Strategies for Using "Mobile Instructional Learning Karts" (MILK) in Your Classroom

Checklist for planning and setting up the MIL-Kart:

  1. Reserve the date needed with your department secretary to be sure a MIL-Kart will be available for your lesson. If one is not available, submit a HelpDesk request to Nancy Hudson for an alternate kart. Allow at least one extra day in your lesson plan for "glitches" that may occur.
  2. Check everything out ahead of time.
  3. Be sure your classroom has a "live" ethernet connection (see Troubleshooting Tips below). If you do not have one, or cannot locate the connection in your classroom, submit a HelpDesk ticket to request an "active drop" for the MIL-Kart.

On the day of use:

  1. First plug the ethernet cable into the wall, then plug in the kart to an outlet (this allows the printer to connect to the server) Be sure you plug into "live" outlets -- the orange electrical outlets are preferred for computer power connections.
  2. Be sure all the computers are charged (Check the battery lights on the bottom, or when turned on, the battery charger symbol next to the computer's time.
  3. Be sure the correct printer is selected for the kart (this should be pre-set).
  4. When you return the kart, double check that every computer is OFF (not sleeping) and set to charge.
  5. If you are the last teacher to use the kart, be sure the kart is plugged in for the night.
  6. If you experience a problem with a computer, place a post-it note on it (alerting the next teacher) and inform your director's secretary, so it can be reported to the helpdesk.

Troubleshooting Tips :

  1. Make sure that the AirPort is plugged into a “live” network jack. Most of them are labeled with a green dot or a purple colored jack. Start with that one.
    You can check a jack with your laptop: 
    • Plug in your laptop using an Ethernet cord to the jack you want to test, and wait a few moments for the connection to refresh (You may need to Change your location to “SHS Ethernet").
    • Open a web browser (Firefox or Safari) -- if you can get to the Internet, the jack is working.
  2. Check the AirPort to see if all 3 lights are active. There are three lights on the front. The center light is the only one that is lit constantly, indicating the airport has power. The other two surrounding the center light are the activity lights -- If they are blinking, then the AirPort is transmitting. If all the lights are dark, this indicates the AirPort has no power. Check the power plug on the rear of the unit.  It is a white power cable and it should be securely plugged in. 
  3. If all of these things are correct and students are still unable to log in, please contact the Help Desk and we will send someone to check the kart and correct the problem.

 

General tips for a successful experience in your classroom

  1. ALL STUDENTS must use their personal logins and IDs! Remind students to bring in their original printed schedule which has their account login information. If students do not have their login information, students may get a reprint of their account information upon presenting their SHS ID in the link lab.
  2. Have written instructions in addition to verbal instructions of how to use the computers.
  3. Have specific classroom rules and procedures for using the laptops. Consider enlisting a student helper in your classroom to be responsible for the "checking out and return" of the computers.
  4. Have the students turn on the computers first, and while they are logging in, go over instructions for the activity.
  5. Stagger when students login to their servers to avoid airport bog down.
  6. If you will be using the MIL-Kart over several days, assign the same computer to the student(s) each day.
  7. Test websites ahead of time, before you use them in a class activity.
  8. If a website site does not work in Safari, try Firefox (or visa versa).
  9. Have easy handouts or tip sheets for the students to help them work independently.
  10. Create "question" cards a student can use to indicate they need help or "have a question." Create these from card stock, folded in half that students can place over the top of their screens. As you tour the room watch for the cards from students.
  11. Instruct students to raise their hand before printing and wait for the teacher to give the "go ahead" so the printer doesn't jam.
  12. Use a teacher drop box (provide instructions on your web site, or a link to the instructions on the student helpdesk: http://studenthelpdesk.district125.k12.il.us) in case there is a printer problem.
  13. Stop class at least 5 minutes early so that you (or your assigned student helper) can monitor the students as they put computers away.
  14. Give students explicit instructions on shut down procedures. Remind them to be sure the screen on the laptop is black BEFORE closing the lid.
  15. Check the computers to be sure they are all truly shut down before closing up the kart (watch for "glowing" sleep light).
  16. Be sure that students are storing the computers properly. Charging plugs have been damaged when the computers are not fully on the shelf.
  17. If you are the first one to use them for the school year come in with a backup plan.

Originally created and submitted by the Ranger Advisor Team
22 October 2003

(rev. 10/2010)

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