Sorting through a mess

[stncld727]

Hello All,

This is more of a twist on my previous question that a continuation of it. My principal here gave me the new sets of pods (3 of them total) and labels for each of them to identify them by names rather than numbers. Do i have to physically register and name the pods on each computer I use them with? For example if one of the pods is labelled Cinderella, do I have to register and name it on the 5 different teacher's computers that i am going to use it on?

I assume since we are elementary school that we will almost always be usings the Anonomyous Mode so I don't think I have to create users files for each kid but having the register the pods on each person's computer and rename them might be time consuming.

I've read the documentation but I am still a tad confused. Maybe I am approaching it from the wrong angle. Any thoughts anyone has would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Chris

[Dug]

What we've done is a little time consuming, but worth it, I believe.
First of all, if , like us, your children are organised into groups/classes that remain the same throughout the year, it is worth creating a user database for that cohort and saving the file with an identifying filename (eg class4.udb). You can do this from within the software (assuming you're on AP2) by clicking: Promethean man - ... - Activote/User Database OR directly from your start menu - all programs - ACTIV Software - Active Primary2 - ActiVote - User Database.
Then, choose 'New' from the file menu. Then in the user menu choose 'add' and starting entering names. Finally save as your chosen filename. This process should create a file on the computer that the teacher can use day-in day-out (incidentally, this file can also be set as the default udb as well).
When you want to run a named session...
Make sure the devices are numbered (easier than names if the devices are moving between classes). Register the devices in the same order that they are numbered so that device numbered 1 will be registered as device A1 on the system. (you should only need to this registering of devices once as well so long as you always use the same devices in the same room). Kids then always get given a certain numbered device (they always have the same number and tend to remember it - even 5&6 year olds if you do enough voting with them) - ours equate to their position on the class register which is alphabetical and we also have a sheet of paper on the wall with ActiVote names/numbers on it.
Then when you vote, choose named mode and choose 'users' to allocate devices to specific kids. Choose to allocate named devices to users. You should get a list of device names on the right A1-A32 (or so) and a list of names in the box on the left. If this isn't your class, look for them by clicking the 'Open' button. Hopefully you'll see the udb file you made earlier - choose it, then select group, then mark any absent kids by putting a cross in the absent column on the right. Exit and you should be away.
I am conscious that this might sound a bit 'heavy' but once you're in the swing these things are second nature.
It is also possible to hunt down the udb files and tranfer them onto another computer if the kids move on so the data entry job is only a one off.
You find them in: Shared documents/ACTIV software/ACTIVprimary2

[michele.horsburgh]

I like to think about the technical side of voting in these terms. I call it the golden triangle. Reciever (board or hub) - computer - handsets. If these are all kept the same then voting is straightforward. If you change any of these, for example use a different computer then the golden triangle is broken!

Another example 10 Activboards in a school and I set of 32 Activote. I register my 32 handsets to each Activboard this will also work without having to re-register each time.

[AirSkeeter]

On 2.5 after you register the votes, you can then click in the box that says A1, A2. A3... and type a name in there. The vote will now be named and show that name in Anon. mode. I named mine after the greek gods.

I hope that helps....

[stncld727]

Hi everyone,


Thanks for the suggestions. We are breaking up the sets into each grade level so that our entire building is covered. We are going to put them in on each machine since it makes it the most sense. We are naming ours after cartoon characters and making a master list based on the Device IDs. We'll see how it plays out.


Chris

[AirSkeeter]

Hey Chris,

How are things at Mt Laurel???

[stncld727]

Hi Bill,

Mount Laurel is doing well. It's a good time to be focusing on integration in our buildings. I am currently at 2 schools and we are saturated with technology. I have an open schedule where it allows me to focus on integrating technology into what the teachers are working on in their class and that becomes more productive and beneficial to the kids.
Most of my classrooms have ActivBoards, laptops and projectors. Each grade level has their own laptop cart to share among the grade level. We just got 3 sets of ActiVote pods in each school as well.
I am in the process of trying to expand my curriculum and program as well. I am looking into becoming certified for the ActivStudio program ( although I am not sure if it's only UK ). The more of a resource I can be to my teachers, the better.


Chris

[AirSkeeter]

Call Jen Coppler at the US office. Email me and I will give you her email address.

She can tell you when the next classes are.