Training Labs

The KDES and MSSD TecEds Training Labs

	TecEds trainees in the new TecEds Lab, Summer 2000

An important component of the TecEds projects was the design and creation of the MSSD TecEds Lab, located in Room 39G in the basement of MSSD. The need for another lab prompted the creation of the KDES TecEds lab located in Room 2800 on the second floor of KDES.

Tom Quinn, a member of the Transition Team, working with a group of sophomore students in the TecEds Training Lab, Winter 2000/2001

KDES TecEds Lab

Mobile School

At the heart of the KDES TecEds Lab is the Mobile School unit. This unit is housed in a room adjacent to the main training room in the TecEds Lab area.

The unit contains 13 Dell Inspiron 5000 laptop computers as well as an HP LaserJet printer. Each laptop is equipped with a Lucent Wireless LAN card, which allows the user to access the World Wide Web without wires.

The laptop computers are housed and charged in the Mobile School unit. The Mobile School unit can charge and hold up to 24 laptops, which are housed, in lockable sliding drawers [2 on each side of the unit].

Intel InBusiness 4 port hub

The Mobile School also contains the Intel InBusiness hub, which functions as a traffic director, passing information back and forth between the wireless computers and the Internet. In addition to the Intel hub, the Mobile School also houses the Kingston Printer server.

Mobile School Unit

	Dell Inspiron 5000 $2,705.00 [price is per unit]

Dell Laptops

A primary component of the lab is the Dell Inspiron 5000 laptop computers. Laptops were selected for use in the TecEds Lab to facilitate visual access for all users [no monitors blocking the view of the instructor and/or interpreter], as well as the ability to provide portability within a wireless networked system.

All trainee laptops can be monitored by the instructor via the master computer using the installed SynchronEyes. SynchronEyes is computer-lab instruction software that helps create a focused learning environment. SynchronEyes uses the existing TCP/IP network to provide one-to-one instruction - right from the teacher's desktop.

Each smaller icon represents a trainee's actual computer desktop

Rear Projection SMART Board

An important component of the TecEds Lab is the rear screen projection SMART Board, manufactured by Smart Technologies, Inc. The Rear Projection SMART Board consists of a self-contained cabinet with the peripherals and cables housed inside the cabinet. This unit allows the instructor to easily and quickly connect a laptop computer using the flip-up shelf and external cables.

Standard SMART Board $1,748.00 [price is per unit & does not include shipping charges]
Rear Projection SMART Board

The Rear Projection SMART Board eliminates the need for special lighting. With the image cast from behind the screen, there are no distracting shadows or projector beams to avoid. The screen has been optimized to produce a clear, bright image necessary for video or data conferencing.

You can keep the room's lighting at normal working levels because glare and reflection are reduced. This type of setup allows for full visual access as well as the ability to clearly see interpreting/signing while using the SMART Board.

Grants are available to assist in purchasing SMART Boards through the SMARTer Kids Foundation

In addition to all the equipment in the TecEds Training Lab, each individual academic team in the Clerc Center has a core set of equipment for use in their specific areas.

The MSSD TecEds Lab

Dell Laptops

A primary component of the lab is the Dell Inspiron 8200 laptop computers. Laptops were selected for use in the TecEds Lab to facilitate visual access for all users [no monitors blocking the view of the instructor and/or interpreter], as well as the ability to provide portability within a wireless networked system.

Specifications:

• TrueMobile PC Card
• CD writer
• IEEE 1394 fire wire DV card
• cost $2, 649 from www.dell.com

Dell TrueMobile 1170 Wireless Access Point

The Dell Wireless Access Point functions as a traffic director, passing information back and forth between the wireless computers and the Internet.

Sony Cybershot DSC-P7

• 3.2 megapixel
• 3x Optical Zoom
• InfoLithium rechargeable battery
• Save images sand movies to memory stick
• cost $329
  

Canon ZR65 Mini-DV Camcorder

• 20x Optical Zoom and 400x Digital Zoom
• Mini-DV format
• Color Viewfinder and 2.5" LCD Screen
• XGA High Resolution Photos
• Analog Line-in/Converter
• electronic image stabilization
• 1.15 lbs.
• USB and IEEE 1394 fire wire terminals
• cost $369 at www.buydig.com

NetOp School

All trainee laptops can be monitored by the instructor via the master computer using the installed NetOp School software. Teachers can also broadcast live demo screens to participants; mark up the featured screen to highlight a lesson; create monitored chat rooms or allow students to send you private questions via an instant message button located on laptop.