From the time we started to planning our Laptops4Learning (L4L) project, we have been interested in Bluetooth technology and broadcasting. The thought being that as our netbook population grew, we could share school communications with a wide student audience for little or no cost, instantly. Second, that we may be able to received feedback equally efficiently and promptly. Next year we move the L4L programme into the 3 top year groups and it may just hit the tipping point.
What and when to broadcast? We have fully discussed this yet but on a whole school basis this might include;
- Mentor notices – (less photocopying / less in pigeon holes)
- School Menus
- Signalling end of break times (students on time for lessons?)
- Events / Sports Results or short notices/reminders
On a class basis – homework Extended Learning tasks? Room changes? Polling?
Then, in what format do we bluetooth that information? Text file, image file? QR code? Maybe thats too much…..
One expected learning by-product is that students will also learn how to use exploit their bluetooth capabilities and the understand the security issue of leaving their bluetooth left on.
Finally how are we going to managed the bluetooth broadcast. This facility is available both commercially and through open source options. We currently reviewing Bluetooth Radar, an open-source application that displays all Bluetooth devices within reach of your computer’s radio on a radar-style display. Now we may have to investigate how far that reach is, and how we might extend it, if we are to be effective on Hamble Colleges very large footprint. Bluetooth Radar displays both paired and unpaired devices reach, perfect for netbooks and mobiles. Bluetooth Radar then retrieves basic information from the unpaired devices, but in the case of paired devices, gives you additional options like file transfer and remote file browsing. I hope to report back here in due course.