Using Thin Clients In An Educational Setting: Page 4 of 4

The order in the chaos became obvious when speaking with the students. Everyone knew what they were working on, what they had just completed and what their next step was. They also understood their timelines and selected appropriate materials for the task.

Based on outgoing evaluations, 89 percent of participants rated the classroom an excellent or good learning environment and 66 percent said that the classroom changed their thinking about thin-client technology. We found no difference in functionality or ease-of-use between the high-powered multimedia computers and the thin clients. Most participants preferred the thin clients due to their small size. Although we had wireless devices for mobility, the setup of the room enabled people to work collaboratively and dynamically without moving equipment.

Mrs. Wille offers the following checklist that will help you imagine a more collaborative space in your existing classroom.

Is my classroom designed for student learning?

• Is the technology reliable so that you can plan lessons and count on using technology resources?
• Do students have space on the network to save files?
• Are the necessary computer programs available at each workstation so that students have the flexibility to work in any location?
• Is the placement of workstations flexible enough for all learning situations?
• Are there clear paths between printers, doors, computers, student and teacher desks, and storage areas?
• Is there space around computers for instructional support materials like books and paper?
• Is there ample collaborative space such as round tables or desks arranged in pods where students can meet in groups independently or with the teacher?
• Is the instructor-s desk placed out of the way and used for teacher work, parent meetings and personal storage instead of an instructional forum?
• Is instructional space along all walls utilized with white boards, curriculum-focused posters and student work?
• Is the classroom full of productive conversation between students?
• Is curriculum designed both for independent and collaborative work where appropriate?
• Is there designated space for storage, supplies, books and other materials accessible to all students?