THE MOBILE CLASSROOM

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THE MOBILE CLASSROOM

• SETUP, USE, TAKEDOWN

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Cart Specs

• 16 laptops
• HP 1200 laser printer
• 802.11b wireless Ethernet
• 3 pointing devices per computer
• 1.8 GHz CPUs, Windows 2000
• MS Office 2000
• HD Floppy CD drives standard
• DVD Zip drives available

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Requesting the cart

• Specify date, time, duration
• Classroom number
• Is Ethernet operating in that classroom?
• What software will you need?
• Which media / Drives are needed?

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Transporting the cart

• Cart must be picked up returned by the user
• Go slowly over elevator threshholds
• A presentation system (smartcart or Tegrity) must
  be reserved seperately
• Allow sufficient lead time to pick up the cart
  prepare it for use
• Request student assistance to help its heavy!

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Setting up in the classroom

• Cart must be within cable length of Ethernet
  power
• Connect to Ethernet at wall or floor Receptacles
  (live connection is the pink wire)
• Unplug laptops from cart and distribute to
  students
• Distribute mice with laptops if desired
• Be sure there is paper in the printer

Pink wire
Power
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Plugging in to Ethernet

• Observe the wireless access point(WAP) as mounted
  on the cart (blinking lights)
• The Printer and the WAP must be plugged into the
  mini hub
• In case a Presentation system is in use
  (smartcart, smartpodium or Tegrity), the Ethernet
  connection for all devices must be made through
  the minihub unless multiple Ethernet outlets are
  available

WAP
MiniHub
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Using the wireless (Basics)

• Students must place laptops flat on desk!
• (No walking around with them.)
• Ensure battery recharge at every 2hr -interval
• Printing goes to the on-board printer
• In case of all - day workshop, chargers can be
  deployed with laptops

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Using the wireless - logging in

• For laptop login ec-mobile- and password is
  mobile
• NETWORK ACCESS
• Tree DCCCDEDU
• Context MOBILE_UNITS.EDU2.ECC.DCCCDEDU
• Server ECCEDU2
• 
  

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Using the wireless (continued)

• Always instruct students to save work to floppy
  or zip disk. When machine reboots all files are
  deleted!
• Set expectations inform students that they
  should not access pornographic site or use e-mail
  
• Laptops power down when unused

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Using the wireless (Security)

• Do not leave the classroom while the cart is in
  use
• If possible, have a staff member, TA, or an
  instructor assist you while using the cart

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Repacking the cart

• Return each laptop to its numbered bay
• Return all equipment and check that power modules
  and mice are properly accounted for
• Unplug Ethernet cables and power off before the
  cart is moved
• Document problems to enable proper
  troubleshooting by support staff

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Class preparation

• Try exercises out in advance and have realistic
  ideas about what students can do
• If you expect students to access the web,
  databases, and library catalogue, consider
  scheduling a librarian to conduct an orientation
• Prepare detailed handouts to guide novice
  students in the tasks you want them to accomplish
• Be prepared to work with students with limited
  computer literacy and limited software and Web
  knowledge

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The End

• Any questions?
• The ERC/Library Web site is at
• http//www.ecc.dcccd.edu/library/index.htm