CADA

Thanks for your reply, I'll definitely check out Prowise. Yes, I'm afraid that SMART risk losing customer loyalty if they carry on like this. I certainly wouldn't recommend them at the moment.

Hi, I posted a similar problem recently and we are still having problems, despite numerous conversations with SMART, site visits and some replacement screens. We have gaps in the writing, the screen closes browser tabs by itself and staff have given up on using the pens and use their fingers because the pens have to be pressed on very hard to get a line. We have done all of the things that you've done and have the latest software, fresh install on a new build. On one of the most recent visits the SMART guys said it was environmental - UV or infrared. We too have tried every light level possible, blocked the alarm sensor and it makes no difference. They even told one of our Yr 1 teachers that she was creating too much static and should earth herself before using the board!! I'm starting to hear of other schools with similar problems. We are building a clean PC and installing Promethean to see whether their software works any better. At least that way we can try to work out whether it's hardware or software related. Interested to know if anyone else has solved these problems. Not happy with SMART at all.

Hi All, Wondered whether anyone could help - hope I've posted in the correct place. I'm a primary school teacher in charge of IT and we are having issues with a number of our new SMART 4065 panels. We have 16 fitted and have recurring problems with about half. One has been replaced three times. Issues include 'dead spots' which seem to come and go and the cursor moving of its own accord and closing tabs on the browser. We have received some support from Steljes but I've spoken to our original supplier earlier I'm believe that they are no longer working with Smart? We are running up-to-date software and drivers but again I've been told today that a (firmware?) update has been imminent for 6 months that is meant of fix some of these issues. We are one of a number of schools in our local area who are having problems with these panels and who are generally not feeling very well looked after in terms of 'aftercare' . If anyone has any information or advice I'd be grateful. Apologies for not being able to give specific technical information about the issues, like I say I'm only a teacher. Thank you [h=3][/h]

We have recently replaced our wireless and have the following available: D-Link DWC-1000 Controller with 6 Licenses £150 30 D-Link DWL-6600 £100 each. Will look at discounts for bulk purchases. Thanks

From a primary ICT teachers point of view I agree with jmak, the kids need to see ICT as tools not treats (our school is not there yet, iPads have not been in long enough!). They should experience all OS, a range of software and hardware. Life does get more complicated as you add more systems and devices and I like to wait a while until somebody comes along with a minimum fuss, workable solution. We run a CC4 network and I have only just purchased iPads because I needed to be convinced that they would be able to work together and upload/download work from one to the other without the trouble of synching to a Mac or using Dropbox (we are using Foldr and it's working well for us). I agree that tablets have their use but cannot replace other laptops or desktop machines. It's about mixing and matching to suit: In Yr 3 this week we started to look at programming. We talked about algorithms using real life examples, then we used A.L.E.X the robot app on the iPad to grasp sequencing (they can walk around with the iPad checking they have the turns in the right place). We then went on Enchanting Enchanting : Enchanting : Enchanting on the computers and used it to program the Lego Mindstorms robots. Enchanting is just like Scratch, which they already know, and maybe a bit easier for the little ones than the NTX software. Fitness for purpose is the only way. Longer term I would love to bring in Picoboards or Maky Makys, Minecraftedu (there are excellent teaching resources for this) or maybe some Raspberry Pi's (need a lot more convincing about their educational value before we go there though). I also need more time to play and a money tree at the bottom of the school field.

Thanks for the advice. So does Minecraftedu sit on a server in school or is it off-site? I have an old MIS server that I could use and our IT service provision is not provided by the LA so dealing with firewalls and proxies isn't so much of an issue. We also have VPN between the schools so one server/licence between two schools is an option.

Wondered whether anyone can help.... I'm responsible for IT in a couple of Primary Schools (teacher not techie!). Our KS2 pupils are driving me crazy about getting a Minecraft club up and running. I know that it should be possible to set up a server (old PC?) but I think that there are other ways too. Just wondered what other schools have done? ps You guys are brilliant - the advice/information found on your site has saved me so many times!