mguhlin

Digital Projectors in Classrooms – Policies/Procedures

Recently, a tech coordinator on a Texas listserv asked this series of questions:

We have recently went to having ceiling mounted projectors in our classrooms and the question of replacement of the bulbs has come up.

1. Since the average projector bulb has roughly a life-span of 1,500 – 2,000 hours, how are you budgeting for the replacement of these bulbs?

2. Who pays for the replacement, Campus or Technology Department?

3. If Technology Department pays for the replacement bulbs, how do you project future replacement needs if you do not know when or how many will go out in the future?

4. Do you have a written procedure you could share with me regarding projectors and bulbs?

Here are some of the responses received:

Response #1
In our district, the Tech Dept purchases the projectors and mounts them. Teachers are given an inservice on how to maximize the lamp’s life. They also sign a contract on proper use of the projector. Principals are responsible (because they walk the halls and observe classrooms) for making sure teachers turn off lamps when not in use. Principals, also, either encourage or discourage technology use on their campuses….therefore, the campus is responsible for lamp replacement. The Tech Dept cannot manage how well a teacher utilizes the equipment
but a Principal can. This has worked very well over the last 5 years.

Response #2
I routinely budget for 4 replacements each year in my Technology budget. That represents about 8% of my 47 ceiling-mounted projectors. We installed the projectors (Epson Powerlites mostly) 8 years ago and (so far!!) I have never replaced more than two in any single year (5%).
My teachers have generally done a good job about turning the projectors off when not in use for more than a few minutes.

Response #3

The campus is responsible for lamp replacement. We consider this a supply item. Since the lamps come out of thier budget they do a better job of making sure teachers turn the projectors off when not in use.

We setup the projectors to run in an econo mode. We buy Mitsubishi as the lamp warranty start date does not start until the lamp is placed into the projector. Our principals budget for 20% of their total number of projectors lamps each year. This has worked out very well.

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2 comments

  1. Hi Miguel,I've worried about this, but have come to the conclusion that this may be moot for out district, budget wise. We will NOT be replacing TVs, DVD/VCRs, or overhead projectors. We buy no new tape recorders. No opaque projectors. Develop no film. (This also supposes we go with an all digital video delivery system as planned.)What more "AV" does a teacher need than a computer and a projector?Doug

    Reply

  2. Hi Miguel,I've worried about this, but have come to the conclusion that this may be moot for out district, budget wise. We will NOT be replacing TVs, DVD/VCRs, or overhead projectors. We buy no new tape recorders. No opaque projectors. Develop no film. (This also supposes we go with an all digital video delivery system as planned.)What more “AV” does a teacher need than a computer and a projector?Doug

    Reply

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