When Sheckler Elementary School students return to school later this month, they will have the use of a brand new, technologically advanced computer lab.

A partnership between the parent supported Home and School Association and the school district made the lab, which was completed in the spring, possible.

The new lab offers a total of 28 student stations. Processing power is provided by five Hewlett Packard MultiSeat ms6200 desktops serving 23 Hewlett Packard MultiSeat T100 thin client machines and a networked laser printer which is available for use by any of the student stations.

The computer lab will allow students to access web-based educational resources and to use applications like Microsoft Office Suite.

Catasauqua Area School District Network Manager Wayne Karess told The Press a new lab was needed because in the past Sheckler offered a single computer lab which had been in continuous use by a single teacher.

He said the new lab was needed to allow all Sheckler teachers equal access to technology for academic purposes.

"The need was identified for a 'drop-in' style computer lab that any building teacher could sign out for use with their class," Karess said.

The total cost of the computer lab was approximately $10,000.

Karess pointed out the cost was less than half of what the school district would have incurred had it proceeded with a more conventional-based computer lab.

The new computer lab differs from the previous lab, Karess said.

It uses a powerful desktop that serves the student sitting in front of the station as well as neighboring stations. A neighbor station consists of a monitor, keyboard, mouse and an inexpensive client box mounted on the back of the monitor. Clients are linked to the desktop server via simple USB cabling.

"Thin client computing such as this offer such advantages as reduced cost, lower power consumption, less heat emission, smaller footprint, and easier maintenance," said Karess.

Karess added the new lab will help enhance the learning environment for Sheckler students.

"The district believes that the payback in terms of improved student achievement will represent a most effective use of the generous community support and district resources," he said.