Classroom Equipment Information

Instructional functionality is key in an eMINTS classroom. To achieve the desired level of instructional functionality, specific Internet and equipment connectivity requirements must be met. Connectivity requirements may be met using either wired or wireless connectivity configurations or may be a combination of the two. In addition to Internet connectivity, equipment may need to be upgraded to achieve the following instructional functionality:

Teacher workstation connects to interactive whiteboard.
Teacher workstation image appears on teacher monitor and interactive whiteboard.
Student work can be displayed on interactive whiteboard through a shared folder system or server.

Minimum specifications

Equipment purchased for use in official eMINTS classrooms may be either Windows or Mac platform and must meet minimum specifications.

FY11 specs

FY11 minimum specifications (hardware and software)
eMINTS software policy
FY11 software installation timeline (PDF 21 KB)
FY11 required functionality & software alternatives
eMINTS server-based computing alternative

Please note that the eMINTS National Center does not provide funds to teachers, schools, districts or other educational organizations interested in implementing the eMINTS instructional model. Schools, districts and other educational organizations may fund equipment and software for eMINTS classrooms using a variety of funding sources.

See additional information about funding opportunities.

Additional required technology resources

Participating schools also are required to provide the following additional technology resources for official eMINTS classrooms:

Participating districts are expected to provide program participants with functional e-mail service and with server space of sufficient size. Teachers and PD4ETS participants must be able to easily publish their websites to the Internet.
eMINTS building connectivity – a reliable 1-2 Mbps connection. Wireless networking is an option as long as it is at least 1 Mbps.
Networking (bandwidth, switches, cabling for teacher workstation, networked printer and student computers).
Electrical service in the official eMINTS classrooms to support the computers, interactive whiteboard and projector. (As with the network cabling, electrical installation should be flexible to allow teachers to rearrange furniture placement as much as possible.)
Teachers must have adequate access to telephone technical support in the same location as their computer.
Filtering software needed to meet federal and state requirements.

Technical support

All equpment purchases, maintenance and technical support are the responsibility of the participating organizations.
Basic troubleshooting flowcharts (PDF file; 506 KB).
One of the goals of eMINTS is to create workable classrooms that allow teachers and students to use their computers effectively. Classroom teachers are the members of the school staff who will be responsible for creating and maintaining an effective learning and instructional environment. Their input into the creation of this environment is crucial. At the very least, teachers should participate in decisions about furniture selection and room arrangement, especially as they relate to the placement of the teacher workstation and the relationship of the teacher's desk to student workstations. Ideally, teachers should be part of the planning team for eMINTS implementation and have input into the selection and arrangement of all aspects of the eMINTS classroom. One online tool that can be used for planning classroom arrangements is available from Classroom Architect - an online classroom planning tool provided by 4teachers.org and ALTEC

Contact the eMINTS National Center office at (573) 884-7202 or emints-info@emints.org.

Reviewed March 18, 2010.

Copyright © 2003-2010 eMINTS and The Curators of the University of Missouri. DMCA information.
Site Information: Copyright, accessibility, privacy and other information about this site.
Contact emints-info@emints.org.