A shared set of reading pens works well when every pen has a home, a number and a charging routine. Most schools start with enough pens for the students who need one daily, plus two or three spares for other students and exam periods. The routines below keep a set working all year with a few minutes' effort a day.
How many, and which models
- Everyday learning: one Reader 2 or Reader 3 for each student who uses a pen most days, plus a few shared pens for the class toolbox.
- Exams and tests: a separate small set of Exam Reader 2s, plus at least one spare for exams that can't be rescheduled.
- Mixing models: keep each model in its own labelled box, because the Reader 3 uses a USB-C cable and the others use micro USB.
See which C-Pen suits your school to choose models and the funding guide for funding.
Set up once
- Number each pen and its case, and record the serial number against it.
- Run the setup wizard on each pen: hand, Australian English voice, language and volume (see setting up a new C-Pen).
- Update the firmware so every pen behaves the same (see how to update C-Pen firmware).
- Set up a charging point: a multi-port USB charger or charging station, with each cable labelled.
- Make a sign-out sheet with columns for pen number, student, date out and date back.
Every day
- Students collect their numbered pen and sign it out.
- At the end of the day, pens go back to the charging point.
- Unplug pens once they are full. Don't leave them charging for days.
Every week
- Wipe each pen and case with a dry or slightly damp cloth. Keep liquid away from the scanning tip and ports.
- Keep headphones individual where possible, or wipe shared ones between users.
- Check for missing or damaged pens and cables.
Every term
- Check for firmware updates (see how to update C-Pen firmware).
- Delete old saved files from Reader 2 and Reader 3 pens that move between students.
- Before holidays: charge each pen to about 50%, switch it off and store it somewhere cool, below 32°C (see battery care and storage).
Privacy between users
The Reader 2 and Reader 3 save scanned text and voice recordings. When a pen moves to a new student, delete the previous student's files, or restore defaults. The Exam Reader 2 stores nothing, so it can move freely between students.
Who looks after the set
Name one person, often a learning support teacher or school officer, to own the set. They keep the register, run the termly checks and handle repairs and warranty claims.
Frequently asked questions
How many reading pens does a class need?
One for each student who uses a pen most days, plus two or three spares for other students and exam periods.
How do I charge a class set of C-Pens?
Use a multi-port USB charger at one charging point, label each cable, and charge pens at the end of each day. Unplug them once they are full.
Can students share a reading pen?
Yes. Wipe it between users, and delete saved files from Reader 2 and Reader 3 pens when they change hands.
How should a class set be stored over the holidays?
Charge each pen to about 50%, switch it off, and store it somewhere cool and dry below 32°C.
More C-Pen guides for schools and therapistsSetup help, exam provisions, funding and model comparisons in one place.
