How to Teach Kids About Hardware and Software Handouts

Hardware and
Software
Essentials

Members of the Education Globe Tech Team share their must-have tech tools for educators. What’s on your listing?

Four years ago, we asked members of the Education Globe Tech Team to tell us nearly the hardware and software they considered essential to their teaching and/or professional lives outside the classroom. The responses were published in the article Learn to Accessorize: Hardware and Software Essentials. Recently, we wondered how many of the technology tools our experts identified in 2003 were essential in todays classrooms, and how many new tools our experts had added to the list. So once once more, we asked our Tech Team: What hardware and/or software practice you consider essential -- or invaluable -- for todays educator? This is what they said:

Apple tree WORKS!

Weve all seen pregnant changes over the past four years, fifty-fifty in the rural corners of Northern California," Wally Fuller told us, but Im staying with the Macintosh platform; Apples commitment to innovation and didactics support is peerless. Since the majority of what I practice is classroom oriented, Ill stay with what I know from experience.

Hardware and Accessories for the classroom instructor
Apple laptop computer with built-in photographic camera and wireless connectivity (portability); SuperDrive (CD/DVD playing and recording); digital camera (publishing); thumb bulldoze (quick storage and information transfer); printer (hard copies); projector (presentation).

Essential or Invaluable Software
Apples pre-installed software package provides the essentials for any classroom teacher (iLife and iWork). Beyond that I would add together a grading program and mind mapping software (Inspiration)."

As I reread the Tech Squad article from October 2003, I was interested to notation the tech tools that have go classic, everyday tools for many of u.s., also equally the ones that take been replaced past newer, more powerful technologies," added Mary Kreul.

One tool that nosotros still use quite frequently in the classroom is a ane GB flash drive. We take a large depository financial institution of not-networked iMacs in our room, and then students use the flash drive to movement files between computers and to the computers that are connected to printers. Files also can be saved and and so copied to the schoolhouse server, so students can practice their piece of work on the networked computers in the PC estimator lab. That procedure, although time consuming, works well when keypal messages have to be eastward-mailed from the teacher's ePals account, when students are contributing individual slides to a class PowerPoint presentation, and for backing up pupil work in consignment specific files.

I employ my iPod shuffle to download podcasts to listen to while working or taking walks. Through podcasts downloaded from iTunes, I was able to most attend several sessions of final summer'due south NECC (National Educational Computing Conference) in Atlanta without leaving home.

We lookout man educational DVDs through our classroom computer, and so a large screen monitor or other projection organization is a necessity. However, our school still has VHS tapes that coordinate with the curriculum, so a dual arrangement for playing DVDs and VHS tapes is needed.

In the by, Ive purchased versions of AppleWorks or Role for basic word processing and other professional and personal needs. Although those two software packages are still on my computer, I frequently use NeoOffice, which is a free, open source version of Open Function. The price is right and the software looks and acts much like traditional software packages.

Digital cameras -- both still and video -- all the same are a must for personal and educational use. Today, digital cameras are packed with memory and take go much easier to use. Photoshop Elements is an inexpensive photo editing tool, but many computers and Web sites now come with free editing tools, such as iPhoto on Macs, or Google's Picasa.

Print Shop by Software MacKiev is still my top choice for creating cards, signs, and banners, but now you and your students also can make newsletters, labels, booklets, business cards, gift tags, name tags, calendars, online greetings, and more than.

Personally, I couldn't live without my iBook laptop. I networked my home calculator arrangement with a router and an Airport card, and so I tin can use the laptop in whatsoever room or in the chiliad. If I can practice that, anyone tin! I as well tin take the laptop to conferences, on trips, and to school -- and I can spring on complimentary networks anywhere theyre offered. It yet amazes me that you can be connected nigh anywhere yous have a laptop -- but due to that ability, people need to make choices as to when, where, and how frequently they desire to be connected -- and when information technology'south better to exist disconnected!"

OFFICE STAPLES

Julia Timmons list of essentials has grown through the years. My essentials," she told u.s.a., now include:

Software

• Office Professional -- Yes I utilise Access a lot and I need the full features of other programs. I prefer XP.
• Expert photo software -- Ive been using Microsoft Digital Photograph Suite, but I understand theyre no longer making it.
• "Photostory ii -- comes with service pack 2.
• Inspiration
• Smart Notebook
• a United Streaming subscription -- BIG with educators now.

Hardware

• Flat Screen monitor -- it doesn't accept to be huge!
• Good quality printer -- preferably a light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation black and colour photo. HP is my brand all the way. I don't like the combo printers.
• CD/DVD RW drive(s)
• Plenty of USB ports -- well-nigh 10!!
• Scanner -- not essential, just I actually really like having information technology to apply for scanning all kinds of documents to operate in a paperless globe in the classroom, and to scan in pics/slides in the personal world. I similar Epson brand
• Digital camera of skilful quality -- Catechism is my favorite make; I love the S3IS.
• External storage -- an external hard drive to back up data (essential with all we are saving digitally these days). That has saved me several times from loosing valuable and irreplaceable stuff.
• Portable storage -- USB flash drive, 2 GB minimum.
• Palm or other handheld device to keep schedules, dates, reminders, and store pictures and music. I went the "depression stop" price route and apply a Tungsten Palm from piece of work. I would purchase my own if I didn't take that one.
• Smart board or Smart Airliner, with projection unit for classroom apply. In our school, we connect them to our TV organization and a VCR and have everything through one estimator.
• CPS (classroom functioning organisation) as well for classroom use. If I were in the classroom full time I would employ it daily to monitor understanding and progress on goals I was responsible for achieving that day/week. I would run into information technology every bit essential!"

Detect Information technology ONLINE

For Cossondra George, laptops for teacher and students, a projector, speakers and an iPod dock, bound drives, servers, dependable wireless access, and digital cameras all seem bones -- disquisitional -- to me. Tablet laptops for students with wireless projection systems would be wonderful.

I dont see the need for much in the way of specific software. With online tools readily available for wikis, blogs, certificate sharing, and and then on, if students have computers with Net access, those programs are there already. Essential types of software for educators, all the same, include online grading programs with parent access, the capability to download and use videos, podcasts, and so on with your grade. (Some schools are blocking YouTube, iTunes and so on at school, so teachers must have access elsewhere.), and podcasting equipment -- video/audio -- software that allows the teacher to monitor private students and allows instructor and students to interact with one another."

Dorsum TO BASICS

Id say that a laptop is a must in a classroom," Fred Holmes said. Along with that, some way to show data to the entire class, be it a Smart board or a projector. The teacher can use the laptop to do presentations to the students and even for parents; they can take it to meetings or on field trips for pupil based enquiry. Palms or some type of hand-held computer can be used by students for field research. I know that iPods are making an inroad in schools, but they must be used with circumspection. While you call up a pupil is listening to a lecture, or an oral reading, they could be listening to music. Teacher supervision is a must!

As for software, the biggest business organization is that the computer must have some type of good anti-virus protection -- viruses are becoming worse and worse. A good security system, such as a firewall, besides is a must."

Invaluable and approaching essential -- a laptop," seconded Patrick Greene. After all, it is easy to predict that American Grand-12 educational activity is going to be an all laptop affair, and soon."

The most important software tool that teachers should have, and go adept in using," Bernie Poole told Education World, is Microsoft Office 2007. The reason I say that is because Microsoft Office, in full general, incorporates essential tools for didactics and learning. Microsoft Office 2007, in particular -- too being a very nice user interface, which makes the functions of the software more readily available -- has added a considerably larger gear up of drawing and diagramming tools that are excellent for both teachers and students when brainstorming or in the preparation of visual learning materials."

In that location are two items I would consider essential for educators today," said Vicky Romano. The first is a webcam -- not only to allow students to visit with other students across the globe, only also to allow teachers to collaborate with colleagues all over the globe. Teaching can be a very isolating feel, simply working with others to create lessons and share information professionally is greatly enhanced by face-to-face interaction/conversations. A webcam allows for access to professionals with like interests. That interaction might not happen without contiguous voice and image access. The interactive video software is getting meliorate with faster Internet connections and thats a more than reliable medium.

The other essential item is nonetheless Internet access. With faster, more than reliable connections, teachers have access to such instructional resources as art museums, zoos, and a plethora of sites that but were not bachelor before. Bringing resources to the classroom at present is essential, as funding for out-of-school trips and other enriching experiences is cut due to upkeep restrictions.

A flash drive is soooo important," adds Jennifer Wagner. Plus, every educator needs to belong to an online customs. Whether it be twitter, Ning, a message group, bulletin board.you need to be continued with your peers online. And finally, Google Docs -- a must for collaboration!!!

EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS

My commune isn't into buying every new thing that comes along, said Linda George, who teaches applied science in grades K- 5. But I can tell you that I call back the following are very important to my everyday lessons:

Software

• Kidspiration, Inspiration: We use those all the fourth dimension. Theyre dandy brainstorming tools equally well equally nice means to organize facts, present knowledge. Theyre very popular with the kids because the applications are and so versatile.
• Kid Pix, Tux Paint: I dearest Kid Pix. We create, record voices, brand slideshows. Tux Paint is a nice complimentary application that the kids can download at abode and information technology's a change from Kid Pix here at schoolhouse as information technology has different features.
• Open Office or Microsoft Office: Word for give-and-take processing, Excel for spreadsheets, PowerPoint for certificates, slideshows, outlines.Nosotros learn formatting, how to become toolbars, how to "dress up" a paper or a presentation.
• Type to Larn: For tertiary grade, I teach keyboarding the first three weeks of school, every day for 45 minutes. Then, every week, the kids review for 15 minutes before our regular lesson. By the cease of 3rd grade, they are impact-typing with keyboard covers (no peeking!) quite well.
• Google World, along with ePals, allow our students to experience their world, learn about different cultures, and run into for themselves the vast differences and similarities nosotros have with people everywhere.
• Google Sketchup: My kids love that free application. Information technology has dandy tutorials and is piece of cake enough for even young kids to feel successful.
• Scratch is pop because it has easy to follow tutorials, is gratuitous, and is FUN! Swell early programming app.
• Jotter Studio: I use information technology for students to write letters. We sometimes send get-well letters to absent classmates or staff members. It allows the kids to choose which template they want, so information technology can be customized easily. I too utilize it to print sheets for students who need to retrieve how to log on to the estimator, as information technology can exist used to practice handwriting and letters.
• Prototype Blender is nice considering it allows students to edit and take fun with digital photos. They tin put a cool frame around their photos, or curl the edges, or draw on it. It's a bully application to resize photos. It also comes with a nice education booklet with good ideas to get the kids started.

Hardware

• digital photographic camera with video capabilities
• iPod with a recorder
• lcd projector(s)
• a decent screen to project on

Personnel
This is the get-go year I dont have an banana in my lab, and every day I realize how valuable she was to me and to the work I do with kids. So, it's dainty to accept good software and good hardware, but a skilful helper is worth her weight in gold!"

Who Are They?

The Didactics World Tech Squad includes more than 30 dedicated and knowledgeable educational-engineering science professionals who have volunteered to contribute to occasional articles that draw on their varied expertise and feel. The post-obit Tech Squad members contributed to this article:

* Wally Fuller, technology teacher, Upper Lake Heart School, Upper Lake, California
* Cossondra George, middle-level math and social studies teacher, Newberry Middle Schoolhouse, Newberry, Michigan
* Linda George, technology integration specialist, Dondero School, Portsmouth, New Hampshire
* Patrick J Greene, PhD, Florida Gulf Declension University, Educational Engineering Department
* Fred Holmes, high school LanManager/Webmaster, Osceola Public Schools, Osceola, Nebraska
* Mary Kreul, fourth grade teacher, Richards Simple Schoolhouse, Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin
* Bernard John Poole, Acquaintance Professor of Education and Instructional Technology, University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown (Pennsylvania)
* Vicky Romano, Knox College, Galesburg, Illinois
* Julia Timmons, instructional engineering science specialist, Lynchburg City Schools, Lynchburg, Virginia
* Jennifer Wagner, engineering science educator and integration specialist, Technospud

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Copyright © 2007 Education Globe

12/07/2007

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