Mobile Technology for Teaching Grant - Hardware & Networks

• Wireless Gateway - Smart Classroom Setup
  Wireless equipment has been purchased and installed in one test classroom. This wireless presentation gateway allows the instructor Tablet to connect and present notes from Powerpoint, Classroom Presenter, One Note or Journal Writer directly to the projector system. This provides the instructor the freedom to move around the classroom and not be "tied" to a podum or teaching center.
  


• Networking the Tablets
  Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering is currently testing a new upgraded wireless network system. This newer system will allow the department to better meet the needs of faculty and students impacted by this grant. A previosly existing, but limited access wireless network, was not adequate for the department's goal for department wide, secure wireless access for all faculty, staff and students. Full wireless access is expected to be operational by the beginning of our Fall term in August 2005.
  


• Cloning - Maintenance and Upgrades
  Managing 20 additional computers, all of which were mobile and new technology, added some new protocols and procedures to our department's IT operations. The instructors' Tablet PCs were set up using standard departmental IT procedures and software and security upgrades handled through the network. Hard disk imaging and cloning were immediately seen as necessities for the 15 student "classroom" computers. After equipment delivery, one computer was set up per HP's installation guide and an image created. This would allow for catestrophic failure recovery without reverting to the out-of-the-box configuration. Standard campus-wide software licenses for standard packages such as Microsoft Office, McAfee AntiVirus, and ESRI's ArcGIS were installed and all existing patches and upgrades applied on our test Tablet PC. Specific software needed by each team member (i.e. MatLab, GPS Viewer) was also loaded and relevant patches and upgrades applied. A second image was made that was then applied simultaneously to Tablet PC in docking stations. This image has been updated at the end of each term to date. Our plan to implement a new wireless departmental network will create new challenges to keeping the Tablet PCs' security and antivirus protection current.
  



• "Classroom Presenter" Integration
  Team members have been testing the beta software - "Classroom Presenter". This distributed presentation system for Tablet PCs is being developed by University of Washington and Microsoft Research to provide an integration of computer generated slides and ink to enhance instructors' delivery and interaction with students. We have been successful with small scale implementation of this methodology, but have utilized the wireless gateway (see above) connectivity to ensure classroom time is not lost when connectivity issues arise. We continue to stay current with beta software releases and have high expectations that this application can be integrated to its fullest potential.
  


• Compact Flash Card GPS
  An integral component of the "GIS in Water Resources" module was the incorporation of GPS data collection. There are numerous handheld GPS units available that can collect very accurate geospatial coordinates. The module developed for this course included the use of PCMCIA - CF Card adapters to allow the connection of Holux CF Card GPS receivers. This combination allowed students to "feed" collected data points directly into the GIS program without the standard GPS conversion software inherent in most handheld GPS units.