Race to the Top Laptop Carts
Overview
Introduction
Using Race to the Top (RTTT) funding, Baltimore City has invested heavily in Laptop Carts. These carts come equipped with 30 computers, chargers and a wireless access point, which allows for access to the Internet even if the school does not have its own wireless network. Since the cart is mobile, teachers can share the cart, allowing a larger number of students to be able to use computers throughout the school day.
As technology plays a more prominent role in preparing our students for college and careers, they will need to become more proficient using the technology available to them in school. The carts will also be a useful tool in standardized testing which will be completed online, starting in the 2014-2015 school-year.
Almost every City School has at least one RTTT cart while some have as many as eight. Yet, while having these carts is a great start, it is crucial that schools are able to properly manage, maintain and care for their RTTT carts so the technology will be an effective learning tool for teachers and students.
Basic Setup
The computers should be used only by students. They were purchased using money that is earmarked directly for students and it is important that the students are the ones using the devices and not the staff members. Should you have any technical problems with the cart or the laptops that the guidance document cannot help you fix, please contact the Help Desk at 443-642-3000.
There are two cords on the back of the cart, a power cord and an Ethernet cable. The power cord can be plugged directly into the wall or a surge protector. To turn the cart on, hit the orange switch in back. The Ethernet cable plugs into the back of the cart and an Internet drop somewhere in the room. When both cables are plugged in, you should see the lights on the wireless access point flash on.
Cart Storage
The RTTT Laptop Carts all come with keys. The keys should be left with someone who is responsible and who will be able to keep track of where the keys are at all times. When the cart is not in use it should be locked in a secure location. If only one specific teacher or class uses the cart, it can be left in that classroom. Some schools decide to return the cart(s) to a specific location at the end of the day like the library or computer lab. Wherever the cart is stored, make sure it is somewhere that allows the cart to plug-in to a power outlet and an Internet drop.