- Flatbed Scanner - I use to help prepare lessons by inserting scanned pictures into a document or worksheet that I create
- Digital Camera - I use the camera on a regular basis. Photos capture the excitement of learning in our classroom, and I share the pictures on the web for my parents to see what we have been doing. I also share the pictures with the students for their scrapbook that we make as a keepsake of 3rd grade. I use the photos in assembly PowerPoints and slideshows as well.
- AlphaSmart - this is a portable computer (keyboard and small screen) for students to type on. I use this primarily with my reluctant writers to help spark their interest in writing since they loathe the paper and pencil method.
- Keyboard and Mouse - obvious input devices that I use more than I wish to throughout the day!
Output Devices I use:
- Printers - the printer in my classroom or other networked printers in my building
- Video Scan Converter - I show many video clips and other documents from my computer that are seen on the TV screen because of this converter.
- Overhead Projector - Obvious device used almost daily
- Elmo camera - I use this frequently to write notes and demonstrate lessons so the kids can get a better look.
- SMARTBoard - I used the Smartboard for a few months last year. It was such a cool experience for me and the students! I did not have the board or the projector mounted so it was a temporary thing, and I wish I could have had it for longer to learn more about all of its functions.
What I wish I could do/learn:
I really, really want to get the SMARTBoard back in my room! If it was hooked up more permanently, it would have been a great asset to teaching. Unfortunately, the projector sat on a desk and the board was on wheels, so it was moved and bumped a lot, and just wasn't used to it's fullest capabilities. My school also has one class set of PDA's and I would love to learn more about them. I have learned the basics, but am curious as to what else they can do and how students can use them more.
4 comments:
Hey Kim, i was wondering if you, or anybody else, could explain what an Elmo is. I noticed that several of you had mentioned these devices, but I have never heard of these things. It sounds like it is some kind of camera, is that right? How does it differ from a regular digital camera?
An Elmo is a kinda of camera but live. I write under mine and have it connected to a projector or tv to show for the students (kinda like an overhead projector but with paper and I can show books or any visual, or demonstration). The bio teachers use it to project microscopes. If you go to: http://www.elmousa.com/presentation/
they have lots of different ones with presentations you can watch.
I hope you get your SmartBoard back!! I love using them for science. I think that's nice that your 3rd graders have scrapbooks. I wish I could get my middle schoolers to use the alpha smarts, most of my students HATE using them, especially the ones that need to use it...
Kim,
We will talk a little more about PDAs later. There is a school in South Lyon (I think) that has all fifth graders issued PDA's and all students use them and all teachers are expected to plan with them. If you get more interested we can seek out the info.
Great job on the Blogging
Stacey
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