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Internet Service - (Coser 512)

General Description

This service provides districts with a graphical user interface, using either a dedicated or dial-up telecommunications.  Many subject area related workshops are offered.  Districts receive 50 e-mail passwords and unlimited WWW access dependent on the speed of the connection to NERIC.  Districts also have the option to implement their own Web server.  Internet access is an E-rate eligible expense.

Continental Option - Graphics User Interface (GUI)- This interface uses Windows or the Mac operating system to display Internet applications in a graphical environment. Users will access the Internet through pull down menus, clickable icons, on-screen graphics, audio and limited motion video. Files can be easily downloaded to the user's desktop computer. This is available with a dedicated or dialup telecommunications connection.

Classic Option - Text Based Interface - Internet applications are presented in a text-based representation. Graphics may be downloaded but not directly viewed from within the application. Files can be downloaded to the user's desktop. This is available with a dedicated or dial-up telecommunications connection.

Eligibility and Prerequisites

The Internet service is available to all school districts in the service area. A data communications connection (dial-up or dedicated) is required.

Service Delivery Standards

1. Telecommunications

Dedicated Connection (Use with Continental Option)

Connection is made directly to the NERIC Internet host via the NERIC wide area network (router needed). TCP/IP software on the personal computer controls the connection to the NERIC host and communication out to the Internet. Both PC and Macintosh platforms are supported. Minimum of a 56kb phone line is required for Continental Option.

Dial-up Connection (Use with Continental or Classic Option)

Connection is made to the NERIC Internet host via a dial-up modem using VT100 communications software. Both PC and Macintosh platforms are supported. A minimum of 14.4  baud modem is recommended.

2. Accounts

Dedicated or dial-up telecommunications required. These are available and include password and help desk support. Training packages can be purchased.

3. Hardware Standards

Continental Option (GUI)

Minimum PC (Windows) requirements include 486 machine, 200 MB hard disk with 12 MB RAM.
Macintosh requirements include Power Mac or 040 processor, 200 MB
hard drive with 12 MB RAM.

Classic Option (text)

Any PC or Mac with a hard drive and 640k memory.

4. Software Standards

Continental Option (GUI)

PC - (E-Mail) - Eudora,  (WWW) - Netscape, Internet Explorer,   (FTP) - WS_FTP,  (TCP/IP) - Microsoft TCP/IP Stack (Windows 95/98)
Dial up software - Windows 95/98 dial-up networking

MAC - (E-Mail) - Eudora,  (WWW) - Netscape, Internet Explorer,   (FTP) - Fetch,  (TCP/IP) - MAC TCP/IP.
Dial up software - MAC PPP

Classic Option (Text)

(E-Mail) - Pine,  (Gopher)  - Gopher,  (WWW) - Lynx,  (FTP, Telnet) - FTP and Native Telnet

Communication Software (Classic Option only)

(PC) - ProComm Plus, Microsoft Works for Windows
(MAC) - ClarisWorks, ZTerm

Service Plan

A. Needs which the service will meet:

Districts may purchase any or all of the items below:

  1. Dedicated or dial-up Internet connectivity (accounts) for school districts in service area.
  2. Internet Curriculum and Application Training (over 12 different sessions available).
  3. Internet server onsite.
  4. HTML Authoring Service
  5. Web Home Page Hosting (no charge for districts that purchase accts.)
  6. Hardware/Software Maintenance.

B. Planning Process for Development of Service:

  1. The district requests a cost proposal from the instructional unit at the NERIC after selecting a service option from the general description, or district representatives can meet with Instructional Manager or Marketing Coordinator to determine district needs.
  2. After reviewing the proposal the district requests the Internet service from the Albany NERIC in a commitment letter submitted to the school's local BOCES with a copy to the director of the Albany NERIC.
  3. Following receipt of the commitment letter the NERIC will order any equipment, software and service.
  4. Training - Onsite training can be purchased from the NERIC at the current rate or provided at minimal charge at the NERIC training facility through the monthly sessions.
  5. Additional curriculum or advanced training can be provided by the NERIC at the current rate.
  6. Improvements and changes to service are made after reviewing user feedback and suggestions on evaluation forms and at periodic user meetings.

C. Measurable Goals and Objectives of the Service:

  1. Installation of hardware and software that will allow connectivity to the Internet. Hardware and software to be installed by LAN Unit Coordinators.
  2. Implementation of Internet accounts in district. Accounts will be processed by Systems Security Person.
  3. Training of teachers and other users to access the Internet and incorporate it into the classroom curriculum. Training to be implemented by NERIC Instructional Coordinators.
  4. (Ongoing) Resolution of any trouble calls relating to the service (hardware, software, training) through the NERIC's help desk. Hardware maintenance also possible, if the district has subscribed to NERIC Microcomputer Maintenance Service. Otherwise, the district is responsible for repairing the equipment. Trouble calls to be resolved by Help Desk Personnel.

D. Evaluation Measures to Determine Achievement of Goals and Objectives:

  1. Timely installation of hardware/software associated with connectivity. To be completed within 3 months of receipt of commitment letter pending hardware availability, wiring completion and clean-up.
  2. Timely activation of Internet accounts. To be completed within 2 weeks of receipt of Internet Account Form.
  3. Implementation of Internet training onsite or at NERIC shortly after account functionality that follows a training sequence.
  4. Timely resolution of trouble calls and software questions. Call back within 24 hours of received trouble.
  5. Positive feedback from user surveys, meetings, and training session evaluation forms.
  6. Growth of service.

E. Role of BOCES Staff in Providing Service - Describe Specific Tasks/Activities:

Instructional Coordinator (1) - responsible for training, development, billing, and general coordination of assigned Internet sites.

Instructional Coordinator (1) - responsible for marketing service and tracking implementation of Internet installations.

Instructional Manager (1) - general administration of entire service, approves service proposals.

LAN Unit Coordinators (3) - responsible for installation of hardware and software in districts purchasing service. Also responsible for maintaining operability of the NERIC's Internet connection.

Help Desk Personnel (2) - resolve trouble calls and dispatch appropriate staff.

Systems Personnel (2) - maintain the functionality, integrity, and programming aspects of running an Internet Server.

Systems Security Person (1) - responsible for account setup and maintenance.

F. Stipends and Substitutes: (If applicable) Describe no. of persons and per diem. If aid will be sought, provide justification for payment.

No reimbursement to districts for the above with this service.

G. Consultant Expenses: (If applicable) Describe no. of persons and per diem. If aid will be sought, provide justification for payment.

No reimbursement to districts for the above with this service.

H. Base Service and Additional Service: (If applicable)

Service Costs - The service cost for Internet consists of the following components:

Telecommunications link - Cost proposal will be provided using current contracts and existing district communications after mode of use (dedicated or dial-up) is selected by the district.

1. Accounts - Dedicated Connectivity

    1    password                                                $     345
* 50   passwords                                              $   3330
* 50+ passwords (each additional)                $        67 each

* Only available for routed (dedicated) communications service.

2. Accounts - Dial-up Connectivity

        $345 each

3. Internet Server

    Technical charges as per LAN service
    NERIC Internet accounts ONLY as priced above

4. Disk Storage (for additional home page storage and additional Email on NERIC server.)

    3 Mb included with each account at no charge
    $6 per year per account for each additional Mb

5. HTML Authoring Service

    Purchased per diem $ 490 per day

6. Training (Curriculum integration and user)

    Purchased per diem $ 490 per day

7. Hardware/Software and Maintenance - Cost proposal will be provided using current contracts after options are selected by the district. This may be purchased from the NERIC or may be provided by the district.

NERIC ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY and WEB HOME PAGE GUIDELINES