Project update

Current Thoughts

One of the issues that has required a lot of thought is what do we need in the room, and what don't we need.

For example, we have pretty much decided that the massive whiteboards we got hold of are useless. They are the past - we want the future, which is most likely something like lcd screens above each pair of pcs which allow the students to share their work with the group whenever they choose.

Likewise I had always planned to have a bunch of books(technology, fantasy, science fiction) for the kids to read and borrow. Whilst some of the young people will probably enjoy these, there is the possibility that for others they will be too old fashioned, and that a more suitable form of media might be a, ebook and games library, possibly entirely online.

Thinking about these issues has made it more clear that what we are looking to provide is very high speed internet, on high spec pcs, with top notch software(best windows, games, ebook accounts) and hardware (like mobile phones to keep in touch in between, lcd tvs and share drives to share work). This will give students access to an incredible range of online resources.

The key at the moment seems to be access.

I have called Telstra about getting a new phone line in for internet, it's $129 for installation which actually seems quite reasonable. I am hoping one line is enough, it might be better to have two, both with NakedADSL Connections.

The Name

I came up with the idea of A+(inspired by another Vichealth project) which Stefan likes, possibly in the form 'The A+ Club.' I am not so sure about the word club, and have sent the name to a couple of young people I work with to get their advice. One young man in particular I am hoping can advise us throughout this process, and another younger boy I work with shall be visiting the site soon to give us his (always) objective opinion. It would be great to have the young people involved somehow direct what was purchased for the space.

Good News

It seems like we lucked out a bit with our timing for this project, with our team at VU(headed by Stefan) being a small part of a successful CRC bid by the Inspire Foundation. This has opened up a wide range of new possibilities which we are keen to explore in the new year. In particular we are hoping to get help with the diagnosis and referral of the young people, which is an area we have no expertise in at all. Another area we require assistance with is probably research.

Stefan has also drafted a couple of well written emails explaining what we are aiming to do to all of his connections, and there seems to be a lot of interest.

Whilst it's easy to rent a space and fill it up with desks, chairs and computers, the other side of it at the moment seems to be keeping the level of interest and awareness of what we are doing up within the right circles, something which Stefan is great at.

Purchasing Equipment

We have purchased the following equipment so far;

4 X 23" LG Monitors - msy.com.au - $175 each - $700

4 X Logitech Alto Keyboards/Risers/Hubs - dicksmith.com.au - $100 each - $400

4 X Mousepad - discount store - $8

Water filter/cooler - kmart.com.au - $49 (has already been worth it after one week)

Kettle - kmart.com.au - $12

Fan - kmart.com.au - $12

Security System (I won't list the details here) - $200

Venetian Blinds - Rubbish Collection - FREE(Not so flash but good for security at the moment)

Powerboards and cords - kmart.com.au - $80

Odds and ends -approx $250

From home

Microwave

Printer

Office equipment, stationery

Security camera

Midi Keyboard, video camera with tripod, other electrical goods

Assorted Projectors (for decor, not sure if they suit yet or not)

Books