writing/design/media placement/web

Saint Augustine Catholic School

Saint Augustine Catholic School had a problem. Their library was poorly equipped, and student performance was suffering as a result. Among many of the 210 students, research skills were nonexistent. Teachers couldn’t rely on the library as a resource for themselves or their classes. Frustration prevailed, but solutions didn’t seem to be forthcoming.

The donation of several used computers was a blessing, offering the school an opportunity to enter the world of technology. “Internet access would certainly supplement the library, and students could learn new research skills” notes Shelore Williams, principal of Saint Augustine. “But while we were extremely grateful for the donations, they did present a challenge. We turned to M-Cubed for help in maximizing our newly acquired resources.”

M-Cubed worked with the school to develop a technology plan, placing the need for networking and internet access as “must-haves”. Plan in place, the M-Cubed technicians rolled up their sleeves and got started. Their first job? Taking 55 computers--some 386’s, some 486’s, a few Pentium I’s--and getting them all to work...and work together. “We took computers that other people didn’t want. Some didn’t have any memory. Most didn’t have CD-ROM drives.” says Williams. “While some may have felt the task impossible...M-Cubed wasn’t afraid to tackle the bad shape that we were in.”

After completing the task of ‘cleaning up’ the computers, M-Cubed built a campus-wide local area network (LAN) connecting 10 classrooms, the library, the computer lab, the school office, the cafeteria and the teacher’s lounge. Limited resources, such as CD-ROM drives and printers, could be utilized by the entire school because they were shared on the network. The only new piece of equipment Saint Augustine purchased was a Window’s NT server: donated materials make up 99% of the network.

And the results of M-Cubed’s work? Teachers can now access the Internet to gather ideas for classroom activities and lesson plans. Students are improving their research and computer skills. The under equipped library is bolstered with the unending amount of information on the Internet. Principal Williams is happy.

“M-Cubed made the best out of what was available,” says Williams. “They really made the difference.”

M-Cubed works extensively within their community, and that was one of the reasons Saint Augustine considered them. “We chose M-Cubed because we felt that they really cared. When we were trying to figure out our technology plan, M-Cubed volunteered to assist us. They have so much pride for their work, and their ‘no problem can’t be resolved’ attitude was admirable.”

When asked if Saint Augustine has been pleased with the results of their new technology, Williams’ says “Oh yes. Oh yes. Absolutely! M-Cubed isn’t only a business...they’re a community oriented group as well. We’re grateful for the assistance they’ve given us. ”