ENGINEERING 692
Vocational School
Computer Project
Winter 2011
Kristen Frooman, Son Ngo, Amanda Peterson, Miriam Simon
3/11/2011
Table of Contents
Background ................................................................................................................................................... 3
Participants ................................................................................................................................................... 3
Problem Definition ........................................................................................................................................ 3
Stakeholders ................................................................................................................................................. 4
Stated Objectives .......................................................................................................................................... 4
Pre-Trip ......................................................................................................................................................... 5
Detailed Plan of Action ................................................................................................................................. 5
Bill of Materials and Packing List .................................................................................................................. 7
Implementation Plan .................................................................................................................................... 8
Sustainability ............................................................................................................................................... 10
Post Trip ...................................................................................................................................................... 10
Results ......................................................................................................................................................... 11
Objectives Achieved .................................................................................................................................... 12
Future Recommendations .......................................................................................................................... 13
Other Future Projects ................................................................................................................................. 13
References .................................................................................................................................................. 14
Addenda ...................................................................................................................................................... 14
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Background
The vocational school in Choluteca, Honduras was assessed during a trip to the city in 2010. The
vocational school has four different areas: auto mechanics, refrigeration, sewing, and computer
certification. The auto mechanics department is the only operational area. The assessment from 2010
suggested that the other three areas of the school be toured and analyzed for academic improvement.
Larry Overholt is the main contact in Honduras for project work on the vocational school. After
reading the assessment from 2010 and talking to Larry about his visions for the vocational school, a
computer upgrade project was set into motion to improve academics at the vocational school. This
project includes installing software to 10 computers and connecting those same 10 computers to the
internet in order to increase learning and allow for distance learning to take place.
Participants
There are four people involved with this computer project. Their names, emails, and expertise
are listed below in Table 1. Mike Jewitt, Roger Dzwonczyk, Greg Bixler, and Sam Raudabaugh were
references and participants in the planning portion of the computer upgrade project. Mike Jewitt, Roger
Dzwonczyk, and Greg Bixler offered information from past experiences to contribute to the project.
Sam Raudabaugh donated the software to be installed in Choluteca.
Table 1: Participants in the Choluteca computer upgrade project
Name
Kristen Frooman
Son Ngo
Amanda Peterson
Miriam Simon
Expertise
Team Leader
Implementation
Documentation
Data Collection
Email/Contact Information
Frooman.1@osu.edu
Ngo.35@osu.edu
Peterson.526@osu.edu
Simon.301@osu.edu
Problem Definition
Larry Overholt, main contact for the Choluteca vocational school, requested a computer
upgrade project. This project consisted of putting 10 computers together, installing Windows XP and
Microsoft Office on all 10 computers, and connecting all of the computers to the internet. Thought
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should be given to antivirus software, backup batteries, and network cards. The goal of this project is to
allow the end user to use the internet for distance learning.
Routers, ethernet cords, mice, usb cords, and keyboards are available for all 10 computers at
the vocational school already. The vocational school also has a couple backup batteries. If budget
allows, a few more backup batteries should be purchased in the event that the city power goes out. The
computers themselves have 40 gigabyte hard drives, Pentium 4, a 2.6 GHz processor, and 512 MB of
RAM.
This project will serve the students of the Choluteca Vocational School by increasing access to
the internet and distance learning classrooms. This project will also affect the entirety of Choluteca
because it will increase educational opportunity and promote learning.
Stakeholders
The main customer for this project is Larry Overholt. Larry works to run and improve the
Choluteca vocational school. He has been the main contact throughout the project planning process
and specifically asked for the computer upgrade project.
Other customers consist of the Choluteca community and any other student at the vocational
school. The implementation of the computer upgrade project directly impacts the students who will
benefit from the availability of computers with software and internet. The community as a whole will
also benefit from the students who are able to improve their education from the computers.
Stated Objectives
The objectives of the computer upgrade project are as follows:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Put together 10 computers with memory, a mouse, a keyboard, and a network card
Install Windows XP to all 10 computers
Install Microsoft Office 2007 to all 10 computers
Download AVG antivirus to all 10 computers
Use a modem, router, and ethernet cords to connect all 10 computers to the internet
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6. Provide as many Tripp-Lite 550 backup batteries as budget allows
7. Supply an English/Spanish learning software program if budget allows
8. Assess the vocational school for future projects
These objectives and the objectives from the Aquaponics 2011 project documentation must be
completed with a budget of $1000. Additionally, these objectives must be completed in a time frame of
3, 8 hour work days.
Pre-Trip
Before leaving for Honduras, a detailed plan of action, a bill of materials, and an implementation
plan was decided upon and documented. These aspects of the computer upgrade projects are discussed
throughout this section.
Detailed Plan of Action
The action plan used throughout the project planning is located below in Table 2. Each task was
assigned to a member of the group. The individual task descriptions are described below.
Table 2: The action plan followed throughout the computer upgrade project
Task
Contact Larry about Request
Assign Tasks
Research Equipment, Supplies, and Prices
Plan Implementation
Buy Supplies and Equipment
Ensure that All Equipment is Packed
Leave for Honduras
Put Together 10 Computers
Install Software and Connect to Internet
Asses Vocational School for Further Projects
Write Final Report
Start Date
2/2/2011
2/2/2011
2/9/2011
2/16/2011
3/9/2011
3/17/2011
3/19/2011
3/21/2011
3/22/2011
3/23/2011
2/2/2011
End Date
2/9/2011
2/9/2011
2/23/2011
3/9/2011
3/17/2011
3/17/2011
3/19/2011
3/21/2011
3/22/2011
3/23/2011
4/1/2011
Days
7
7
14
21
7
1
1
1
1
1
58
Leader for Task
Kristen
Kristen, Son, Amanda, Miriam
Amanda
Kristen, Amanda
Son
Miriam
NA
Son
Kristen, Amanda
Miriam
Kristen, Son, Amanda, Miriam
Contact Larry about Request
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This task involved communicating with Larry Overholt about his wants and needs for the
vocational school and the computer upgrade project. Communication was done through email and
Skype.
Assign Tasks
This was completed with all four group members. Tasks were assigned based on strengths and
time constraints.
Research Equipment, Supplies, and Prices
This task involved researching the equipment needed to put together computers, install
software and connect to the internet. Research on whether software was cheaper in the United States
or in Honduras was also completed. Prices were researched and compared.
Plan Implementation
This task required coming up with the plan of action while in Honduras. The schedule of when
each part of the project was going to be implemented and how it was going to be implemented was
determined during the completion of this task.
Buy Supplies and Equipment
This task was simply buying the software, tools, and equipment needed to implement the
project while in Honduras.
Ensure that All Equipment is Packed
This was a check to make sure that all supplies was packed before leaving for Honduras.
Leave for Honduras
This required the project group to leave the United States for Honduras
Put Together 10 Computers
This involved putting 10 computers together with enough memory, a mouse, a keyboard, and a
network card.
Install Software and Connect to Internet
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This required the group to install Window XP, Microsoft Office 2007, and AVG Antivirus on all 10
computers.
Asses Vocational School for Further Projects
This involved the assessment of the remainder of the vocational school. Observations and ideas
for future projects were documented.
Write Final Report
This required the group to document all steps in the planning and implementation of the
computer upgrade project.
Bill of Materials and Packing List
The bill of materials is shown in Table 3. The total is dependent on whether the battery backups
and the English Rosetta Stone language software is purchased. The battery backup and the Rosetta
Stone may be bought if the budget for the combination of this computer upgrade project and the
Choluteca aquaponics project remains under $1000. Sam Raudabaugh is donating the Spanish version
of both the Windows XP and Microsoft Office 2007 software. Since all of these products are cheaper in
the United States than in Honduras, most of these products will be bought in the United States and are
included in the packing list shown in Table 4. The battery backups are relatively hard to pack and travel
with, so if they are to be purchased they will be purchased in Choluteca.
Table 3: The Bill of Materials for the Computer Upgrade Project
Bill of Materials
Choluteca - Computer Lab
Product
Quantity
Price/Item
Total Price
Location of Purchase
Other Notes
Windows XP
10
Donated
$0
Sam Raudabaugh
NA
Microsoft Office 2007
10
Donated
$0
Sam Raudabaugh
NA
AVG Antivirus
10
$0
$0
Free Download
NA
D-Link - Desktop 10/100 PCI Network
Card
10
$24.99
$249.90
Best Buy
NA
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Tripp Lite - 550VA Battery Back-Up
System
English Rosetta Stone
Plastic Cable Ties
0 to 4
$79.99
$79.99 - $319.96
Best Buy
1-Level1
$249.00
$249.00
Rosettastone.com
300
$1.25/100
$3.75
Total: $249.90 -$818.86
cabletiesandmore.com
Only if Budget
Allows
Only if Budget
Allows
NA
Table 4: Packing List
Packing List
Windows XP
Microsoft Office 2007
Flash Drive - for downloading antivirus
Network Cards
Plastic Cable Ties
Rosetta Stone (if purchased)
Quantity
10 licenses
10 licenses
2
10
300
1
Implementation Plan
During the first Saturday in Choluteca, the vocational school will be visited to scope out the site.
Following this Saturday, the schedule shown in Table 5 will be followed for implementation.
Table 5: Schedule for implementation
Saturday
(03/19/2011)
Visit Vocational
School and scope
out site
Sunday
(03/20/2011)
Put together 10
computers
Monday
(03/21/2011)
Install Software
and connect to the
internet
Tuesday
(03/22/2011)
Troubleshoot and
trial (Show it to
Larry)
Wednesday
(03/23/2011)
Anything else that
needs to be done
and further
assessment
The implementation schedule may change based on whether Sunday is a rest or a work day. If
Sunday is a work day, the implementation of the computer upgrade project will begin on either Sunday,
March 20th. If Sunday is for rest, Monday, March 21st will be our first work day. The first work day in
Honduras will be set aside for putting computers together with enough memory to run Windows XP,
Microsoft Office, and the internet. A mouse, keyboard, and network card will also be added to 10
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computers. This may require taking equipment from other computers, however, Larry has assured the
project team that there is enough equipment to construct 10 working computers.
The second day will be used for software installation. The computers will be wiped clean.
Windows XP will then be installed, followed by Microsoft Office 2007. AVG antivirus will be downloaded
to a flash drive before arriving for the day’s work. Due to this, the flash drive will simply be inserted into
the computers to install antivirus on all 10 computers. The internet connection will be the last part of
the day’s work. A router and ethernet cables are provided at the school. The router will be connected to
the modem and the computers will be connected to the router as seen in Figure 1.
Figure 1: The internet connection diagram (taken from How Do I Connect My Modem and Router to My Computer?)
The third day will be used for assessment for future projects. The computer lab will be assessed
for energy efficiency and possible software upgrades. Other areas of the vocational school will be
observed for future projects as well. The materials needed for each implementation task is summarized
below in Table 6.
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Table 6: Materials needed for each task
Task
Put together 10
Computers
Equipment Needed
Mouse, Keyboard, Memory, Basic
Hand Tools, Cable ties, network cards
Install Software and
Connect to Internet
Windows XP, Mircrosoft Office 2007,
Flashdrive with antivirus, eithernet
cords, router, modem, cable ties
Asses Vocational
School
Notebook
Sustainability
The computer upgrade project will be sustained by Larry Overholt after completion of the
project. A binder with software information and manuals will be left for him for reference. Additionally,
a diagram of the internet set-up and documentation on how the computers were put together will be
included with the binder.
In order to keep the software and computers up to date, the team will suggest to Larry to
upgrade to newer versions of software and antivirus as funds become available. The team will also
suggest adding memory to the computers and purchasing back-up batteries for all the computers. Until
battery backups are available for all computers, students will be informed to save their work often.
To keep the computers functional, directions on cleaning both the computer and the keyboard
will be left with Larry. Cloth covers to cover the computers may be beneficial in keeping dust out of the
machines. Additionally, it will be suggested that food and drink stay away from the computes. This will
decrease the risk of computer damage and increase the life of the computer.
Post Trip
During the trip, the computer upgrade project was implemented during a 2 and a half day time
span. The results and objectives achieved are listed and discussed below.
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Results
All ten computers were put together with working mice, keyboards, and cabling. The internet
was connected and the Spanish version of Windows XP and Microsoft Office 2007 was installed. There
were problems with some of the keyboards working. In order to fix this, a couple of the keyboards had
to be switched out and USB keyboards were used instead. There were also problems moving the
computers in and out of the desk. The desk was built so the computers were hard to move for security
purposes. Due to this, it was difficult to remove and work on the computers. This is good for security,
however it makes it difficult to not only move the computers but also access the CD drive. This was not
able to be fixed and the team worked around the issue by removing the computers from the desk and
making sure all work was completed on the computer before placing the computer back into place on
the desk. New desks were listed as a future recommendation. Also, computer locks were
recommended to secure the computers after implementation of new desks.
The internet was connected but the speed of the internet was very slow. The internet was
tested for video streaming and the internet proved to be too slow for video to be a useful resource on
the computers. Since the internet is a good source of information and education and would benefit the
students of the vocational school, higher internet speed was listed as a future recommendation. There
was discussion of using the vocational school computers for distance learning prior to the trip. After
arriving at Choluteca and further discussing distance learning plans, it was decided that distance nursing
classes would be provided at Larry and Angie Overholt’s home instead of the vocational school.
Therefore, internet speed for distance learning is not necessary at the vocational school. However, a
higher speed would greatly benefit the productivity of the students.
Windows XP and Microsoft Office 2007 were installed on all 10 computers. Since the software
programs were in Spanish, it made it difficult to navigate the computers after installation. Careful
thought and translation was needed to complete registration of the products and complete the updates.
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The updates on all the computers was started but not completed. The updates took over a day to
complete and there was simply not enough time for the team to complete them all. Additionally, AVG
antivirus was not installed on the computers. However, the antivirus was left on the desktop of all 10
computers. Instructions were left on how to install the antivirus and how to finish the updates.
Objectives Achieved
The following objectives were achieved during the implementation of the computer upgrade
project:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
10 computers were equipped with working mice and keyboards
10 computers were connected to the internet through Ethernet cords and a router
Spanish Windows XP was installed to 10 computers
Spanish Microsoft Office 2007 was installed to 10 computers
AVG antivirus was placed on the desktop of all 10 computers for future installation
Windows Updates were started on 10 computers and instructions were left with the
Vocational School on how to complete the updates
7. Usernames were created for an Administrator and a Student. The Student username was
limited so that they cannot change main settings on the computer
8. The password for the Administrator username was set to centrovocacional
9. Future recommendations were made
The following objectives were not completed during the time at the Choluteca Vocational School
and should be considered for future upgrades.
1. A battery backup was connected to the computers
2. Rosetta Stone was installed on a computer
Overall, the requests of Larry Overholt were completed. There was a limited time and funds and
this resulted in the extra computer upgrades not being completed. These upgrades that did not get
completed consisted of adding a battery backup system, adding Rosetta Stone, and finishing the final
Windows Updates. These aspects of the project were left in an instructions and future
recommendations document for the Vocational School.
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Future Recommendations
Future recommendations include obtaining Spanish keyboards for all computers, upgrading to a
higher internet speed connection, redesigning the computer desks, and replacing the current monitors
with flat screens. In order to reach the goal of teaching nursing classes through Columbus State on the
computers, the internet speed needs to be increased. This requires that the internet be upgraded
through the cable company.
Spanish keyboards will increase the ease of typing on the computers and should be
implemented. The computer desks currently make it hard to move the computers and access the CD
drive. If CD drives will be used, it is recommended that the desks be redesigned so that the CD-ROM can
be opened and accessed without such a tight fit. If this desk redesign were to be completed, the
security of the computers can be sustained by adding computer locks. Flat screen monitors may also
want to be bought when funds are available.
Other Future Projects
Discussions with Larry Overholt and Angie Overholt resulted in other future projects. Angie
Overholt runs a nursing clinic out of her home. She is interested in teaching distance learning nursing
classes from her clinic at home. This requires that not only the vocational school be equipped with
computer and internet, but also her home be equipped with 10-20 computers with high speed internet
access. With the experience of setting up the computer lab at the vocational school, the Choluteca
team can help to set up the distance learning lab at the Overholt home and clinic. Internet speed must
be faster than that of the computer lab at the vocational school currently.
Larry also mentioned that he would like an additional 10 computers at the vocational school.
This is necessary for a complete class to use the computers at once. This will benefit the students and
allow for more individual time on the computers.
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References
Dzwonczyk, Roger. "Service Project Managment/Documentation." Engineering 692. Lecture.
"How Do I Connect My Modem and Router to My Computer?" Ask Questions, Find Answers - Askville.
Web. 10 Mar. 2011. <http://askville.amazon.com/connect-modem-routercomputer/AnswerViewer.do?requestId=2883901>.
Addenda
1. Computer Team Agreement
2. Useful Spanish Words
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Choluteca Vocational School Team Agreement
Team Members (List all team member names)




Kristen Frooman
Son Ngo
Amanda Peterson
Miriam Simon
Team Project Expectations (Course requirements, workplan, etc.)

Update the software for the computers at the Vocational School.
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o


Computer hardware and software should be updated to allow for distance
learning. Students at the school will use the computers to take nursing classes
from Columbus State.
o Goal: 10 working computers
The computers will also be assessed for further improvements
Asses vocational school for further projects
Team Member Roles and Responsibilities (Team leader, secretary, etc.)




Kristen Frooman - leader
Son Ngo - Assesment
Amanda Peterson - documentation
Miriam Simon – Data recording/researching
Team Meeting Ground Rules (Decision-making, discussion, etc.)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Participate and complete assignments/jobs
Bring Ideas
Don’t be late
Pay attention
Constructive criticism
Team Member Signatures
1. Kristen Frooman
2. Son Ngo
3. Amanda Peterson
4. Miriam Simon
Date signed: January 2011
Useful Computer Spanish Words
@ (arroba)
.com (punto com)
abrir (verb)
acceso directo
apagar
archivo
archivo adjunto
arrastrar y colocar
atrás / adelante
- @ (at)
- .com (dot com)
- open
- shortcut
- shut down
- file
- attached file
- drag and drop
- backward / forward
(un) favorito
(la) fuente
grupos de noticias
guardar como
guardar un archivo
hacer clic en
hacer doble clic en
hipervínculo
hoja de cálculo
- a bookmark
- font
- newsgroups
- save as
- save a file
- click on
- double-click on
- hyperlink
- spreadsheet
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ayuda
barra de desplazamiento
barra de tareas
negrita
borrar (verb)
(el) buscador
buscar (verb)
(el) portapapeles
comercio electrónico
conectado / desconectado
computadora
editar (verb)
estar conectado
contraseña
copia de seguridad
copiar (verb)
correo ordinario
correo basura
cortar y pegar
cursiva
descargar (verb)
dirección de Internet
dirección electrónica
directorio
ejecutar (verb)
(un) email
(un) enlace
enviar a (verb)
escritorio
- help
- scroll bar
- taskbar
- bold
- delete
- search engine
- search / find
- the clipboard
- e-commerce
- on-line / off-line
- computer (Latin America)
- edit
- be online
- password
- backup (copy)
- copy
- snail mail
- spam, junk email
- cut and paste
- italic
- download
- web address
- email address
- directory
- run
- an email
- a link
- send to
- desktop
(un) icono
impresora
imprimir (verb)
inicio
inicio rápido
(el) Internet
memoria
mensaje de texto
(un) menú
navegador
navegar por Internet
(el) ordenador
página de inicio
página web
pantalla
papelera de reciclaje
pegar (verb)
personalizar (verb)
preguntas frecuentes
(las) propiedades
proveedor de Internet
(un) puntocom
(el) ratón
(la)Red
salvapantallas
siempre visible
(un) servidor
teclado
(la) Web
- icon
- printer
- print
- home
- quick launch
- the Internet
- memory
- text message
- a menu
- browser
- surf the Web
- computer (Spain)
- homepage
- web page
- screen
- wastebasket
- paste
- customize
- FAQ
- properties
- Internet provider
- a dotcom
- mouse
- the Net
- screen saver
- always on top
- server
- keyboard
- the Web / website
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