Peerless-AV announces its family of new SmartMount® Motorized Height Adjustable Carts and Stands for education settings. 

SmartMount® Motorized Height Adjustable Flat Panel Cart (SR598ML3E)

·  Display height can be adjusted up to 25.6" (650mm) with the touch of a button
·  Maneuvers easily on 4" (102mm) swivel casters, two locking
·  Pre-assembled base and casters provides rigidity, stability, and quick assembly
·  Textured black powder coat finish helps hide fingerprints and dust
·  Display adaptor fits from 200 x 200 to 800 x 600mm mounting patterns
·  Safety limit switch automatically reverses direction and stops when a collision is detected in an upward, downward or lateral force
·  Corded handset never needs batteries and is never lost
·  UL962 and UL1678 listed, ADA compliant 

SmartMount® Motorized Height Adjustable Tabletop Cart (SR598ML3T)

·  Display height can be adjusted up to 25.6" (650mm) with the touch of a button, making this solution ADA compliant
·  Safety limit switch automatically reverses direction and stops when a collision is detected in an upward, downward, or lateral force
·  Universal display adaptor fits mounting patterns from 200 x 200mm to 800 x 600mm
·  Open frame display adaptor helps prevent display input interference
·  Rear enclosure provides storage for mini PCs, such as Shuttle, Dell OptiPlex Micro, HP 260 G2, Lenovo M600 Tiny or Intel NUC, and includes mounting locations for external WiFi antennas
·  Includes Peerless-AV® PVP1100-CPL6 6 outlet Power Strip with 15ft cord and 2160 joule rating (15A, 120V, 1800W, EMI/RFI noise filtering)
·  Corrugated cable pathways route and protect cabling during display movement and positioning
·  Cord wrap included for managing surge protector cord
·  Corded handset never needs batteries and is never lost

SmartMount® Motorized Height Adjustable Stand/Wall Mount (SS598ML3)

·  Pre-assembled base provides rigidity, stability and quick assembly
·  Solution can rest on the floor or be bolted directly to the floor or wall
·  Display adaptor fits from 200 x 200 to 800 x 600mm mounting patterns
·  Clean aesthetic with rear wall plate allowing for mounting of surge protector or mini PC and bottom shelf storage
·  Safety limit switch automatically reverses direction and stops when a collision is detected in an upward, downward or lateral force
·  Display height can be adjusted up to 25.6" (650mm) with the touch of a button
·  Corded handset never needs batteries and is never lost

Spectrum Industries Inc. is introducing a new locking feature on one of its storage solutions, the Collectiv8 Charging Pillar.

In stock, ready to ship, the Collectiv8 offers a new optional security door that was created to help protect tablets, notebooks, laptops, Chromebooks and more. The small, compact design of the Collectiv8 allows it to fit under standard-height cabinets and be hung, stacked, or mounted to a worksurface. A metal wall shroud, another optional piece for the Collectiv8, is ADA compliant.

[Bloomz Announces Free Premium App Offer for Teachers and Schools]

In addition to the many features this small charging solution has, it offers a superior cable management system. Along the side of the Collective8, next to each storage bay, is where the management system is located. An 8’ power cord and rotated outlets are also part this product’s features.

Omnicharge announced today it will be exhibiting at the Future of Education Technology Conference (FETC) in the Orange County Convention Center at booth #1447. During this conference, Omnicharge will have some of its key products on display including its on-the-go portable chargers Omni AC, Omni 20, Omni 20 USB-C and Omni Power Station.

“In addition to being able to charge any device at any time for free, the Omni SmartCenter provides organizations with a detailed analysis of inventory and session lengths as well as automating late fee charges,” says Gavin Gray, Director of Software Platform and Services, Omnicharge

Visitors to Omnicharge's booth #1447 can enter a 3pm daily chance to win an Omni 20 charger.

To learn more about Omnicharge visit booth #1447 or www.omnicharge.co.

Today’s K-12 classrooms continue to host a wide variety of tablets, laptops, and Chromebooks, making charging carts an essential component to any 1:1 or BYOD program. What follows are some of the latest offerings.

ERGOTRON’S ZIP40 CHARGING CART (WWW.ERGOTRON.COM)

The Zip40 is a truly universal cart for transporting, securing, protecting and charging all your mobile computing devices for the classroom. It can be used with tablets, Chromebook, Ultrabook, MacBook, and laptops—almost any device with a display size up to 15.6”. Its integrated PowerShuttle Technology optimizes total charge time while safely preventing electrical circuit overload. Ergotron’s innovative, reliable PowerShuttle power management system charges up to 30% faster than a standard round-robin charging system so devices are ready when you need them.

WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE?
Classroom safety extends beyond securing and protecting devices. Using just one power cord plugged into a standard wall outlet, the Zip40 charging cart safely prevents overloading of electrical circuits by efficiently grouping the number of devices that are charged at one time. Additionally, users can easily zip from one classroom to another with 5-inch dual-wheel locking casters make for a smooth ride, requiring 33% less push/pull force than carts with single-wheel casters.

COPERNICUS EDUCATIONAL PRODUCTS’ NEW TECH TUB2 MODULAR CART SYSTEM (WWW.COPERNICUSED.COM)

This sturdy and affordable modular cart holds up to 32 devices. The Tech Tubs can be unclipped and placed around the classroom to reduce deployment bottlenecks or to allow individual Tech Tubs to be signed out from a central location, such as a library.

WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE?
The modular design allows the Tech Tubs to be unclipped and moved anywhere learning takes place. The Tech Tubs are easy to carry using either the flip-top or the built-in ergonomic handles. When the tubs are returned to the cart for charging, cable management hooks keep cords tidy and the side power timer requires only one plug to the wall. USB charging and syncing hub option also available.

TRIPP LITE 32-DEVICE AC CHARGING STATION CART (WWW.TRIPPLITE.COM)

Tripp Lite’s 32-Device Charging Station Cart provides charging, secure storage, and cord management for up to 32 Chromebooks and laptops. Features include locking, vented steel doors, protective shelves with removable dividers, and lockable casters for easy deployment between classrooms.

WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE?
We offer many features found on other carts at a lower price point.

BRETFORD’S EVER CART WITH MIX MODULE SYSTEM (BRETFORD.COM)

The EVER Cart with MiX Module System has the unique ability to be updated rather than replaced like traditional charging carts and a single EVER Cart can support USB and AC-powered devices instead of having multiple carts to charge tablets and laptops separately.

WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE?
MiX Modules can be replaced in the future to update the cart for new devices. Cable Management happens outside of the cart. No more bending over or sitting on your knees trying to position cable sets. The MiX Module has easily adjustable slots for matching the width and height of your newest devices, up to 15” diagonal display. The cart has a 45-device capacity, all charging in the quickest possible time, and allows tablets and Chromebooks to charge in the same cart.

LOCKNCHARGE IC 30 CART (WWW.LOCKNCHARGE.COM)

Charge, store, and secure up to 30 devices--almost any device up to a 13-inch screen size. The iC 30 Cart makes the most of its compact size with a top lid that doubles as a work surface and exterior charging status display.

WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE?
Because of the top-loading design and baskets by LocknCharge, devices can be deployed in a fraction of the time. In fact, by using an iC 30 Cart by LocknCharge compared to a traditional cabinet-style cart, LocknCharge estimates that 70 hours of instruction time is saved each year. That is almost two weeks of extra class time back into the hands of educators by using a 30-unit LocknCharge top-loading, basket-based cart.

POWERGISTICS 16-SHELF TOWER (SHORT) (WWW.POWERGISTICS.COM)

The newly designed 16-shelf tower has been shortened to better accommodate elementary classrooms. PowerGistics has shortened its popular 16-shelf tower by 7” with the tallest shelf standing at 55” to allow 100% student deployment for all ages, including elementary students. Keeping with the same open concept design, small footprint, and unique cord management, the short 16-shelf wall-mounted tower is making teachers’ lives easier while saving classroom space.

WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE?
The vertical design keeps devices organized, compact, and easy to access with an open concept so each stored device can quickly and easily be inventoried. With 100% student management, students learn responsibility and independence while teachers save countless hours managing their transition and teaching time without worrying about device deployment.

LAPCABBY UNICABBY (WWW.LAPCABBY.COM/US/)

The multi-device UniCabby is a flexible, portable cart that can store and charge 20, 32, or 40 devices up to 14” with or without protective cases, bolstering device accessibility. Perfect for tablets, iPads, SurfacePros, Chromebook devices, and more--or mix and match to suit the digital classroom of tomorrow.

WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE?
The integrated cable management on each purpose-built, molded shelf is suitable for charging any device up to 14” from laptops to tablets, hybrid devices, and more.

Peanut butter and jelly. Spaghetti and meatballs. Chromebooks and education. It’s a perfect match. Students are using technology more regularly and meaningfully in classrooms, and Chromebooks’ popularity and use in education are on the rise. The explanation for their increasing market share is clear: Chromebooks are simply less expensive, easier to deploy, and more effective for learning in many classrooms than the competition.

Ossining High School use their Chromebooks for a variety of assignments.Still, it’s not just about the technology—it’s about what you do with it. Without purpose and thought, a Chromebook is no more than an expensive paperweight. But when the Chromebook is used to support, enhance, and transform learning, it can be a game changer in education. Of course, there are challenges to managing students’ use of any technology in the classroom and the Chromebook is no exception. However, when teachers take advantage of all the device has to offer and its integration with Google Apps for Education, the Chromebook truly is the one device to rule them all.

THE POWER OF THE GOOGLE LOG-IN

The Google Apps integration on the Chromebook is one of its most powerful features. For a student to be able to log in once, with one account, and have access to all of Google Apps’ important resources for learning is essential for technology integration and classroom management. For all students, from the youngest to the oldest, the same account and password is the key to unlocking Chromebook’s magic. With its quick and easy boot-up and log-in, teachers can maximize instructional time without worrying about the device.

Google Chrome’s bookmark bar is another tool that’s valuable for making classes as efficient as possible. Teachers can model effective bookmark organization and show students how to save all frequently used sites. Once students know how to sign in to their accounts and link their data when using other devices, they will have everything they need for learning all the time. While these steps might save only a few clicks, a few clicks from each student every period turns into minutes every day and week that can be better used for student learning.

The same concept applies to Google Chrome extensions and apps pinned to the shelf on a Chromebook. Learn how to customize the device and allow students the same freedom to establish ownership of their online learning. Make creating profile images, customizing backgrounds, and pinning favorite apps part of the routine. This individualization empowers students to become more active participants in their online learning and makes the Chromebook an authentic part of their education.

STUDENTS AT THE CENTER

Keeping Chromebooks neatly stored and charged is key. If students have a device in their hands, the potential for learning is endless. Gone are the days when a student who finished early had to wait for the class to catch up and the one who needed a little more time fell behind. With Chromebooks and technology, students can work at different paces because they’re always just a click away from much more to do, try, or achieve. Students’ learning is no longer restricted to the class period or even to classroom walls, and students can continue making progress outside of class, in extra help, or at home. Since they can have access to online tools and learning resources, providing extended time, revision opportunities, or extensions of learning is easy, and students’ growth is never limited. These advantages aren’t unique to the Chromebook, but the flawless integration of Google Apps makes all this possible with ease and efficiency.

One of the best ways to make sure that class time using Chromebooks is focused on student growth and achievement is to have a consistent home for online learning. Whether that’s a class Web site, Google Classroom, part of your LMS, or something else, it should always help students figure out what to do next. It’s a huge help in classroom management and student achievement, too. When a student is distracted, point him back to this location. Date and number your assignments so they’re logical and linear, and encourage students to revisit tasks and review past lessons so that their learning is formative and recursive.

CLEAR PROCEDURES AND ROUTINES

Many students know how to use technology, but that doesn’t mean they know how to use it for their education. Don’t forget to teach not just technology skills, but also the classroom application that’s important to your goals. Management, routines, and procedures are essential for success in teaching any subject, and even more so with technology. The potential for distraction, the need for support, and shifts in teaching and learning all come with this greater potential for learning.

Figure out how you want things done in your classroom and hold students to high expectations. Consider device storage and charging needs, if those apply to your classroom. If devices are stored in your room, build in time and procedures for taking them out and putting them away. Chromebooks and Google Apps are great for sharing and collaborating, so encourage students to support each other as they become acquainted with the devices and learn how to use them to enhance their education.

THE PERFECT MATCH

In the end, a device is just a tool to meet the learning needs of students. Most of what can be achieved on a Chromebook is also possible with other devices, but the Chromebook’s speed, ease of use, and full Google Apps integration make it a clear winner for the classroom. Manage the use of Chromebooks with clear procedures, allow students freedom to explore and grow in their learning, and embrace the efficiency of the single log-in to maximize Chromebooks’ potential and transform teaching and learning for your students.

Adam Schoenbart is an English teacher and technology coach at Ossining High School in Ossining, NY.

CHARGING STATIONS

Consider device storage and charging needs in the Chromebooks classroom, and be sure to build in time and procedures for taking them out and putting them away. Below are some charging station options:

1 The AVerCharge C30i’s sleek, compact design provides storage for 30 Chromebooks, laptops, or tablets with up to a 15” screen.

2 Black Box’s carts charge, store, sync, and transport a wide variety of devices—from iPad minis to 15” Chromebooks. 3 Bretford’s TechGuard Charging Locker lets students securely store and charge up to 3 devices in a single bay.

4 Copernicus Tech Tubs hold 24 Chromebooks, iPads, and other tablets; schools can add more Tech Tubs and Carts as needed.

5 Ergotron’s Zip40 Charging Cart has up to 40-unit capacity, with 1.1”-wide slots and partial shelf for extra storage—ideal for tablets, Chromebooks, and Ultrabooks.

6 HamiltonBuhl’s PowerStacker Tower with modular components can be combined into multiple configurations to hold from 10 to up to 40 devices.

7 The compact LocknCharge Carrier 20 Cart can store and simultaneously charge as many as 20 mobile devices at once.

8 The PowerGistics 12 Shelf Wall Mount Charging Station provides a small footprint and an open concept so each stored device can quickly and easily be inventoried and cataloged.

9 Thread by Steelcase is a simple power distribution system that turns any carpeted floor into a power source by running power through ultra-thin tracks.

10 Tripp Lite Charging Stations charge, secure, and organize up to 48 USB or 32 AC devices, such as tablets and Chromebooks.

www.tripplite.com■ Retail Price: $600-$800, depending upon vendor and shipping costs.

The Tripp Lite 16-port charging station is compact, sturdy, and heavy. The station can sync the tablets via a USB cable to a laptop with syncing software. The station also serves as a secure storage cart for up to 16 tablets, including Chromebooks, Androids, and iPads. It can be mounted to a wall, the floor, or casters can be installed to increase mobility. The cart opens with a key and will securely protect the devices from most disasters, including students who hope to use the device without supervision.

Ease of Use: The Tripp Lite Charging Station is designed with security, heat, and wire management in mind. The cart top has two grid openings and three sides have heavy metal mesh panels to ensure good ventilation to protect devices from high temperatures. Small grommets for the devices’ power cables are mounted on the inside rack, one for each device, which make wire management very easy after the initial setup. The power cord plugs into a power strip inside and fits through a tight fitting grommet in the top that plugs into an electrical outlet for charging the devices. The supporting paper materials have illustrated pictures of the various parts. However, it was challenging to figure out where to plug in the cord in the inside of the case. The port is in the back on the underside of the rack that supports the tablets, and it is not clearly indicated in the pictures.

Creative Use of Technology: This cart is engineered to maximize security to protect tablets from theft and overheating while providing an easy-to-manage environment for a classroom teacher. After setup, teachers will appreciate the easy access front door and the organized power cords.

Suitability for Use in a School Environment: This cart can be installed in any learning space, hallway, or classroom. Without casters, the Tripp Lite Charging Station would function ideally in a permanent location given the dimensions (14.5 x 23.6 x 17.5”) and weight (29 lbs.) of the cart. The charging stations are stackable and have an optional handle and rolling casters so they can become mobile carts for tablets.

OVERALL RATING:

The Tripp Lite Charging Station is solidly constructed of heavy-duty metal that can withstand much force. Its wire management capacity is superior to some other carts, which will reduce the time teachers spending removing and replacing devices inside.

TOP FEATURES

• The Tripp Lite Charging and Syncing Station is solidly constructed of metal and has several strong mesh screens to ensure good air circulation that will keep devices cool.

• The Tripp Lite Charging and Syncing Station has superior wire management capacity built into the tablet rack inside. No more chasing cords to unravel one tablet from the next with this station.

• The Tripp Lite Charging and Syncing Station provides a good value and will help schools protect their important device assets.