Using a Mobile Lab in the Classroom

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Using a Mobile Lab in the Classroom

• Presentation by Beth Eisenhart

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Todays Goals

• Learn about wireless technology
• Learn how to use the wireless lab/cart
• Learn about various activities to implement with
  students using the mobile lab
• Locate at least ten web resources that support
  your standard course of study

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What is a Mobile Lab?

• Transportable classroom set of computers housed
  in a mobile steel cart
• Consists of laptop (notebook) computers
• Wireless technology used

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Wireless Technology

• Provides access to your schools network and the
  Internet without Ethernet cables
• Wireless signal sent from a wireless access point
  (some are portable, some stationary)
• Laptops in the mobile lab have a wireless card
  built in to receive the signal (your schools
  desktop computers do not)

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Advantages

• Mobility
• Convenience
• File sharing
• Access to Internet resources
• Solving real problems with real purpose
  just-in-time
• Supports interactive student activities
• Addresses multiple learning styles
• Allows students to stay in their natural learning
  environment while using computer resources

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Disadvantages

• Need Ethernet drop and electrical outlet
• High set up/clean up time
• Frequent hardware/software problems when using
  multiple machines
• Battery life
• Learn as You Go

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Equipment and Hardware

• Steel cart

Shelving
Locks
Power Strip
Pictures from http//www.yeslearning.org/Laptop2
0Carts.php and http//www.pc-security.com/steal_ca
ninets.htm
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Equipment and Hardware

• Laptops Dell Latitude
• Power Adapters

Pictures from http//www.laptopuniverse.com/produc
ts/34_dell_ac_adapter_pa6_dell_latitude_cp_cpx_ac_
adapters.shtml and http//members.cox.net/nightsha
desrealm/flame.htm
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Equipment and Hardware

• Wireless Access Point

Ethernet cord
Electrical cord
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Unloading the Cart

• Plug carts power cord (in back) into electrical
  outlet.
• Turn on power switch in back of cart.
• Unlock and open doors.
• Remove Internet access point. Plug into Ethernet
  drop and electrical outlet inside cart.
• Unplug laptop power adapter from back of laptops
  on shelves. Leave adapters plugged into carts
  power strip for future charging.
• Remove laptops.

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Ideas for Implementation

• Utilization of School Network Applications
• Word Processing, database, spreadsheet,
  multimedia, and thinking software used for
  project based learning
• Integration of computer skills in preparation for
  NC Test of Computer Skills
• Development of electronic portfolios
• Teacher-created activities that supplement text
  books and curriculum

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Ideas for Implementation

• Access to the Internet for
• Research
• Interactive Skill Practice
• Simulations
• Virtual Field Trips
• WebQuests
• CyberHunts
• Communication with students around the world
• Web Cams/Streaming Video

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Visit this site for some valuable Internet
resources

• Go to the GCS homepage (www.gaston.k12.nc.us)
• Go to Schools, Elementary, H.H. Beam
• Go to the Staff Development page.
• Scroll to the bottom and click on the Internet
  to supplement your instruction link
• From H.H. Beams Homepage, click on Technology
• Click on Interactive Math Sites or Interactive
  Reading Sites

-OR-
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Search for Activities

• Use Google www.google.com
• Type search criteria such as Interactive Biology
  Activities or Interactive Social Studies
  Activities (if you teach high school, you can
  also add these words to the criteria eliminate
  quotation marks).
• Do a file type search using this formula rocks
  and minerals filetypeppt

file extension (type of file) you are looking for
subject of search
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Loading the Cart

• Ensure each laptop has been shut down.
• Unplug router store on shelf.
• Reattach the power adaptor to each laptop.
• Close and lock doors.
• If cart is being moved, unplug and turn the power
  switch off. After moving the cart, be sure to
  plug it back in and turn the power switch on to
  charge the laptops for their next use.

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Want to learn more? Visit these websites

• Classrooms with Wi-Fi http//www.thejournal.com/m
  agazine/vault/A4218.cfm?kw842
• Wireless Technology in K-12 Education
  http//www.eef.lane.edu/grants/grants2004/meadowla
  rk_computers.html
• Laptops in the Classroom http//moore.portlandscho
  ols.org/ibook/articles.html
• Making the Most of Laptops in the Classroom
  http//www.glencoe.com/sec/teachingtoday/education
  upclose.phtml/38
• Multimedia in the Classroom http//fcit.usf.edu/mu
  ltimedia/deliver/deliverb.html
• Directions for Using the Carthttp//64.233.187.10
  4/search?qcacheJWzPmyVYFdkJk-12.pisd.edu/guide/
  wireless/elem_wireless_cart.pdfmobilelabcartla
  ptophlen

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Want to learn more? Visit these websites

• Thoughts from Teachers and Students
  http//www.readingonline.org/electronic/elec_index
  .asp?HREF/electronic/colburn2/index.html
• The Unwired Classroom http//www.fno.org/jan01/wir
  eless.html
• Using Technology to Enhance the Classroom
  Environment http//www.thejournal.com/magazine/vau
  lt/A3819.cfm?kw842
• Wi-Fi keeps Classrooms Connected in North
  Carolinas Largest District http//www.thejournal.
  com/magazine/vault/A4740.cfm?kw842