We hope we've answered all of your questions about netbooks and it's operating system (ubuntu linux) below. If not, please contact these folks for further assistance.

• Technical/Non instructional use: Help Desk X28203
• Instructional use: Instructional Technology Staff

What is a Netbook?

• A Netbook is primarily a small mobile computer that enables the user to access and use Internet applications for instructional use. Details. The operating system currently in use in the district for netbooks is Ubuntu Linux. It offers a robust yet quick system that includes, word processing, photo editing, Internet, web 2.0 applications, graphic organizers, Etc. It does not have the processing power to adequately record or edit video. This means that you can not perform screen casting or desktop recording. They will NOT run applications made for Macintosh or Windows.

Where can I order netbooks (Dell Latitude 2100n)?

• Contact Purchasing after looking at these specs from the PickList.
  

Who will support the netbooks?

• The classroom teacher is primarily responsible for the units.
• If there is an issue with a netbook, the teacher can work with the school's Technology Facilitator to:
  • ... put in a HEAT request just like the Facilitator would with any other computer.
    • If the issue is verified as a hardware issue Technical Services can support the machine under the 1 year warranty
    • If it is a software issue Technical Services can help the site reimage the Netbook.
    • After the one year warranty, the site should still put in a HEAT request.
• Sites are responsible for developing their own replacement policy for lost, stolen or damaged netbooks.
• Netbooks that are damaged beyond repair should be given to Technical Services in order that the parts be used to support other netbooks.

How do we manage our laptops?

• Consider barcoding the netbooks through your library in order to keep track of them.
• Create a classroom checkout policy so that you can keep track of which students have used a netbook at any given time.
• Use a "Student Agreement" that you can share with students and parents. Also, here's a presentation.

How can I get professional development to use netbooks to enhance instruction?

• Contact the Trainer or Coach at your school that you work with to arrange training.
• PLAN, PLAN, PLAN!!! Here's a template you can use to begin planning your netbook use.
• Initial Training includes:
  • Introduction to the ubuntu/linux operating system
    • Programs, startup, shutdown, installs, networking accessibility, trouble-shooting, etc.
  • What applications are on the netbook when it arrives? What do they do?
  • Other than direct supervision, how do I access student Internet history.
  • How will you efficiently distribute and collect netbooks?
  • Where to find resources for reinstalling software and purchasing replacements and parts?
  • How do students save their work?
    • Save to local machine
    • Save to flash drive
    • Save to cloud
      • dropbox
      • ePals
      • GoogleDocs
      • Moodle
      • Ning
      • Zoho
  • How do students publish work?
    • WordPress
    • ePals
    • Ning
    • Moodle
    • GoogleDocs
    • Print to paper
      • Plug in printer usb to print
      • or set up wireless printer (directions).
  • Netbook Agreement for Students
  • Best practices
    1. Information Literacy: Resources
    2. Tech & Learning: February 2009: 11 Tips for Better Laptop Learning

Trouble-Shooting

My wireless icon doesn't show any networks at all!
Simultaneously press Fn + F6 one time,  then reboot
If  the wireless networks still do not show up, contact the HelpDesk. There may be something wrong with the wireless card. OR your school needs more network hubs. Call the HelpDesk.

Whoah! When I minimize an application, it disappears and does not show up on the task bar.
Someone deleted the window list. There's an easy way to add it again. This is also where the little fishy and googly eyes come from if you see those turning up on your netbook.

I asked for a non-district version of the image in order to install software, what changes have been made to that image? 2009-2010,  2010-2011

How do I reinstall the operating system onto the netbooks?

NOTE: If there are any issues with the software, reimage it (reformat it). Ghost Casting will NOT work with re-imaging. Schools must purchase your own flash drives and refer to the directions below to re-image. Thumbdrives should be at least 16 gigs and  must be USB 2.0 compliant.

RE-IMAGING ONE AT A TIME

1. Acquire two flash drives (1st 2gb and the 2nd 16gb or larger)
2. Label the 1st  flash drives "boot" and use these directions to make it a Clonezilla boot usb (.docx). (located N/images/district boot files/dellmini9 & 2100)
3. Drag the image onto the 2nd flash drive. Label it "image."
   • If you are using the standard district image, you'll find it here. N/images/district standard images/mini 9 & mini 2100 | If you don't have these, have your TECHNOLOGY FACILITATOR contact the HelpDesk. X28203
   • If you want a customized image that includes Java and an administrative password, fill out this survey.
4. Follow these directions to reimage the netbook.

RE-IMAGING AN ENTIRE CLASS SET AT A TIME

1. The directions below require a large 40 port switch. If you don't have one, but have some 8 port switches. Daisy chain them.
2. Follow these directions.

Resources:

• Help sheets are located in ServiceWare. Type "mini"  or "netbook" to find help sheets.
• District images are located on the N drive and image folder of your XP computer. If you don't have the above files, have your TECHNOLOGY FACILITATOR contact the HelpDesk. X28203

1. Double-click on "My computer"
2. Double-click on "N Drive"
3. Double -click on the "images" folder
4. Double-click on the "netbook" folder
5. If the Netbook folder is not there, contact the helpdesk at X28203

If you have any unanswered questions, please post your questions below and we'll add them to this page. Thanks!