Alphasmart NEO2 SmartApplet User manual

SmartOption Mobile Lab Setup Instructions 1
R0311.0308 R39976
S MART O PTION
™
M OBILE L AB S ETUP FOR NEO S
Your SmartOption Mobile Lab comes with AlphaHub™ and all cables already
installed. Follow these steps to set up the mobile lab. Do not connect the lab to your
computer until you have installed AlphaSmart™ Manager software on the computer.
For the computer’s system requirements, go to www.alphasmart.com/support/.
How to Set Up the SmartOption Mobile Lab
1. Unpack the SmartOption Mobile Lab. Remove all packing materials from the
outside of the cart.
2. Plug in the lab. Find the power supply cord coming out the back of the cart.
Remove any tape or ties from the cord, and plug it directly into a 120-volt wall outlet
(or floor outlet) rated for at least 15 amps. Do not use an extension cord or a power
strip.
3. Install the AlphaSmart Manager software on your computer. Find the
AlphaSmart Manager CD that came with your SmartOption Mobile Lab. Follow the
instructions in the AlphaSmart Manager User Manual or in the Quick Guide for your
NEOs to install the software on your computer.
4. Provide power to the computer through the lab (optional). If you’d like your
computer to receive power through the lab, do this:
a. Place the computer on top of the cart.
b. In the middle of the top of the cart (toward the back), remove the cable cap.
c. Pass the computer’s power cord down through the opening.
d. Pull the computer’s power cord down to the power strip in the bottom of the cart
(in the middle of the back of the cart, behind the NEO bays). Plug the
computer’s power cord into the power strip.
e. On the top of the cart, put the cable cap back on.
You can also plug a printer into the cart’s power strip.
5. Connect the SmartOption Mobile Lab to your computer. Find the cable labeled
“COMPUTER” that is coming out of the cart. Remove any tape or ties from this
cable. Then, connect it to the computer that has AlphaSmart Manager installed.
6. Turn on the AlphaHub. Open the cart doors and find the AlphaHub on the top
shelf to the right. Turn the switch to on (I). The green light on the front of the
AlphaHub will turn on.
7. Install batteries in your NEO 1 and/or NEO 2 laptops. Install three AA batteries
in each NEO 1 or NEO 2 laptop. For instructions, see the Quick Guide that came
with your NEOs.
8. Connect your NEO 1 and/or NEO 2 laptops to the lab. Connect your NEO 1 or
NEO 2 laptops to the bays in the cart. (Starting with version 3.0 of AlphaSmart
Manager 2, you can connect both NEO 1 and NEO 2 laptops to the same lab.)
Each bay in the cart holds two laptops, so you will find two cables in each bay. The
cart holds up to 30 laptops.
Consider labeling
your NEOs, the slots
in the cart, and the
cables. For labeling ideas and
other teacher tips, see page 9.

SMARTOPTION™ MOBILE LAB SETUP FOR NEOS
AlphaHub Warranty
SmartOption Mobile Lab Setup Instructions 2
R0311.0308
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AlphaHub Warranty
Renaissance Learning, Inc. warrants the AlphaHub to be free from defects in materials
and workmanship for a period of one year from the date of original purchase. The
AlphaHub is not covered by extended warranty. During this period, if a defect occurs,
Renaissance Learning, Inc., will, at its option, repair or replace the AlphaHub at no
charge to you, provided that it is returned during the warranty period to Renaissance
Learning, Inc., or one of its authorized resellers. This warranty does not apply if the
AlphaHub has been damaged by accident or abuse, modified without the written
permission of Renaissance Learning, or if identifying marks (including serial
numbers) or seals have been removed or defaced. There are no other warranties,
expressed or implied. Renaissance Learning, Inc., accepts no responsibility for
consequential damages, including, but not limited to, loss of profit or benefits.
Additional Software for NEO 2
NEO 2 SmartOption Mobile Labs also come with the software listed below. The
software is not used with NEO 1 laptops because those laptops do not have RF (radio
frequency) capability.
•AccelTest™ software: This software allows you to create your own quizzes, tests,
and assignments for any subject and score student responses quickly. Students can
complete some types of assignments using either Renaissance Responders or NEO 2
laptops. The scores are entered in the AccelTest electronic gradebook.
•2Know!™ Toolbar: This simple program allows you to get real-time responses
from students or another group. You can use the toolbar to ask multiple-choice,
true/false, numeric response, or pulse questions and quickly get responses. This can
help you immediately assess whether your students understand the concepts you’ve
been discussing.
To use this software, you must first connect the Renaissance Receiver. Then, you can
install the software on your computer and begin using NEO 2 with the software. The
following pages provide more information about installing the software.
Connecting Your Renaissance Receiver
To find out how to connect the Renaissance Receiver, refer to the NEO 2 and
SmartApplets Quick Guide or to the NEO and NEO 2 User Manual.

SMARTOPTION™ MOBILE LAB SETUP FOR NEOS
Additional Software for NEO 2
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Installing AccelTest Software on Your Computer
Important Information about Using NEO 2 with AccelTest 3.x
In AccelTest, when you choose to score an assignment with a Responder, you are
choosing to have students enter their answers using the Responder for automatic
scoring. Although the software does not mention NEO 2, when you choose Responder
as the scoring method, students can use a NEO 2 instead of a Responder to complete
assignments.
System Requirements for AccelTest Software
Visit www.renlearn.com/requirements and click 2Know! Classroom Response
System to make sure your computer meets the minimum hardware and software
requirements. If you have questions, email us at [e-mail].
Windows: Installing AccelTest Software
1. Insert the AccelTest CD into your computer.
2. If the launcher program starts
automatically, giving you a choice
of items to install, click Install
AccelTest.
If not, view the contents of the
CD; then, double-click
Launcher.exe. Then, click
Install AccelTest when the
Launcher starts.
3. When the Welcome panel of the
AccelTest installation wizard
opens, click Next.
4. Click Install to begin the installation. The installation progress will be shown.
5. Click Finish in the AccelTest installation wizard. To continue, see “Starting
AccelTest” on page 4.

SMARTOPTION™ MOBILE LAB SETUP FOR NEOS
Additional Software for NEO 2
SmartOption Mobile Lab Setup Instructions 4
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Macintosh: Installing AccelTest Software
1. Insert the AccelTest CD into your computer.
2. If the AccelTest window does not open automatically, double-click the AccelTest
CD icon on your desktop to view the contents of the CD.
3. Double-click AccelTest Installer.
4. If the program asks you to enter your password, enter the administrator password
for this computer; then, click OK. This shows that you have the permissions
required to install the software.
5. Read the information in the Welcome panel of the Installer; then, click Install.
6. Click Quit when the installation is complete. (If you need to restart your computer,
click Restart.) You can now remove the CD from your computer. To continue, see
“Starting AccelTest” below.
Starting AccelTest
1. Windows: Click Start or Programs (or All Programs)AccelTest
AccelTest.
Macintosh: Open the
AccelTest folder in your
Applications folder. Double-
click AccelTest Ain that
folder. A

SMARTOPTION™ MOBILE LAB SETUP FOR NEOS
Additional Software for NEO 2
SmartOption Mobile Lab Setup Instructions 5
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. . . . .
2. Type the AccelTest Serial
Number that you received in
the blank fields B. The serial
number appears on the one-
page instruction sheet you
received with the software. As
you type the serial number, be
careful not to confuse “Z” and
“2,” “I” and “1,” “S” and “5,” or
“O” and “0.”
Next, enter the school name
Cand the teacher name D. Then, click OK.
3. Enter admin (the default administrator
password). Then, click OK.
4. You will be asked if you would like
to set up your school year. When
you do this, you enter the school
year and term dates that will be
used for assignments and grades
in the Gradebook. Click one of the
options in this message.
Read the AccelTest User Manual for More Information
For more information about setting up the school year, refer to the information about
the School Year preference in the AccelTest User Manual. The manual will also tell you
how to set up your classes and students, create your assignments, and add them to the
Gradebook so you can start using AccelTest.
The AccelTest User Manual is installed with the AccelTest software. Here’s where you
can find it:
•Windows: Click Start or Programs (or All Programs)AccelTest 
User Manual.
•Macintosh: Open the Applications folder on your hard drive; then, open the
AccelTest folder and double-click the ATSoftwareManual.pdf file.
You may need Adobe Reader installed to view the manual; if you don’t have it, you can
download Adobe Reader at www.adobe.com.
AccelTest Site License
Please read this License carefully before installing the enclosed software. By breaking
the seal on this package and using the enclosed software, your school (“Licensee”)
agrees to be bound by the terms of this License. If your school does not agree to these
terms, return the software and materials to Renaissance Learning, Inc., (“RL”) for a
refund.
B
C
D
If the AccelTest
software doesn’t
recognize your
serial number, contact
Technical Support for help.
After you enter the
password, AccelTest
will check for
updates to the software if a
Web connection is
available. If any are found,
you can choose to download
them, and then double-click
the files you downloaded to
begin installing the updates.
For more information, see the
AccelTest User Manual.

SMARTOPTION™ MOBILE LAB SETUP FOR NEOS
Additional Software for NEO 2
SmartOption Mobile Lab Setup Instructions 6
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. . . . .
1. Grant of License. RL grants Licensee a non-exclusive, non-transferable license
to use the enclosed software, which software may include embedded third-party
software licensed to RL (“Software”).
2. Restrictions. Licensee shall have the right to install and use the Software on any
and all stand-alone personal computers at a single “Site.” Site means a single
school building or a single school campus wherein the school buildings are less
than 150 feet apart. Licensee shall not make the Software available in whole or in
part in any other networked or time-sharing environment. Licensee may make a
backup or archival copy of the Software but may not otherwise copy any portion of
the Software or translate, reverse-engineer, disassemble, or decompile it. In
addition, Licensee may install on home computer for use related to licensed site
needs.
3. Ownership. All rights in the Software and RL Content are owned, licensed by,
and retained by RL. The Software and RL Content are protected under US and
international copyright laws and the source code of the Software is a trade secret
of RL. Neither the Software nor the Licensee's rights or obligations under this
License may be sublicensed, leased, rented, distributed, assigned, or transferred
in whole or in part to any third party. All RL Content provided with the Software
shall be used solely by and within the Licensee. RL Content shall not be given
away, posted, leased, sold, or licensed for use by any third party. RL Content shall
not be used in conjunction with software other than that provided or authorized
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any means, or using content for any purpose other than the designated
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may terminate this License at any time by returning all copies of the Software to
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License. Upon termination, Licensee will return all copies of the Product, and any
portions there of, to RL or destroy the same and certify in writing to RL that it has
done so.
5. Limited Warranty. RL warrants that, for a period of 30 days from the delivery
(the “Warranty Period”), the Software will perform substantially in accordance
with any accompanying written materials. This Limited Warranty is void if the
failure of the Software results from accident, abuse or misapplication. If, during
the Warranty Period, a defect appears, Licensee may return the Software to RL for
replacement or refund at RL's discretion. RL does not warrant the completeness
or accuracy of any information contained in the Software, or that the use of the
Software will meet Licensee's needs or that its use will be uninterrupted or error
free. THE FOREGOING CONSTITUTES LICENSEE'S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE
REMEDY FOR BREACH OF ANY WARRANTIES (EXPRESS OR IMPLIED)
MADE UNDER THIS LICENSE. EXCEPT FOR THE WARRANTIES SET FORTH
ABOVE, THE PRODUCT IS LICENSED “AS IS,” AND RL DISCLAIMS ANY AND
ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT
LIMITATION ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS
FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, TITLE AND NON-INFRINGEMENT. NO RL
DEALER, DISTRIBUTOR, AGENT OR EMPLOYEE IS AUTHORIZED TO MAKE
ANY MODIFICATION OR ADDITION TO THE FOREGOING WARRANTY.

SMARTOPTION™ MOBILE LAB SETUP FOR NEOS
Additional Software for NEO 2
SmartOption Mobile Lab Setup Instructions 7
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. . . . .
6. Limitation of Liability. Licensee assumes responsibility for the selection of the
Software to achieve its intended results, the use and acquisition of other software
and/or equipment compatible with the Software, and the installation, use, and
results obtained from the Software. INASMUCH AS THE PRICE PAID FOR THE
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CUMULATIVE LIABILITY TO LICENSEE AND ALL OTHER PARTIES FOR ANY
LOSS OR DAMAGES RESULTING FROM ANY CLAIMS, DEMANDS, OR
ACTIONS ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS LICENSE SHALL NOT
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SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR: (A) ANY LOSS OF USE OF LICENSEE'S
COMPUTERS OR LOSS OR CORRUPTION OF DATA OR THE COSTS OF
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ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, EXEMPLARY, INCIDENTAL, OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOST PROFITS, WHETHER BASED ON
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except as authorized by US law. In particular, but without limitation, the Software
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Installing the 2Know! Toolbar Software
Windows: Installing the 2Know! Toolbar Software
1. Insert either the AccelTest CD or the 2Know! Toolbar CD into your computer and
view the contents of the CD.
If you are using the AccelTest CD, double-click Launcher.exe if the launcher does
not open automatically. Then, click Install 2Know! Toolbar.
If you are using the 2Know! CD, double-click the 2Know!_Toolbar_1.0_Win.msi
file on the CD.
2. In the installation wizard that appears, click Next > on the Welcome panel.
3. Note the installation location and click Next > on the next panel.
4. Click Install on the next panel.
You can also
download the
2Know! Toolbar from
the Renaissance Learning
Web site at
www.renlearn.com.

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5. If you want to start the 2Know! Toolbar right away, check the box on the final panel.
Click Finish to complete the installation.
6. Connect the Renaissance Receiver to your computer and set the Receiver name
(see the NEO 2 and SmartApplets Quick Guide).
7. Make sure that neither AccelTest nor the Renaissance Responder program are
running. Then, start the 2Know! Toolbar by clicking Start (or ) Programs (or
All Programs) 2Know! Toolbar 2Know! Toolbar.
8. Read the license; then, check the I Agree box and click OK to start the program.
Macintosh: Installing the 2Know! Toolbar Software
1. Insert either the AccelTest CD or the 2Know! Toolbar CD into your computer and
view the contents of the CD.
If you are using the AccelTest CD, double-click 2Know! Toolbar Installer.
If you are using the 2Know! Toolbar CD, double-click the
2Know!_Toolbar_1.0_Mac.dmg file on the CD. Then, double-click 2Know!
Toolbar Installer 1.0 Mac in the window that opens.
2. Enter the administrator password for the computer and click OK. (You must have
rights that allow you to install the program.)
3. Click Install in the installation assistant. The program will be installed. (If the
computer will need to be restarted after installation, the program will notify you;
click OK.)
4. When the installation is finished, click Restart if the computer must be restarted. If
not, click Quit.
5. Connect the Renaissance Receiver to your computer and set the Receiver name
(see the NEO 2 and SmartApplets Quick Guide).
6. Open the Applications folder on the computer’s hard drive. Open the 2Know!
Classroom Response System folder, then the 2Know! Toolbar folder. Double-click
2Know! Toolbar.
7. Read the license; then, check the I Agree box and click OK to start the program.
Getting Information about Using the 2Know! Toolbar
Once the 2Know! Toolbar program is open, click Options and choose Getting
Started. This will open a document titled Using the 2Know! Toolbar, which explains
how to use the program.

SMARTOPTION™ MOBILE LAB SETUP FOR NEOS
Teacher Tips for Using the SmartOption Mobile Lab
SmartOption Mobile Lab Setup Instructions 9
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Teacher Tips for Using the SmartOption Mobile Lab
The tips below may help teachers use the SmartOption Mobile Lab with their classes.
Getting Started
• Label the cart shelves, slots, cables, and NEOs with numbers using an artist pen or a
white paint pen. This helps students find their NEOs and see where to connect them.
In some classrooms, putting the NEO number next to the light on the NEO is helpful
so students notice both the number and the green light when the cart is connected.
Within the cart, putting a white dot or cable number on the side of the cables that
faces out helps students see which direction the cord should go into the NEO.
• While labeling NEOs or carts, avoid using teacher names, room numbers, school
names, or similar information that may change.
• If you have more than one cart, number your carts and make the number easy to see
on the cart. You can also put the cart number on the back of your NEOs to help
identify them and keep them in the correct cart.
• Assign NEO numbers to students in a way that promotes orderly use. For example,
you can assign NEOs by sitting order so that when students get their NEOs, they can
walk out of their row and return to their seats in order.
• If more than one teacher or class is sharing a SmartOption Mobile Lab, consider
doing the following:
• Enable file passwords and teach students to password-protect their files. To
find out how to set unique file passwords, see the NEO and NEO 2 User
Manual.
• If you are using a central calendar like GroupWise,1place the cart as an object
in the calendar to make the cart easier to share, and require a lesson plan and
objectives and sample work to be attached for gathering data for grants or
funding requests.
• If you are not using an automated calendar, use a paper calendar for reserving
the cart. This helps you to gather data to support the need to purchase more
carts.
• Keep a log on top of the cart so teachers can indicate if they have cleared open
work files. This helps prevent other teachers from sending new lessons over
open student work, causing those files to be lost.
• Have a parent night before you send NEOs home to explain the NEOs to parents and
to provide hands-on training.
• When students will be traveling with the NEOs, you can provide them with small
plastic collapsible file folders labeled with the NEO number, campus, and teacher
name. Students can use the folders for the NEOs.
1. GroupWise is a registered trademark of Novell, Inc., in the United States and other countries.

SMARTOPTION™ MOBILE LAB SETUP FOR NEOS
Teacher Tips for Using the SmartOption Mobile Lab
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Classroom Management Tips
• Create a “startup” send list to help reset your NEOs at the beginning of the year. The
send list could set the master password you want, enable file passwords, and set your
KeyWords settings.
• Teach students to save files immediately upon beginning an
assignment. This helps prevent loss of student work if files are cleared or
overwritten.
• Teach students to put an automatic heading on every document they create.
• Use the pocket on the cart for gathering writing samples.
•Create “beam schemes” so you can send out documents quickly without disrupting
the class. Some teachers use row and pod schemes or assign student leaders who
accept files and send them out.
• Keep a notebook for recording problems students have encountered and how they
solved them. (Students can write this information in the notebook or type it into a
NEO, print it out, and put it in the book.) Have one NEO leader each week help
check connections, answer questions, and get the NEOs out.
• Photocopy the shortcut tips or needed symbols, enlarge the copy, and laminate it to
put on the wall.
• You can use one of the files on NEOs to record the progress of each of your reading
groups. While a reading group is meeting, have a “recorder” use a NEO to document
new vocabulary, unanswered questions, main events, quotes, etc.
Routine Maintenance Tips
• Clean files off your NEOs on a regular basis (such as weekly or at the end of each
grading period) to keep too many files from being stored on the NEOs and to remove
old files that are no longer needed.
• Delete all KeyWords students when you have finished all keyboarding instruction.
(Remember: keyboarding best practices recommend daily instruction until all 16
units are complete, followed by weekly or biweekly practice sessions.)
• Use the QuizManager program to delete all AlphaQuiz quizzes as needed.
Remember: each NEO can hold up to four quizzes.
• At the end of the school year, use AlphaSmart Manager to reset all devices. This
returns NEOs to their original factory default settings so they are ready to go for the
next school year.