Using Wireless Laptops in the Classroom

The Mathematics Department

Tower Hamlets College

Richard Tarry

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

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

New Qualifiations

C2000Introduction of FSMQs in response to demand for new Maths qualificationsFSMQs develop Maths skills in contextRequire coursework, encourage the use of ILTTHC decides to use Foundation level (L1) FSMQ as a step toward GCSE

Growing Use of ILTSept 2001

THC is offering 8 – 10 level 1 FSMQ coursesIntroduces the new AS Use of Maths, based on level 3 FSMQ Minimum requirement for about 27 hours pw in IT roomsGeneral push to encourage use of ILT in all Maths teaching & learning

Problems & a Solution

Sept 2002Shortage of IT rooms, but increasing demandIT department reluctant to provide rooms for Maths when we wanted themVarying pattern of demandCollege offered a Maths IT room and suggested a trial set of laptops

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 spotsMoving the trolleyMaintenance – cables, rechargingSecurityCost (desktop x2)

Current OperationMost teachers are comfortable with the laptopsTechnical problems have been resolved - except the wireless printerBooking system plus building staff to move the trolleyFlexible staff in one workroomNeed another set – but expensiveSee photos

ChecklistStaff training and acclimatisation is essentialTechnical problems must be addressed quicklyPhysical considerations – movement, location of electrical supply, transmittersPrinters?Ownership – booking system, administration & maintenance