2. COMPUTERS
• For a while we have had the opportunity to
use computers in our classrooms. With
updated software and new programs, teachers
can introduce a topic and allow the students
to explore – on their own – more about a
topic they enjoy.
3. Laptops
• Computers are great, but they are stationary.
Once you hook them up, its hard to move
them. With the invention of the laptop,
teachers can have more students on
computers or even work in groups around the
room.
4. Document Cameras
• Teachers have used overhead projectors for as
long as I can remember. Problems with this
device is that you have to have an overhead
sheet or roll, markers (which rub off onto your
hand), and you can’t throw put a book on it
for kids to see the pictures. With a Document
Camera, you can place any type of document
under the camera and it will project up onto
the screen.
5. Still/Video Cameras
• Most kids are visual learners and many kids
will forget what you said five minutes ago.
With still and video cameras, you can take
pictures and video of a lesson or topic you are
discussing and later you can refer back to that
to jog their memory. These are especially
useful when used with Wikis and
Web sites (see slide 8).
6. SmartBoard
• We learn best when we do something.
Somebody can tell you a piece of information,
but 85% of the time, you’ll forget it. If we use
our hands to learn, we are 85% likely to retain
that information. Unfortunately, we cannot
always get and use the materials necessary.
SmartBoards allow us to use our hands to
manipulate digital pieces of information
therefore increasing the chances of
knowledge retention.
7. Handheld Devices
• These include tablet PCs and cell phones. We
live in a digital age and many students have
grown up not knowing life without a cell
phone or computer. It only makes sense that
we allow them to use the tools they are
comfortable with to do and show their
knowledge. Many campuses and even districts
have implemented programs to allow students
to bring their own devices to class to use for
educational purposes.
8. Wikis/Web sites
• Learning should not stop when the student leaves
the building. Otherwise, they would forget most
of what you talked about the previous day. By
using wikis and Web sites, students can go online
(which more than likely they already are) and
research or share information they are passionate
about. This also is a great way for parents to see
what the students are learning in class and they
can ask their child about the topic, reinforcing
lessons learned at school.
9. Summary
• There are conflicting reports on whether the
use of technology in the classroom is helpful.
The split seems to mainly be generational,
where the older generation is used to the way
things have always been done and resists the
change. Kids are growing up knowing this
digital language and by allowing them to learn
how they are comfortable will only enhance
their willingness to learn.
10. Extra Reading
• apple.com.
• Richtel, M. (2011, September 4). New York
Times. Retrieved June 17, 2012, from
nytimes.com.
• Subramanian, C. (2012, February 22). Time
Techland. Retrieved from Time Magazine.
