|
|
|
How Arcadia Unified School District has taken technology away from the walls and to the students. |
|
|
|
|
Director, Technology & Information Services, Arcadia Unified School District |
|
|
|
|
1995 AUSD began using wireless for its Wide Area Network |
|
1997 Model Technology Program tested for laptop carts |
|
1998 AUSD Implements wireless laptops as standard for access |
|
1999 AUSD switches to 11MBS 802.11 standard |
|
|
|
|
Infrared |
|
Microwave |
|
Satellite |
|
Spread Spectrum |
|
|
|
|
Signal uses the 9GHz radio band |
|
Radio signal literally spreads across the radio frequency spectrum |
|
Spread Spectrum goes around obstructions |
|
Versatile and powerful |
|
Unlicensed |
|
|
|
|
Looking for low cost, high speed WAN to connect schools |
|
Spread Spectrum offered distances up to 3 miles |
|
Erected 90 foot tower with antennas on 2 story building at DO |
|
School has reciprocal mast and antenna |
|
Provided 2MB throughput to school site vs. 1.5MB T1s |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proved effective for 3 years |
|
Low cost, somewhat high maintenance |
|
Degraded as number of computers passed 3,000 because of Bridging not routing |
|
Still a good option for schools starting networking |
|
Abandoned in 1999 for multiple T1s and routers to each site |
|
|
|
|
More access in classrooms vs. labs |
|
Every classroom had two to five computers on side of classroom |
|
Needed more access at times |
|
Did not want more labs…keep it in the classroom... |
|
Roll the lab into the classroom |
|
|
|
|
Flexible classroom arrangements |
|
Encourage cooperative groupings/projects |
|
Access away from the “walls” |
|
Desks in clusters not rows |
|
Anytime, Anywhere Access |
|
|
|
|
A rolling cart with electrical |
|
Network hub to connect to classroom network connection |
|
Every classroom has a fiber optic port and CAT5 hub |
|
A network laser printer |
|
6 to 10 laptops connected via cables to the hub… |
|
|
|
|
Model Technology Program |
|
Two carts awarded to two teams of 4 teachers |
|
8 Laptops with wires |
|
Concept great! |
|
Execution… |
|
|
|
|
Teachers created individual workspaces |
|
Special tables, counters to control wires |
|
Found individuals using the computers not groups |
|
The “rolling lab” never rolled…. |
|
Stayed where it was set up because of time required to assemble |
|
|
|
|
Retrofitted existing carts mid-year |
|
Switched to wireless network cards |
|
Installed access points |
|
Results were dramatic… |
|
|
|
|
Groups of students using laptops in clusters away from walls |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cart shared between team members’ rooms… |
|
|
|
|
Students used laptops for quality work…and for more time |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Next step was to move away from the carts |
|
What happens when a whole group of students has access to a wireless laptop 24 hours a day? |
|
What happens when a child decides “when,where and how” to use technology in their education? |
|
|
|
|
Outfitted a 6th/7th grade “class” with 32 wireless laptops |
|
Provided network access and printing points throughout school |
|
Allowed students to keep them 7/24 with a small monthly fee |
|
The results…. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increased research in all classes |
|
Higher quality products |
|
Higher quality and quantity of writing |
|
Students engaged in high quality work |
|
But... |
|
|
|
|
Grade 5 class 7/24 access to NEC MobilePros palm top computers |
|
2/3 Class 7/24 access to AlphaSmart word processors |
|
Results have been amazing…especially Grades 2/3 for writing |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dell Pentium II Laptop Computers (8 to 10 per cart), $1,800 each |
|
Lucent Network Interface Cards, 1 per laptop, $175 each |
|
Lucent WavePoint Access Point, 1 per cart or about every 50 yards, $995 (overlapping vs. Apple’s new version) |
|
Antenna extension, $95.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Network Printer $1,200 to $1,500 |
|
Bretford Notebook Cart w/ Electrical $400 |
|
8 port 10 base-T Hub $80 |
|
Velcro... |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Arcadia High School: |
|
24 Laptop Carts with 10 laptops per cart |
|
Foothills Middle School: |
|
3 Laptop Carts with 8 laptops per cart |
|
32 Wireless laptops for AAA Model Tech |
|
Camino Grove Elementary School: |
|
2 Laptop Carts with 10 laptops per cart |
|
Holly Avenue Elementary School: |
|
1 Laptop Cart with 10 laptops per cart |
|
More on the way…. |
|
|
|
|
Versatile method for creative uses of technology in the classroom |
|
Method for removing many of the traditional barriers for using technology |
|
Helps redefine classroom organization and the quality of work the physical environment often dictates |
|
Notes