Extending the Lifetime of Obsolete Computers.

Moore's law predicts the processing power of computer chips will double approximately every 18 to 24 months. As educators, we have seen this law in action, and as a result, new software is being written to take advantage of the exponential growth of computing power.

This phenomenon rapidly renders many computers in our schools obsolete because they cannot run this new software.

Public school educators are known to be resourceful and creative. We are able to extend the useful life of many items that would be cast away by most private-sector firms. Just consider all of the wonderful things we create with empty milk cartons and oatmeal containers.

Multiple Options

Here are a few ways school districts can use computers no longer up to industry standards:

* Keyboarding. One of the first skills that students need to learn in order to effectively use computers is keyboarding. Even an old Apple Ile or 286-IBM compatible does a fine job at teaching proper hand placement and location of keys.

The software programs to teach keyboarding may not work on these computers, but students can gain a lot of practice typing by using the older models. Keyboarding is one skill that requires a lot of practice to become proficient.

* Dumb Terminals. Several software products today allow you to use the keyboard, mouse, monitor and network card on low-end computers to access terminal servers, Two examples: Microsoft Windows NT Terminal Server Edition and Citrix WinFrame.

Once a connection is made between a dumb terminal (also known as a thin client) and the terminal server, the computer runs as fast as the server and network connection will let it. Imagine running MS Office2000 on a MAC LC II or 386-IBM compatible computer.

The added benefit of using old computers in this way is that you create easily swappable computers. The thin clients do not store the software programs or data that you use (they are on the server), so it makes replacement of faulty hardware a snap. Your technical support staff will love the ease of maintenance.

* Recycling. High school vocational programs can be developed to teach students how to re-use computer components and construct viable, though not industry-standard, computers. Many companies have replacement cycles of two to three years and are donating Pentium-90mHz computers with CD-ROM drives and Ethernet cards to schools.

These vocational programs teach some very marketable skills to students, while providing schools with low-cost computers. If your schools do not want to use these recycled computers, many others could benefit greatly from a donation.

Computers can have a dramatic impact on the lives of people with disabilities, opening up a new world of communication, independence and productivity. The district's special education program probably would be thrilled to receive these computers.

Some foreign countries, especially in Africa and South America, use recycled computers to perform basic computer functions, such as word processing. Several grassroots programs connect the donors in the United States with the needy recipients.

* Classroom Projects. Old computers also provide educators with hands-on learning opportunities. Many science and math proficiencies can be taught in an applied setting. Computers also contain hazardous materials, such as lead.

When all else fails, you can use older computers the same way teachers long have used empty milk cartons and oatmeal containers--for decoration. The Official Macquarium Web site (www.macaquarium.com) offers instructions and parts for converting your Mac Classics into compact aquariums or terrariums.

Of course, like the "treasures" we collect in our own homes, getting rid of working computers that once cost us $2,000 to $3,000 to purchase is difficult. I hope some of these ideas will help you find suitable uses short of the junkyard.

Cynthia Nelson is director of technology in Edmonds School District 15, 20420 68th Ave. W., Lynnwood, Wash. 98036.