Use of laptops by teachers in a secondary school

Laptops for Teachers One way of doing it….

Advantages of Laptops? Make a list! Feedback….

Biography – Paul Quinn Scored a goal playing for Celtic at Celtic Park First time I flew in an aeroplane, I never landed in it! British Champion Dated a famous TV Soap Star

Biography – Goffs School 1200 students Curriculum Network RM Connect 2.4 Network – 180 stations Admin Network NT/2000 – 25 stations 72 Laptops – connected to network (RMNETNT Server)

Disadvantages of Laptops? Make another list! Can compare laptops to desktops Feedback…

Why did we do it? Investment in staff development Desire to be a leader in ICT developments Improve administration Improve communication Electronic Attendance Needed to upgrade existing administration network Funded over 3 years Develop student ICT ability via improved confidence of Staff using ICT

What did we do at Goffs? Decided specification Evaluated alternative suppliers & costs Decided and placed order (small first to check them out) Purchase LCD Projector Set up 4 laptops for SLT When happy with that placed “big” order Refined set up process Set up 70 laptops at end of summer holiday in time for INSET at start of term!

Setting up a laptop Register to staff member Set up network connections – good levels of security via Connect Server – but NOT connect Stations Map network drives Admin Install Office via network Set up Proxy Server connection Install utilities – virus checker, adobe, real player Set up and install SIMS Install Wireless card Set up network printing connection Produce “Idiot Guide” “Deliver” during INSET session! Set up sweepstake on first one to be broken!

What staff do with them Complete NOF Training! Produce worksheets Work on class lists downloaded from SIMS Produce Powerpoint presentations for lessons Use Internet for research, material, lessons etc Allow Installation of subject specific software – eg multimedia packages Send assessment work via network (eg interim effort grades) Science department use Data Logging Play DVD’s and CD’s!

Knock on benefits for pupils One criteria – must make at least one substantial use of ICT before end of year Transfer lesson/material to Intranet Produce and share resource/lesson plan with department Increased staff confidence with ICT means more opportunities for pupil use (more likely to use ICT in class) More dynamic lessons (eg multimedia presentation) Better resources for learning (eg via increased internet research) Pupils seem to like ‘em!

Drawbacks (or “Things to bear in mind”) Cost! Staff – it takes all sorts! Teething problems with installations – some crashes. Wide range of ICT ability – from “plug it in” to “no you cannot install Championship Manager” Increase in number of machines to be managed Need good support/warranty certainly beyond year 1 Insurance issues Future developments – may need to recall laptops in from time to time (eg SIMS upgrades – electronic registration) INSET ongoing – weekly top tips in Staff Bulletin

Costs! Value for money is better than cheapest method Hidden costs can include support beyond year 1, insurance, software, additional cards (eg network cards) Rule of thumb - £1100 per machine Shop around – you decide your specification USB ports/DVD/Card Slots/Network Port/Modem/TV Out Will provide list of options and websites Wireless networking for whole site approx £11,000

Suppliers TCT Trust – Hi Grade Computers ASUS Notino A1300 Hi-Grade Specification.htmHi-Grade Specification.htm ABK – Laptop Rental – we use this option for parents wishing to get a computer Teachers1.htm Herts County Supplies Ballicom/Central Computers Research Machines Wireless Networking – Advice via SITSS

Back to you… Make a checklist of reasons for investing in laptops

How many did you get? Cost – what can you afford? Key investment in staff development Recruiting tool Improved ICT skills – for staff then pupils Administration – access to SIMS modules, assessment, recording and reporting Communication – between staff – to parents and pupils (via collaboration) Wireless networking – electronic registration Mobile ICT classroom? Rental/Lease scheme extended to parents

Any questions?