Cluster schools from the Eastern Bay of Plenty and the West Coast are involved in the Mobile Laptop Technologies (MOBLAP) project. The 16 participating schools are situated in sparsely populated areas and range in the mid to low decile ratings. Participating schools are a mix of high and area schools.
Each of the schools’ pods are operated and configured differently. Pods consist of five to 10 laptops, some of which are installed with SmartTools software that either runs separately to a school’s main network server, or is integrated with it.
The wireless laptops have aerials that transmit signals to access points or ‘airports’ located around the classes. Once connected via the ‘airport’ students have access to the internet, to software programmes, or the school server. Wireless laptops require mains power but can run off batteries for short periods.
All schools were provided with stacking-tower style trolleys to move, protect and charge the laptops between classes. Over time the schools have modified the way the laptops are transported to best meet the schools and teachers’ needs. The mobile pod laptops are literally wheeled or carried between classes.
Some schools indicated software integration and technical support problems in the initial stages of the project, however, communication between the Ministry of Education, the schools, and the technology partner have mostly resolved the issues.
The second of three milestone reports is due in December 2004. Funding for MOBLAP runs until the end of 2005.
