Retrofit in the Media Center!

Every five or so years our district updates all of the technology in the schools so we can make use of the latest computers and more.

Here are some of the new toys we've gotten in the Media Center:

They took away our big student desktop computers and replaced them with small, portable laptops. The entire school had the wireless network upgraded over the summer so these don't have to be hardwired into the network.  If teachers wish some small group collaboration to occur, the computers can be moved around to different areas of the Media Center in whatever combinations are needed.

In addition to the 30 student laptops we were given two new workstations we've set up near the circulation desk that can be used to look up books in the Media Catalog when a class is using all of the laptops.  This is a great convenience in a busy library.

Speaking of convenience and collaboration, this is the new Multi-User Display (or "M.U.D.").  As you can see in the photo, laptops can be connected and their display duplicated on a bigger screen. Up to four computers can be hooked up to the M.U.D. (that name will always crack me up) and the switch box can be used to switch back and forth between different displays to show off work or to collaborate on projects. It does not generate a four way split screen, but then that would defeat the purpose.  That little thing hanging off the shelf can be easily reached to switch between different displays.

Can you think of some cool ways to use this new technology?  Let me know!  And don't worry, there's more coming...