Laptop tips & saving files

Laptops can be convenient for class use but can also be a source of frustration for students and teachers.  Some helpful tips have been posted here.  I especially like the emphasis on how laptop use for a classroom takes more time to get all users signed on and ready to work but it's equally important to consider how much time is needed at the end of class for students to properly shut down, return and ensure that the device is being properly recharged.  It's tempting for students to close the lid on a laptop before it's fully shut down.  Doing so would result in the laptop still running (hot) and not being logged off for the next user.

As a result of laptops being re-imaged for quicker login times, file saving can be a bit more cumbersome.  Default settings cause files to be saved to the C: drive of the laptop rather than to H: drive (personal directory).  This can also be frustrating for students trying to find a file when they use a different laptop.  Here's the solution for file saving: 

To open existing files, hold down Ctrl+Alt+X to retrieve Windows Explorer:

On a re-imaged laptop, opening "Documents" in the Libraries would lead directly to the C: drive (laptop hard drive).  To access your personal files (H: drive), click on the directory with your name on the left menu tab (found under "Computer").  In the H: drive, My Documents is a preferred folder for saving files and creating sub-folders.  Note that the shared drive (S:) might be a good alternative for students saving work to be easily accessible by the teacher, especially the "Sandbox" folder.  To learn more about the Sandbox folder, click here.

Shortcut keys for laptops are the same as the desktop computers.  Click here for an overview of the various shortcut keys for SD28 laptop and desktop computers.