The 21st Century is not an option.
So, let Independent Thinking and leading technology evangelist Russell Prue be your guide as you consider how technology can transform teaching and learning in your school.
To start you off, here are Russell’s top 10 Techno-Gadgets and Techno-Software that will turn your teaching on its head.
One - Motorola RIZR Z10
First phone to have sophisticated video editing software built in, editing, titles and effects and also your finished video can then be directly uploaded to youtube.com for the world to see. Even more good reasons to get creative with kids and stop banning mobile phones at school.
Available soon – www.expansys.com
Two - Hitachi ED A110
World’s first table top short throw projector can also be used fixed to a wall directly above a whiteboard. The preferred method of use is to stand the projector on a white table and use an e-beam micro pen linked to a laptop or PC and use the flat horizontal surface as an interactive collaborative space for small groups.
Available from www.rm.com
Three - Asus EeePC 701
Brilliant mini laptop running on Linux and a version of Open Office, it has wi-fi, webcam and a 3 hour battery life. There are lots more great value software packages available for this platform so you won’t be stuck and for only £189 - £250 it isn’t going to break the bank either.
Available from www.expansys.com
Four - cre8txt keyboard for reluctant writers and persistent SMS texters
The software included translates SMS slang into 'Teacher English' and with evaluations and emerging evidence that it also improves spelling and writing skills this has to be a must for all curriculum leaders at only £42.54. The keyboard plugs directly into the usb port on a computer. More than one keyboard can be used at a time, great for shared or team writing exercises.
There is a free trial available for 14 days for education establishments from www.cre8txt.com
Five - SecondLife – interactive virtual learning environment
Currently not on the Becta approved list for VLEs, but still worth a closer look! FREE to explore, interact and learn with, you engage with other residents through your Avatar that you create the first time you visit. There is also a teen world for under 18s and security protection based on username and location.
www.secondlife.com
Six - Bluesender
Send messages, resources and other classroom stuff to the kids via Bluetooth® directly to their phones. Great software with built in security, very important when they try and send messages back that you don’t want. The FREE 30 day full version trial should allow you to see the benefits of this kind of communication activity. You will need a compatible USB Bluetooth® transceiver, I spent £11.99 on mine.
From www.dabs.com and the www.bluesender.com website has a complete list of compatible devices.
Seven - Assessment and Student survey tools
OnePoint Surveys have been providing major blue-chip companies with comprehensive customer surveys for some time. It’s a great way of getting opinions and assessing understanding, the web based software is easy to use and understand and can easily be shared around the school for several faculties to use at the same time. Tailored questions and differentiated follow-up questions can be created to support individual students without prior knowledge of their mobile phone number. Assessments or surveys can be started just by texting a trigger word to a FREE short code number. The school or establishment pays for texts as they are included in the subscription price.
www.onepointsurveys.com
Eight - Nintendo Wii
For all manner of uses at only £180 it gets learners up and moving around. Use in PE, sports, science and every subject learning space that needs an energy boost. Available from all good leading high street stores and some education equipment resellers. Look out this year for the movement mat that Nintendo are bringing out for the Wii. It will detect movement based on your centre of gravity and promises to revolutionise gaming experience.
www.wii.com
Nine - Nintendo DS Lite
Even if just used for learning brain lesson openers, this personal device is worth its weight in good behaviour slips. At around £100, it can inspire and motivate the uninspired; but it’s addictive so watch out! The jury is still out on the matter of conclusive evidence for brain development but top movers and shakers agree that this device is certainly having some benefit for the young and particularly the old. High street store Game is as good a place as any to buy.
www.game.co.uk/ds
Ten - iPod dock for your classroom
To play music and improve learning outcomes, get a decent portable music device. This Bose Sounddock II Portable is better than Bose’s original dock, for a start this one comes with a line-in connection for non-Apple players. Oh and it sounds fantastic, with the power to reach the back of the classroom, you won’t be disappointed and neither should you be for £280.
Available at all good electrical retail outlets.
We hope this helps get you started. For more information - or to explore how Russell can work with your students, teachers and parents to help you integrate the latest technology into your teaching and learning - please e-mail us on learn@independentthinking.co.uk.
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