ICT Suite Design & Build Trusol

Unlike generic IT companies, Trusol have developed extensive expertise in designing & building ICT suites that enhance the teaching and learning experience.

An ICT suite is a major investment for any school and its design and layout is just as important as the equipment it supports. As technology and teaching strategies evolve, the environment needed to support it must be flexible enough to do the same.

ICT spaces should be practical and uncluttered, equipped to keep pace with emerging technologies while offering optimum flexibility for individual study and collaborative learning across different age and ability groups.

START WITH USAGE

The best starting point for an ICT suite design is a clear understanding of how it is intended to be used and who will use it.

Desk heights and chair sizes will need to be suitable for the age groups of the pupils using the room. Nursery, primary, secondary and adult learning environments all have different requirements and multifunction ICT Suites may need the capacity to offer work areas for various age groups.

We recommend 800mm minimum workspace widths to support the allocated hardware in a comfortable work area for most age group users but can help you adapt work areas if room sizes are limited.

Power and data cables will need to be managed properly to maximise reliability, ensure H&S compliance and to make the whole room look neat, tidy and welcoming.

Wi-Fi, audio solutions and video conferencing may also be required and Trusol will take all these factors into account when designing and planning your ICT Suite.

IT’S NOT ABOUT THE COMPUTERS

The choice of computers or mobile devices that the students will use is often the easiest part of the proposition and Trusol can supply good quality PCs and tablets from a range of manufacturers.

The choice, location and setup of the server is more difficult and sizing the network can be complex.

Peripherals, like printers, visualisers, a main display and teacher workstation facilities have to be chosen and added to the design. Power distribution also needs careful planning as even a small ICT suite can require upwards of 50 power sockets!

GET THE INFRASTRUCTURE RIGHT

A complete ICT suite design will include a survey of the school’s network that will support it. Adequate bandwidth in the room, to the school network and to the internet, are essential.

If there are a number of mobile devices required, a wireless survey is vital too.

ICT equipment is valuable and can be an easy target so you may need security and video surveillance in surrounding areas of the school if the ICT suite is on the ground floor.

Finally, technical support for the whole ICT Suite is fundamental in getting the full benefit of the facility. The policy for replacement, repair or refresh of damaged or ageing ICT hardware should also be carefully considered.

RELATED LINKS

INTERACTIVE CLASSROOM

TOUCH SCREENS AND DISPLAYS

ST MARY’S CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL

ICT SOLUTIONS

SUPPLY – CONFIGURATION – INSTALLATION

“Trusol have also provided us with a professional and reliable level of support which in a school environment is very important…always treated every job with the same level of professionalism and urgency.When it comes to Quality, Reliability and Friendly service, Trusol communications come out top every time.”
Amede Wilson (Director of IT Services) Sacred Heart High School – Hammersmith & Fulham
“I really must take this opportunity to say that Keith and Gary were amazing this morning. They were here early this morning but waited until I got here to ensure that everything is OK – nothing was too much trouble they were very helpful as is Ian when he has been at the school. It is so refreshing in this day and age to get such excellent customer service!”
Eileen Lawlor (School Business Manager) – Red Gates School
“They have always been very competitively priced, with the added reassurance of supplying quality equipment, a professional installation and superb after-sales support service. I have no hesitation in recommending Trusol for their outstanding service and professionalism”
Tracey Cameron (School Business Manager) – Edward Betham CofE Primary
“The range of services Trusol provide has been very useful to me…I have used them for technical support, interactive whiteboard installations, ICT Suite design & build work, wireless installs, network audits & cabinet upgrades. This has allowed me to use Trusol as a “one stop shop” for larger projects.”
Dickon Exton (Project Manager) – LB Waltham Forest
"We have been incredibly impressed and pleased with the service Trusol have provided us with. Their expertise, support and flexibility have been of immense value. Trusol have transformed the way in which our school implements and uses technology, creating engaging learning environments for our children."
Rachel Clack (IT Network Manager) Oak Hill Academy- Hounslow Borough
“Trusol have been instrumental in achieving the schools vision for the delivery of teaching and learning with the use of ICT. Trusol were able to find a cost effective solution which aligned with the schools budget without compromising on the staff and pupils needs. All of our failing IT equipment was replaced over the Summer ready for the pupils to come back to in September”
Vida Amofa - Finance Manager - St Raphael’s RC Primary School
“Thanks for the excellent service earlier this week, the two engineers worked really well with the staff here to get everything installed with minimum disruption to learning. The teachers are thrilled with the difference that the new projectors have made.”
Antonia Lord- School Business Manager - Barnes Primary School