i need a little feedback for a school project
I am an educational technology grad student at NJCU. As part of one of my courses I have been asked to get recommendations from classroom teachers, for the hardware and/or software that has been most beneficial, or that they most want to acquire.
My hypothetical class has 20 (one for each student) networked PCs with Windows Vista and the full Microsoft Office Suite (definitely not my personal choice).I have been told that I have $10,000 to purchase hardware and or software for the class (but no new computers).
I am not asking you to budget the 10k, I have a pretty good idea of how and where I would spend most of it. It's more about if there is any thing that really excites you please leave a not.
Any other words of wisdom (or caution) about integrating technology in 1-5 grades would also be appreciated.
If you are reading this post after 3/26 there is no need to respond, as I will be handing my assignment in before 3/29 thanks a lot
My hypothetical class has 20 (one for each student) networked PCs with Windows Vista and the full Microsoft Office Suite (definitely not my personal choice).I have been told that I have $10,000 to purchase hardware and or software for the class (but no new computers).
I am not asking you to budget the 10k, I have a pretty good idea of how and where I would spend most of it. It's more about if there is any thing that really excites you please leave a not.
Any other words of wisdom (or caution) about integrating technology in 1-5 grades would also be appreciated.
If you are reading this post after 3/26 there is no need to respond, as I will be handing my assignment in before 3/29 thanks a lot
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Ellen Wilke on
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I would purchase a Smart AirLiner (portable bluetooth slate) and then you can download Smart Notebook software free as long as your school owns their product(s). Using the Notebook software, I utilize Google images, YouTube videos, a scanner for things I want to put on my computer, and the media that comes with my textbook to create all sorts of presentations to project onto a whiteboard or screen. With the portable slate and the Notebook software, you get the benefits of a Smartboard without having to be tied to the front of the classroom. It takes some time to perfect writing on the slate, but once you learn how to do it, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it. Because it's portable, the slate can be handed off to students, although they also have a steep learning curve when it comes to being able to write legibly, which creates its own entertainment for the class (that's my word of caution!) The slate only costs a few hundred dollars, so you will have plenty of money left over to spend on other hardware/software.
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Permalink Reply by Robin Sheridan on
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thank you for your suggestions, the ailiner does sound like a very interesting tool.
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Permalink Reply by Katy Scott on
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1.) I know you said you can't buy computers, but what about netbooks? With netbooks and free Ubuntu software, you could give kids computers to take home for just $300 per student. (Here are the details.)
2.) I think you'd want an interactive whiteboard -- you can get your own for just $55, using a Wiimote. (Here are the details.)
3.) If you can't go with netbooks, you might consider purchasing a class set of smart phones. (Here are some ideas on what to do with them.)
All of those suggestions are for hardware because there's SOOO much FREE software out there now (especially if you install Ubuntu on those 20 computers). Spending money on apps is really unnecessary. (Specifically, some great programs are Prezi, Jing, ActivInspire, Avery.) I have a blog called Stretch Your Digital Dollar that outlines ways to integrate technology for little to no money -- it might spark some other ideas.
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thank you so much for all of these great suggestions. the $55 whiteboard is amazing.
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Permalink Reply by Lin DiRenzo on
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if you have the computers, 10K is quite a lot. Given the age group, Id look into some simple interactive software for the younger years. I also like digital storytelling toys such as digital cameras and video cameras. There are some free (or very low cost) online services that will put it all together for you. SmartBoard and other goodies from the Smart Interactive line and Personal Response Devices would be a given. Id also spring for a classroom management system to assist classroom management efficiency. Good luck with your studies!
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as an ex filmmaker A/V gears is top of my list. i am glad to see that many of you agree with me. i also like the interactive board idea, but as i have never used one it is hard for me to judge if it is really worth the cost? i have also considered CMS, but from what i gather, Moodle and other free programs do a pretty good job?
thanks again for your input
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Interactive is great if you do much with students focused on your whiteboard. As for CMS vs. Moodle (or other), Id view Moodle as a curriculum delivery system and a CMS more for working with a classroom full of students. You can blank screens, push out your screen, view what is on any given screen, take over theirs--that sort of thing. Just my two cents :)
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that sounds very interesting, is there a specific system you would recommend? would that also allow me to select who's screen would be sent to a projector or interactive board?
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I don't know if this will be enough, but iTalc is an open-source program that offers some of those management features. http://italc.sourceforge.net/
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I have looked into Netop Vision6 and SmartSync, though there are others. Katy, I will definitely take a look at the iTalc you mention. Our budgets have been frozen this year and for the foreseeable future, so free looks good to me. Thanks much for your suggestion!
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i found SmartSynce, by doing a search after your last post. it seems great, but very expensive. iTalc, looked good, but is not updated for Vista yet (they claim an update will be available soon). i ended up choosing NetSupport for $118.
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Permalink Reply by Carl Lidstone on
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I would go for a mimio - wouldn't be without mine. Not only is it an interactive whiteboard but you can also take it with you if you teach in more than one class; or even on field trips (not that I have had the need to do this!) http://www.mimio.com/global/au/index.asp
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