1. Using Wireless Laptops in the Classroom The Mathematics Department Tower Hamlets College Richard Tarry

2. A Context The Maths Department at Tower Hamlets College has 12 full time and 4 part time teachers We provide Maths courses across the College from Entry level to Level 3 (AS/A2) We deliver about 250 hours of teaching per week About 80% on our teaching is done on our main Poplar site

3. Courses We offer a variety of courses to our predominantly 16 –19 year students AS/A2 Mathematics AS Use of Maths GCSE Maths retake course FSMQs at level 1 Application of Number

4. New Qualifiations C2000 Introduction of FSMQs in response to demand for new Maths qualifications FSMQs develop Maths skills in context Require coursework, encourage the use of ILT THC decides to use Foundation level (L1) FSMQ as a step toward GCSE

5. Growing Use of ILT Sept 2001 THC is offering 8 – 10 level 1 FSMQ courses Introduces the new AS Use of Maths, based on level 3 FSMQ Minimum requirement for about 27 hours pw in IT rooms General push to encourage use of ILT in all Maths teaching & learning

6. Problems & a Solution Sept 2002 Shortage of IT rooms, but increasing demand IT department reluctant to provide rooms for Maths when we wanted them Varying pattern of demand College offered a Maths IT room and suggested a trial set of laptops

7. Sixteen Laptops and a Trolley Very flexible Can be used in various rooms Set can be split for use by 2 groups Positive response from students Problems with reception and bandwidth - cold spots Moving the trolley Maintenance – cables, recharging Security Cost (desktop x2)

8. Current Operation Most teachers are comfortable with the laptops Technical problems have been resolved - except the wireless printer Booking system plus building staff to move the trolley Flexible staff in one workroom Need another set – but expensive See photos

9. Checklist Staff training and acclimatisation is essential Technical problems must be addressed quickly Physical considerations – movement, location of electrical supply, transmitters Printers? Ownership – booking system, administration & maintenance