When using the RM NoteBus™ ICT suite, teachers can select the desk layout they prefer. At St Birinus the preferred layout is for all pupils to face towards the front of the classroom. This mode of use has several benefits over a fixed ICT suite:
- All pupils are looking toward the front. Notebooks are far less bulky than PCs so don't really get in the way
- When teaching at the front of the class, notebook screens can be folded flat to prevent distractions
- Teachers can walk to the back of the class and immediately see every screen in the classroom
- Notebooks can be easily removed from pupils to allow them to move to the next task
Staff at this boys' comprehensive school are always looking to find new ways to motivate pupils. The boys really enjoy using technology and the wireless notebooks bring a wide range of software to them such as Maths Alive, multimedia applications and interactive tutorials from the Internet.
Effective use of Space and Resources
The multimedia notebooks can be used in any classroom from the languages department to science. Notebooks fit easily on the pupils desk and there are no cables getting in the way so pupils have room to spare for writing or conducting experiments.
Battery Management
St Birinus charge the batteries during the lunch period and sometimes at break time. The teacher who last used the NoteBus has responsibility for ensuring they are left on charge after the lesson.
The Future
Driving towards greater availability of ICT for pupils and teachers, David Broadbent would like to see the notebooks being booked out by pupils and teachers individually for use in school common areas and at home. The mobile functionality built in to Community Connect 3 makes this easy as pupils can take notebooks home and use them securely and safely just as if they were on the school network. Their files can be made available for use when not connected to the network and can be automatically synchronised when back in school. This means the latest version of the file is saved on the network - a powerful and seamless solution.
The RM NoteBus ICT suite with Community Connect 3 is simple to manage and simple to use. It is highly flexible and offers a fulfilling ICT experience for the user.
"I like using technology. The wireless laptops make the lesson more interesting" Year 8 pupil, St Birinus School.
"The look on pupils' faces is a picture when they first see they can print from a laptop that is not attached to anything - its like magic!" David Broadbent (Teacher and Network Manager).
"We are delighted with the solution". Andy Bruce (Maths Teacher).
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