Technical information

ICT in the science department 1638 © CLEAPSS 2005
Maintained schools are advised, where possible, to contact their education authority
advisory team. Some authorities have special arrangements for the purchase of partic-
ular types of software and dataloggers. They may also offer appropriate support and
training for their teachers and technicians.
Some of the issues that should be considered before choosing a datalogging system are
discussed below.
Computer
platform
In most schools, dataloggers will be purchased to match the type of computers
already in use. Computers for the science department are more rarely chosen for
their compatibility with a particularly desirable datalogger system. PCs running
Windows OS are most commonly used for datalogging. Schools should check
whether particular dataloggers have software available if they use Apple Macint-
osh computers. A laptop (notebook) computer is very useful for working away from
the laboratory when logging remotely. Palmtop computers or personal digital
assistants, where appropriate software is available, are also useful in this respect.
Data collected in this way are often subsequently transferred to a PC for analysis.
It is essential to check that the specification of the computer is sufficient to allow
the datalogger software to run satisfactorily and that an appropriate free port is
available to connect to the logger.
Backward
compatibility
There may be a desire, or need, for older sensors to work with a new interface.
Some suppliers offer adapters to permit this. Compatibility should be confirmed
before purchase and tested soon after. Older sensors may not be automatically
recognised by software operating with newer loggers and correct set up and calib-
ration may be complicated or impossible. Interfacing old or third-party sensors is
likely to be a false economy for all but the most expensive sensors.
Choice of
software
Suppliers usually provide at least basic software with their interfaces but more
advanced software may be available at extra cost, sometimes from another supp-
lier. Some software can be customised to make it easier to use for younger pupils
and more sophisticated for advanced classes. It may be possible to use the same
software with older interfaces that are still serviceable. The best software is
intuitive and straightforward to use. Some companies now offer multimedia data-
logging software, which combines worksheets on-screen with real datalogging
activities. Much software is suitable for installation on a network but there may
be extra licensing costs. Sample software is often available to download and test
from the manufacturer’s web site.
The range of
investigations
likely to be
carried out
Specialist teachers, who will use the equipment, should be involved in the choice
of datalogging system. For example, physicists will require digital sensors for tim-
ing investigations and may also need faster response times for advanced-level
work. Biologists may require remote loggers with the facility to make recordings
over several days or even weeks. Careful consideration will need to be given to the
types, specifications and costs of sensors available for a particular interface. Some
sensors also work as useful stand-alone instruments.
Remote
datalogging
An interface for remote logging (ie, one with built-in memory) is useful for long-
term collection of data without a computer connected. An easily-understood dis-
play on the interface is essential in this situation. Out in the field, data may be
lost by accident or if batteries run out. Purchase of a laptop computer might be
considered so that data can be stored more securely on a hard disc (but see
comments about these computers in section 16.5.4).
Instructions and
worksheets
Many suppliers provide teaching materials for use with their loggers. These may
be included in the purchase price and are often available in electronic format,
perhaps on a web site. This allows worksheets to be customised to local require-
ments. Increasingly, datalogging software now incorporates instructions for part-
icular investigations. A few software packages include self-authoring systems to
allow teachers to provide customised step-by-step instructions for investigations.