The Learnpads and charging trolleys arrived a couple of weeks ago and I have spent my time setting them up and getting them ready for use after Easter. Here are my thoughts about unboxing and setup.
Reply to comment from Mike Waddell 20/10/2014
I spent a while working with SWGfL (our internet provider) to open up the ports required on our firewall so that all the Learnpad services worked correctly. However, I have yet to test these features since then with a whole class. The Learnpads are mostly being used with small groups and therefore the class management features are rarely being used. However, I will look for an opportunity to try again in the near future and let you know what the outcome is.
- The Learnpads arrived well packaged and with all the correct accessories. The most time consuming part was putting the screen protectors on them which were included in the purchase. The tablets fitted well in the cases and in the trolleys which look really smart and are great for mobility in terms of size and weight.
- Setting up the Learnpads for use involved a number of steps. You scan QR codes to add the wireless information and to enrol the device etc. Only one tablet wouldn't enrol but after a quick phone call to technical support they sorted this out for us. We have a transparent proxy so there was no need to adjust the settings for the proxy server.
- I have created lesson profiles with activities and websites for Reception to Year 6 which can be edited by the teachers depending on what they are teaching. Sending the profiles initially to the Learnpads took a long time over the wireless network as so much information had to be transferred. Once this was done, the lesson profiles were easy to load up on screen using the QR codes.
- The management software seems easy to use. This allows you to lock the screen, mute and unmute the tablet, send a message or an alarm signal etc. However, there did seem to be a connection issue sometimes where not all Learnpads were able to be controlled in this way. I will keep an eye on this when they start to be used in class.
- On the last day of term we trialled the Learnpads in one of the Year 4 classes. The children found them easy to use and there was lots of excitement! We used a website called Socrative Student to set up an Easter quiz for the children to complete. This went really smoothly and the answers could be seen in real time on the whiteboard. I also showed the children how they could scan QR codes to access websites and apps.
- The next stage will be training staff and introducing the tablets to all the children across the school. I will keep you updated on how it goes but I am really excited about how the tablets have the potential to enhance the learning in the school.
Reply to comment from Mike Waddell 20/10/2014
I spent a while working with SWGfL (our internet provider) to open up the ports required on our firewall so that all the Learnpad services worked correctly. However, I have yet to test these features since then with a whole class. The Learnpads are mostly being used with small groups and therefore the class management features are rarely being used. However, I will look for an opportunity to try again in the near future and let you know what the outcome is.