Dell K12 Solutions: Mobility

Access to online resources — virtually anytime, anywhere The flexibility to redefine classrooms on the fly More opportunities for interaction and collaboration New types of curriculum tools for enhanced learning

Dell mobility solutions bring your school cost-effective, secure technology, developed with the future in mind, so that you can engage students in learning and living. Dell's reliable, durable mobile solutions are designed to help you maximize productivity and keep your network stable.

Mobile labs, or computers on wheels (COWs), are a versatile, cost-effective way to bring mobility to students and teachers without the high cost of one-to-one programs or even traditional computer labs. By bundling several laptops on a mobile cart, teachers can bring the technology to the students, helping to minimize costs and make the most of tight budgets.

Each laptop has a wireless connection to the cart - plugging into your school's network and providing Internet access - while giving you the freedom to move around in the classroom. By bringing a COW into their class, teachers can:

Create discussion group learning environment Use online curriculum resources

And with wireless, school administrators can breathe easy about their bottom line. Mobile carts are a great way to invest in wireless technology while helping to maximize your return on investment (ROI) and protect your total cost of ownership (TCO).

Discover the benefits to students and teachers, as well as tips for getting started, with a mobile lab program at your school:

Schools stand to benefit from the latest innovations in wireless technology, a high-speed standard as well as emerging capabilities for disparate wireless devices to be able to communicate with each other - regardless of platform.

However, educators are already recognizing and realizing the benefits of wireless technology. Despite limited budgets, schools are discovering room for wireless solutions. And this increase in technology in the hands of students can helped increase the ability of school districts to collect real data on student performance.

By implementing a Computer on Wheels (COW) mobile cart in your school, you can reduce the need for traditional wired computer labs and their associated cabling and maintenance costs. Teachers often reserve the COW through the library or Audio Visual department, integrating learning and technology at the students' pace and in environments they are already comfortable in. Resources are maximized and maintenance costs can be lowered.

Because mobile carts are often a school's first venture into wireless technology, the extent of your Computers on Wheels (COW) purchase should be driven by your students' needs, not by the technology. The following steps can help guide in developing and implementing a mobile lab:

1. ENVISION

Establish a clear vision for your educational goals, providing for parameters, long-range goals and facilitating short-term decisions to meet these goals Define quantitative and qualitative objectives - these are how you will measure your success Build consensus among all key stakeholders Choose a leader and form a team

2. PLAN

Set a deadline and develop a timeline with milestones Develop strategies around funding (including fund-raising), equipment evaluation, acquisition, deployment and support

3. ASSESS

Assess infrastructure needs Choose laptops, cart and any peripherals (e.g., projector)

4. ACQUIRE

Train educators to use the new technology Explore online curriculum and software resources Create appropriate documentation for the program, including: Acceptable Use policy Reservation policy User accounts for students and teachers

5. LAUNCH

Start with a pilot Roll out the computers Provide support

6. EVALUATE

Get feedback from students and educators in order to get the maximum benefit Cross-reference feedback and additional analysis with established quantitative and qualitative objectives

Security and Mobility
Understanding the new applications of wireless technology in K-12 school districts means understanding wireless security. Protecting student information is more vital than ever, and Dell offers a broad variety of security solutions targeting wireless users and systems.

And the advent of the Wi-Fi Alliance Website 802.11i security standards, school districts can create and maintain wireless networks trusting that security is a reliable part of the picture. Learn more about the variety of security solutions your school can implement at every level and for every budget, including physical security, identity and data security, network security and PC threat protection.

To learn more about mobility options for student computing, visit our One-to-One Computing Solutions.