Learning Unplugged

1
Learning Unplugged

• Mobile Computing in Bellmore-Merrick

2
The Nuts Bolts

• Cart with charger
• 15 notebooks per cart
• 2 Wireless Access Points
• A 10/100 mini-hub to provide connectivity
• Network capable laser printer
• Power Supply

3
Cart Considerations

• Provide one additional power supply
• Provide USB floppy, zip, etc.
• Provide inventory decals on notebooks
• Provide equipment for accessibility for students
  with special needs
• Provide extra package of paper

4
Wireless Access Point Considerations

• Network Speed
• Range
• Manageability
• Non-overlapping channels capability of Access
  Points

5
Staff Development

• Mobility and Curriculum Integration
• Weekend course
• 38 participants
• Half-Day Workshops
• Nassau BOCES Model Schools
• Over 150 participants
• Department Meetings

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Mobility enhances learning via

• Learning when and where you need it
• Easy to organize cooperative groups
• Staying connected

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Opportunities

• Ease of Movement
• Relaxed Fit
• Strategic Deployment
• Flexibility

• Cleanliness
• Convenience
• Simplicity
• Speed

8
Challenges

• Classroom Management?
• Theft?
• Battery life?

• Technical Support?
• Keyboard and Mouse?
• Giving up control?
• Who will move the cart?

9
Reactions

• We used to have to huddle around computers in
  the computer lab, now you can have your own
  computer at your desk.
• - Samantha Moses, Merrick Avenue Middle
  School, Age 13

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Reactions

• I never imagined having a laptop in school.
• - Rachel Clifford, Merrick Avenue Middle
  School, Age 13

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Reactions

• Its better than doing schoolwork, its fun.
• - Richard Pititto, Merrick Avenue Middle
  School, Age 13

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Reactions

• Our teachers are able to act as facilitators
  allowing students to do individual work at
  different levels at different times. These
  laptops are booked everyday until the end of the
  year.
• - Caryn Frange, Principal, Merrick Avenue
  Middle School

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Lessons Learned

• Emphasize curriculum, not technology
• Put laptops in the hands of teachers and students
• Provide extensive training prior to any rollout
• Provide for technical support staff
• Manufacturers quoted battery time will be the
  optimum possible

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References

• Bailey, Mitchell. Migrating to Distributive
  Learning Environments Notebook Computer Carts.
  May, 2001lt http//www.forsyth.k12.
  ga.us/admin/technology/migrate2.aspgt.

15
References

• McKenzie, Jamie. The Unwired Classroom Wireless
  Computers Come of Age. From Now On The
  Educational Technology Journal. Jan.
  2001lthttp//www.fno.org/jan01/ wireless.htmlgt.

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References

• Whitman, Mark. K-12 Wireless Computing is Here
  Are you Ready? Spring 2001 lthttp//laf.cioe.com/
  whitman/isba98.htmgt.