 20-30 minutes daily.

Length of Lending Period

The length of time schools allow families to keep computers at home varies. Teachers may make recommendations as to what level of software the student will use. Some schools have waiting lists for computers; others ask parents to make appointments to check them out.

Checking for Damage

When the computer is returned, it should be checked to insure it still works properly. Although many schools do not have insurance on computers, most schools report little, if any, damage.

Special thanks to:

  • Sylenia Anderson, Enochs Parent Center, Jackson Public Schools
  • Debbie Boone, Brookhaven Parent Center, Brookhaven School District
  • Nadine Coleman, Petal Parenting Center, Petal School District
  • Lorene Mock, Natchez-Adams Title I Parent Center, Natchez-Adams School District