Hi Jane
> I provided a quotation to an LEA for equipment for a student recently. The
> quotation was for reasonably standard equipment (PC, scanner, printer,
> office and dragon, whale mouse, 17" monitor and a talk mic). The quotation
> went off to the LEA for consideration and the LEA wrote to the student
> outlining in detail what they had allowed. The allowance was a lot less
> that the quotation (£700 less). I spoke to the LEA who told me that it was
> common practice for some LEAs to have a base price for a PC and this is the
> amount they would pay. What are your views on this?
I've heard of this situation but not experienced it personally. I
believe that they are not working within the guidelines. You may want
to consider writing stating your position ie that you could not support
their actions and you stand by your original recommendations for the
equipment and supplier. You have been asked to carry out an assessment
and have made recommendations and have therfore carried out your part of
the contract.
>
> Would students be able to get the complete package from a high street
> reseller to the exact specification?
They might but it's doubtful besides do you want to put your name to an
order from a supplier who you know nothing about and whom you believe
would not provide the level of support (and training?) you expect and
the student requires
> Will the student get a reasonable support package with the equipment or
> would they have to call a premium rate call centre for advice?
The latter is probably true. Would this serve the student's needs?
> What about when things go wrong and parts of the equipment do not work
> correctly together - who picks up the pieces?
> etc. etc.
>
Probably you or the student who may not have a clue. You might want to
suggest the student contact SKILL for support in this case. I think
PAul Dilley at the University of Westminster has experienced similar
problems (tel 020 7911 5808 or [log in to unmask]). You can
mention me in despatches if you like.
Hope this helps. I'd be interested to know the outcome.
Regards.
John
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