LLTI Archives

June 2001, Week 1

LLTI@LISTSERV.DARTMOUTH.EDU

Options: Use Monospaced Font
Show Text Part by Default
Show All Mail Headers

Message: [<< First] [< Prev] [Next >] [Last >>]
Topic: [<< First] [< Prev] [Next >] [Last >>]
Author: [<< First] [< Prev] [Next >] [Last >>]

Print Reply
Subject:
From:
LLTI-Editor <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Language Learning and Technology International Information Forum <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Thu, 7 Jun 2001 17:26:03 EDT
Content-Type:
text/plain
Parts/Attachments:
text/plain (82 lines)
--- Forwarded Message from Jianxiong Wu <[log in to unmask]> ---

>Date: Wed, 6 Jun 2001 16:57:26 -0500 (CDT)
>From: Jianxiong Wu <[log in to unmask]>
>To: Language Learning and Technology International Information Forum    <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Re: #6162.1 Online Powerpoint Presentation on Wireless Labs
>In-Reply-To: <[log in to unmask]>

------------------

Hi Jeanette,

I will try to answer some of your questions. I would also like to hear
other people's comments, too.  

> 
> 1) Is it wiser to purchase the laptops (our institution supports Dell, so
> we will be using Dells.) or to lease?  Have you found benefits from either
> option?

I don't know enough about leasing.  We spent about $2000 on each
machine. The machines should last about 3 or 4 years without having major
problems.  So it really depends on what lease term you can get. Having new
machines every year through leasing should not be a good idea, I think,
because that means you have to redo the setup every year.

> 2) Is there software available which would allow the teacher's computer to
> "control" or monitor all the others?  If so, do you have any suggestions
> for quality software packages?

We are currently looking at CAN8, which seems to be a good
product.  Another product we are aware of is netop school(www.netop.com).

> 
> 3) How "portable" is a 10 - 15 unit cart?  Jian Wu indicates in the
> presentation that the 25 unit cart requires two very strong adults to move
> it around.  Can you give an idea of the weight and size of the loaded cart?  
> 
In our case, 25 machines plus the battery charging systems weigh about 200
pounds, the printer about 25 pounds, the cart itself about 70-80 pounds
(we have a very durable cart).  The whole thing is about 300 pounds.  So a
10-15 unit cart should weigh no more than 150 pounds.  The dimension of
our 25-unit cart is W50.5 inches x D22.5 x H39 plus wheel.

> 4) Has anyone had experience with a permanent antenna being stolen?  Any
> suggestions on how to prevent this?  Can these be installed as to be
> invisible?

You could install it high on the wall or on the ceiling, or within a
locked wooden cabinet.

> 
> 5) Can anyone comment on any physical problems students might experience
> from using the laptops?  (I guess I'm asking about the screens and lighting
> problems.)

We have not noticed any yet.

> 6) Any creative ideas on securing funding for a wireless lab setup?
> (Probably our biggest concern!)

Our original proposal was very well received.  People liked the concept a
lot. 

> In advance, thanks very much!
>
> Jeanette Clement
> Duquesne University ESL Program
> Curriculum/Lab Coordinator
> Pittsburgh, PA  15282


Jian Wu, Ph.D.
CLA Language Center
Multimedia Lab Manager
University of Minnesota
[log in to unmask]
612-626-9407
51 Folwell Hall
9 Pleasant St. SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455

ATOM RSS1 RSS2