Classroom+Computers

=**Setting Up Technology Related Equipment in the Classroom**=

Power Strips and Cables:
All computers and related equipment (printers, AVerKeys, AM scanners, speakers) must be plugged into a power strip. The power strip may rest in the back of the computer table, on top of a desk or table, or on the floor, if necessary. DO NOT daisy chain power strips as this is against fire code. As much as is possible, neatly arrange and tuck electrical cords and data cables into the back of the computer table. Please watch that cables do not get crimped by the lid of the computer table when closing. Cables and cords cannot be draped across the floor where there is any foot traffic. The use of extension cords is not allowed. Extra long data cables cannot be used. Please set up tables and equipment so that cords and cables reach existing outlets and data ports. Of the equipment listed on this page, only the power strips should be plugged into the AC outlet on the wall. Everything else should be plugged into a power strip. If you do not have enough power strips, please request one from the technology assistant.

Data Ports:
Each regular classroom has approximately three data port boxes on the walls: one near the front of the room for the teacher station, and two in the back of the classroom for student computers. Computers and networked printers must be placed within close proximity of the available data ports. In grades 2 - 5 classrooms, the two student data ports are on one wall. There are enough data jacks to connect all four student stations and the classroom printer, if so desired. In the K & 1 classrooms, the two data ports for the student computers are each on a different/opposite wall. The computers may be split and placed on both sides of the room, or may be grouped together in one location. If grouped together, the use of a switch to expand the use of the data ports will be necessary.

To using a switch (this may also be necessary in some of the mobile classrooms), plug the switch into the power strip. Plug a network cable into the data port on the wall and then into the switch. Looking at the jacks on the switch, if there is one labeled 'up-link', plug the network cable from the wall jack into the up-link slot. Then plug the other network cables from the computers into 4 of the 5 jacks in the switch.

If there is no up-link slot, the switch is an auto link switch and any cable may be plugged into any jack. Plug the network cable from the wall into one of the 5 jacks (generally #1 or #5 is good) and then plug the 4 student stations into the remaining 4 jacks.

Do **not** plug a network printer into a switch. Plug it directly into a data port on the wall.

Computers:
All computers and printers must be plugged into a power strip. For the student stations, if at all possible, the power strip should be placed inside the back of the computer table. Each CPU and monitor is labeled with either 'teacher', 'S1', 'S2', 'S3', or 'S4'. For inventory purposes, the matching labeled parts must be connected together. Plug each CPU and monitor into a power strip. Plug the network cable into the data port. When possible, neatly tuck cables through openings in the computer tables. Be careful not to shut the top of the computer table on a cord. The data port for the teacher station has two jacks for networked equipment: the teacher computer and a printer. There is one other jack labeled with a V; this is for the telephone. When placing the CPU on a desk or table, keep in mind that the vents on the left side of the CPU must be kept unobstructed. Do not place papers or books up against the vents. All CPUs must be on a desk or table and cannot be placed on the floor. Also, do not place your telephone on or near the CPU. When the phone rings, it becomes magnetized. Electric pencil sharpeners should not be plugged in same outlet as any computer. Please place them in a different location in the classroom.

[[image:AVerKey.jpg width="302" height="263" align="right"]]AVerKey (PC-to-TV Scan Converter):
The teacher station in the classrooms has the capability of projecting to the TV by use of the AVerKey. To connect, follow the diagram to the right. To use, go to the AVerKey page for directions.

Speakers:
There is a set of external speakers that should be connected to the back of the teacher station. You will need to use these when using the AVerKey and Unitedstreaming.

Printers:
The classroom networked printer may be placed either by the student computers or on the teacher's desk but within close proximity to a data port. Plug the printer into a power strip. Note that color laser printers are shared between classrooms and should be located for easy access for your neighbor.

Accelerated Math Scanner:
The AM scanner is connected via USB cable to one computer in the classroom. The scanner may be placed either on the table or up on a CPU. The scanner also must to be plugged into a power strip.

Headphones:
Most student stations in the classrooms have headphones. It is advisable to plug these into the BACK of the CPU so students are not tempted to plug and unplug as this can lead to the headphone jack breaking off into the CPU. If you are in need of headphones, you may request some from the technology assistant and, if there are any available, they will be provided.

Sheets:
At the end of the school year, classrooms are provided with sheets with which to cover the computers and related technology equipment. These sheets are to be returned to the technology assistant at the beginning of the new school year. Most sheets are marked with 'Parsley Technology'. Please fold so this shows in the corner. When returning the sheets to the technology assistant, please place a note on them with your name/room number.

=**CARE AND MAINTENANCE**=

Computers:

 * TURN OFF all computers at the end of the day.** When leaving the classroom for the day, all computers should be turned off. To verify that the computer is turned off, look at the light below the power button - it should be off. Because monitors go black when they are asleep and turned off, looking at them is not a good judge of whether the computer is off.
 * [[image:aniLightbulb.gif align="left"]]Note:** Be sure to unplug your flash drive when turning off your computer. Your computer will not start up properly with a flash drive plugged in.

It is the classroom teacher's responsibility to keep computer areas free from clutter and debris. Students should never have snacks or beverages near a computer. Plants should not be placed on top of a CPU. Dust is a computer's enemy. Periodically dust around AND under computers to keep dust to a minimum. Keeping the computer area clean will maximize the operation and prolong the life of the computer and the mouse. Do not place magnets or telephones on the CPU. Make sure electric pencil sharpeners are plugged in the same receptacle as a computer.

Monitors:
//Students seldom have reason to touch monitors on a computer.// Never touch or press on any LCD screen with your fingers as this can cause pixels to burn out as well as leave grease and prints from the fingers. Teach students to 'point' with the mouse. Students may turn off the monitors at the end of the school day.

//To follow are cleaning directions for the two types of monitors at Parsley.//

//Apply water to your cloth rather than directly to the screen and wipe in one direction - from the top fo the screen to the bottom.// It is also ok to use electrostatic cloths, like those used to clean eyeglasses treated with anti-glare finish. You may also see the technology facilitator for a special cleaner designed to be used on LCD panels.
 * LCD** (Liquid Crystal Display) **Flat Screen** monitors and laptops - To wipe the screen, always use a soft, cotton cloth, rather than a rag or paper towel. If this does not completely remove the dirt and splotches, use a small amount of isopropyl alcohol on the cleaning cloth that has been dampened with water. **Never use ammonia, ammonia-based cleaners, or strong cleaners which can cause the surface to yellow and become brittle. This includes window cleaning solutions.**


 * CRT** - (Cathode Ray Tube) - The surface of these monitors are made of glass and are easier to care for. However, do not spray directly on the screen. **Spray the cloth with water or mild window cleaning spray and then wipe the screen.** You can also use moistened paper towels.

While it is not necessary to turn the monitor off to clean it, this can be a good idea. When the monitor is off, you can see the smudges and dirt better, and you can be sure that you won't burn out any electrical components if water or cleaning liquid is inadvertently dripped onto or into the monitor. If you should happen to drip liquid onto a monitor, you should turn it off immediately and allow it to dry completely before turning it back on.

Printers:

 * Epson printers should be TURNED OFF at the end of the day.** When turned off, the print heads 'come to rest' thus prolonging the life of the ink cartridge.

//Resource:// **TLC For Your Computer** http://www.compukiss.com/sandyclassroom/tutorials/article767.htm