With so many large scale projects for handheld learning taking off in the UK and elsewhere (including the US) from iPods to smart phones to netbooks it's disheartening to read about this US $1.25 Million handheld project in Missouri that has come under fire for what appears to be its systemic failure.
Over 2,000 Palm TX devices were purchased along with consultancy, training, software and a central server. The devices now sit in storage whilst the next course of action is considered.
The audit from the Jennings School District makes sad reading:
http://www.auditor.mo.gov/press/2009-73.pdfThe district spent a total of approximately $1,254,000 to implement a hand-held computer project, including 2,572 hand-held units, cases for the units, wireless keyboards, other equipment, classroom modifications, and software training sessions. The project significantly exceeded its budget, was not properly bid, was mismanaged, and the usage of the units is low.
We recommend the School Board evaluate whether to continue with the hand-held computer project. If the program is discontinued, proper disposal of the units should be considered. In addition, the board should require documented cost/benefit analysis for future large scale projects and require competitive bidding for goods and services.
and on page 5-6
Overall mismanagement of the project led to significant inefficiencies. According to Technology Department personnel, the former Superintendent rejected a suggestion to use a smaller test group and requested a district-wide launch, leading to significant inefficiencies. The district purchased a server for $16,700 and hand-held learning environment software and licenses for each unit at a total cost of $60,575.
The software program would allow the hand-held units to use the server so teachers could download the students' files to their own computers. However, the server
did not work as planned because the students' units were not properly formatted. After one year, the software licenses were canceled. While the hand-held computers can still function without the software, the server is now useless. A test launch of the units would have identified the software issues and allowed the district to save on software costs.
In addition, the district intended to spend $572,800 for 2,200 hand-held computers and cases and utilize a rebate to receive 312 free units. However, program administrators failed to take advantage of the rebate offer, resulting in additional costs totaling $77,500. Overall, the district actually spent $673,800 for 2,500 hand-held computers and cases and received 72 free units.
The usage of the units is currently very minimal. Each classroom is stocked with hand-held computers for students to use; however, according to district personnel, the units are used at the discretion of each teacher. According to district staff, some teachers use them on a regular basis, but the majority of teachers only use them occasionally as calculators and for note taking.
According to district staff, the students cannot complete assignments on the units due to the length of time it would take for teachers to individually transfer assignments from each hand-held computer to their own computer.
As of January 2009, there were 324 hand-held computers in storage.
The report blames sole source bid for some of the resultant problems and failure:
The district solicited bids from only one vendor for the units. According to district personnel, an analysis was performed to determine which type of hand-held computer would be the most cost-effective option for implementing the project; however, this analysis was never documented.
Competitive bidding helps ensure the school district receives fair value by contracting with the lowest and best bidders. Bidding helps ensure all parties are given an equal opportunity to participate in the district's business.
The story has become quite a scandal in the district reaching the state media:
http://www.fox2now.com/ktvi-you-paid-jennings-palm-pilots-101309,0,2719302.storyIt's such a shame given all the success that is occurring globally with handheld learning projects, as seen at this years
Handheld Learning Conference 2009, that this one story provides ammunition directly into the hands of those that fear change.
Let's hope that the supplier can be held to account and that this situation can be resolved as quickly as possible with lessons learnt and eventually a positive outcome.
:'(
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