9. Netbook shopping list Capability – Will it run your essential tools effectively? Processor RAM Hard Drive OS Wireless Possibility – Will it meet your needs the next 3 years? Size– Screen, keyboard, weight Durability – Will it withstand regular student use? Expandability – Necessary ports Battery – 6 cells = approx 5 hours Warranty/Support
26. Timeline Fall 2008 – Worked with 2 different prototypes Winter 2008-09 – Worked with 2 sample machines Windows XP – standard for many netbooks XP Tablet – for built-in support of tablet tools Spring 2009 – Tested classroom set on cart w/XP Tablet Tested in multiple contents Tested in all 3 grades of middle school Tested most demanding apps w/kids Summer 2009 – Prep for 1:1 in grades 6-7
27. Timeline Sept. 2009 – Rollout in grades 6-7-8 8th grade – M700 tablets (year 2 of pilot) Brief training refresher w/rollout Small group training with new students 7th grade – Classmate Convertibles 1:1 after initial training 1x per cycle Wellnology class 6th grade – Classmate Convertibles 1:1 during school day for first trimester Wellnology integrated into advisory & classes 1:1 2nd trimester
28. Teacher needs Administrative support (and expectations) Teacher input in process/readiness/timeline Ongoing PD, as needed (just in time, planning, etc.) Classroom management suggestions Modeling of tools/techniques (OneNote, tablets) in and out of classroom Frequent reminders Details & organization Chocolate! (AKA freedom to vent)
29. Supporting Curriculum Traditional tools for basic classroom computing (Security blanket – familiar) Creative suite – audio, video, drawing/painting, webcam Productivity tools – classroom efficiency Constructive tools – independent learning and options for demonstrating learning Access, access, access
33. Additional Hardware Still Cameras Video Cameras Document Cameras MFPs Projectors Headsets w/microphones Flashdrives
34. Lessons Learned Administrative Leadership Clear, evolving vision Policy with teeth but flexibility Plan for sustainability, not just to purchase hardware Funding/budget decisions Details, details, details… Teacher buy-in Supported teachers support integration Listen to the naysayers & address concerns Put the curriculum before the hardware Feed the teachers (There’s always room for chocolate!)
35. Lessons Learned Homework Find schools already doing it. Visit if you can. Network! Ask vendor for references. Get info/ideas from others, too. Test before you commit Let kids play with the hardware before you commit to it. Pilot in the classroom first if you can. No hardware is perfect. Use teachers and students to anticipate problems. Budget for warranty and repair needs. Replacement may be cheaper than repair. Survey kids for suggestions – F11, hiding the ribbon, etc.
36. On the Horizon Netbooks getting bigger Processors getting faster Battery life will fluctuate (screen size and speed impact life) Continued movement to “the cloud” Hardware evolution Slates E-Readers Blurring line between netbooks & laptops (netops) Operating systems Linux flavors Chrome, alternate operating systems Windows 7 (and 8) Competition from Apple…
37. When it might be better to go Mac… Curriculum: If video and music editing is core to the majority of projects you’re doing or plan to do (Think iMovie & GarageBandvsMovieMaker & Audacity) Support: If your support structure is already Apple-oriented (repair techs, applications, servers, etc.) Critical mass: If increasing laptop numbers and decreasing student to computer ratio isn’t an issue