Easy Classroom Fixes
Everything here can be EASILY checked in the classroom.
 Every student in your class should be assigned a netbook that they will use
for the entire year.
► Students use the same computer each time because
● it logs them in faster after they have logged in the first time.
● they will take better care of them if they know they will have to use that computer
each time.
● if there is a problem with a computer, we can track it back to the student who used
it last.
● each computer has certain quirks. If they always use the same computer they
become practiced at dealing with those quirks.
 MOST problems with the netbooks are a result of not logging off or shutting
down all the way.
► Here is what LOGGED OFF looks like:
● After the student clicks “log off” they need to WAIT until they see the screen come
back to Ctrl + Alt + Del.
● If they click “log off” and immediately close the lid, the computer never fully logs off.
This causes problems for the next student who will probably not be able to log in.
► Here is what SHUT DOWN looks like:
● After the student clicks “shut down” they need to WAIT until they see the screen goes
black and ALL the little lights go out.
● If they click “shut down” and immediately close the lid, the computer never fully
shuts down. This causes problems for the next student who will probably not be able to
log in. It also causes problems with processing updates and with allowing the
computer to fully charge overnight.
You can choose to have students log off or shut down between classes,
but the last class of the day should shut down before putting the computers back in the cart.
 If you can’t log in or if you lose your internet connection:
► If you don’t see the blue antennae light on the bottom left of your computer,
hit
Fn
F6
to restart the wireless connection for your computer.
● F6 has a blue antennae on it, just like the antennae light on the bottom left of your
computer.
● If the blue light is out that means you have no wireless connection. Fn + F6 will restart
this connection. Give it a few seconds and you will see the light come back on.
 If you can’t log in even though you have a wireless light:
► Have somebody else log in- anybody else: teacher, student, etc.
● Let the computer log them in all the way (until the circle stops turning), then log out.
● You should now be able to log in.
 If your computer is giving you multiple problems, RESTART.
 If your computer is running very slow, RESTART.
 If your computer keeps losing its connection, RESTART.
If these solutions don’t work,
have the student bring the computer to Mr. Foster in Lab 18.
If he is not there, have them bring it to the Media Center.
If a particular computer is continually giving you trouble (not user-specific, but
always the same computer for every kid who uses it) please let Mr. Foster know.
Examples of this in the past:
● A computer that takes too long (like 5 minutes) to log in every time, even though the
same kids use it each time*. This is not ok. Class time is precious and they should not
have to miss work time each class.
*The FIRST time students log into a computer it takes a long time (3-15 minutes) to log them in.
That is part of the reason we have students use the same computer each time. But after that first
time it should not take very long to log in.
● A computer that is missing programs. Don’t just work around the problem by having
them use another program. (maybe for the day, but not on a permanent basis) Let Mr.
Foster know and he will reinstall (or in many cases just find) the missing program.
● A computer that is missing a printer. Don’t just have the students email you their work
to print it. A printer is a quick fix.
● A computer that won’t charge. There might be a problem with the cord, the
connection, the battery, etc. All are fixable or replaceable.
Let us know so we can help you.