Ok . . . well we've bought a few --Promethean, I was impressed with
those-- (because there was money available), but I am embarrassed to
say I haven't installed them yet. Not sure of where to put them to
be most beneficial, and not sure where the permanent solution is. I
would like to think we're doing OK--all of our teachers have laptops,
the three upper buildings have projectors, and the two lower
buildings have a few projectors currently to share. HS is almost
fully stocked with document cameras, our upper elementary building
1/2 with them, and the rest will hopefully have them and the
projectors (for those who don't currently) by next school year.
While the coolness of a smartboard excites me (a techie)--I'm
wondering how much more the smartboard does than the document camera
(for most) at this point.
I will still be doing staff development this winter/spring on how to
do powerpoints and AEA online, video streaming, --as well as online
learning, iLife suite and some "higher end use". I just think there
are so many skills and comfort levels that need to be overcome before
we move to learning and figuring out an interactive whiteboard and
something that a cheaper alternative can probably take care of (doc
cams). Of course, I'm thinking of how could we be using cell phones
in the classrooms now (-vs- a 1:1 laptop initiative--my Blackberry
does quite a bit) and other technology sources . . . how does this
all fit? (Another discussion for people to comment on.)
Again, I think we have a number of staff who would and can embrace
the new technology . . . but still some, who, while they like their
laptop, would be happier with the old LC Macs <note I m not a PC
person, again> because nothing would have to change. I could then
really go on a soapbox of utilizing technology not as a stand alone
skill, but rather as a way to make things easier . . . but I'll save
it for another time. LOL
As far as my classroom . . . projector, surround sound, Flips for
everyone (how cool is that), use of cell phones, smartboard (I know
what I just talked about . . . but in Utopia), ICN room type
setting . . . reseach pods and people who are differentiating
instruction and teaching 21st century skills. Ooo and unlimited
network size.
On Feb 4, 2009, at 4:00 PM, Sarah Freking wrote:
I'd like to hear thoughts about smart boards. Who has them, which
ones, and what do you think?
Sarah M. Freking, District Technology Director
Storm Lake Community School District
Storm Lake, IA 50588
Phone: 712-732-8100 Fax: 712-732-8101
info-tech@aea8.k12.ia.us writes:
While I can see the coolness with flatscreens and the overlay, to
me that is a limited size for showing an entire classroom. The
more and more that I watch people use the smart board idea, or the
overlay in this case, the more and more I like the interactive
wireless tablets. Maybe I am missing something with the
flatscreens that can’t be solved with a super-bright projector. As
far as the rest of the ideas, the only other thing that I would
question would be the netbook over a full-powered notebook. Can a
netbook keep up doing the pod/vodcasts or are there limitations?
Just my techie view.
Jeremy
From: info-tech-ow...@aea8.k12..ia.us [mailto:info-tech-
ow...@aea8.k12.ia.us] On Behalf Of Henn, Layne
Sent: Wednesday, February 04, 2009 3:36 PM
To: info-tech@aea8.k12.ia.us
Cc: nwaeat...@nwaea.k12.ia.us
Subject: [info-tech] p!mp my cla$$room
I want to start a discussion. Something to think about before you
go home tonight J
If we started a reality show called *~P!mp my Cla$$room~* and you
folks were the ones decking it out….
What would you put in it???
Here’s mine –
2- 52” flatscreens (1080i) 1 with smart overlay
Document Camera – Pick your brand..
Netbooks for every student with SmartSync software
Audio Enhancement system
Flip HD camera’s for video podcasting lessons and classroom
activities.
Wireless (obviously)
n Let’s not forget the Ongoing Professional Development and
personal lesson design consultant ++
Should I think bigger?
Layne A. Henn
712.224.7423
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