In ascending order of cost, here is a list of technology “must have” tools for most teachers:
1) USB flash drive(s) - from 128-256MB to 1-8GB... Most teachers will only need about 1-2 GB for file transfers at the most, but these are harder to find lately. On sale, a 4GB flash drive can be $10-20 or less... And get a couple—one for things around the classroom and one you carry with you to home, school, conferences, etc. [Why do I even mention the SMALL flash drives (less than 1GB)? I use them often to quickly attach to keyboard USB ports rather than the awkward or hard to reach USB ports in some desktop computers. The larger, 1-4+GB, drives usually require direct connection to a computer/laptop for power.]
2) Digital Voice Recorder w/ USB connection, ideally (~$30-$200+) – Sample uses: for notes or reminders to yourself during the day (these are small enough to carry with you), record student presentations so they can hear how they did without the distraction of seeing themselves with video images (or use in conjunction), foreign language teachers/students can record their voice (assessments) or authentic speakers for examples, record guest speakers or field trip experts (with permission, of course), record instructions and put on a website or CD for students; and/or recording a meeting for more accurate minutes or a professional development session to review ideas over and over (again, with permission, of course).
Meeting most teachers’ needs, a digital recorder can hold from 50 to over 500 hours of conversations, reminders, or even more. But look for one that has “folders” so you can easily organize your recordings beyond the time/date stamp. Each recording becomes a separate file, so they are easily transferred to your computer or a CD for backup or storage and they can be easily deleted to free up more memory. Perhaps most importantly, check that it records in a format your computer can play — Mac (.mp3 or .wav, with a converter); PC/Win (.wav) In my opinion, this is an incredibly underutilized tool that could assist most teachers (and principals, too) in some way or another.
3) Digital Camera – aka “point-n-shoot” (one that does pictures and video) - Flip video cameras are all the rage around holiday time, but they are limited in what you can do for pictures and video... But they’re GREAT for quick video clips, if that’s all you need. For more versatility, find a camera that does decent pictures (at least 6 megapixels... Most point-n-shoots are up to 12 or 14 mpixels now) and at least 720 (partial HD) video. And, yes, you could use your smart phone for pictures and video, but again, like the Flip cameras and clones, you’re limited on zoom, flash power, and features like macro (close up focusing).
Cost: from $60 (on sale) - $120 for a decent starter, but can go up to $200-300+, but most don’t need all those megapixels and/or features. If anything, remember this FACT: when it comes to megapixels, MORE is NOT better! ENOUGH is BEST! Many decent cameras are available now for around $100... Which is a pair of shoes for some of us! :-)
(NOTE: If you’re only using pictures for computer projects or web site posting, etc., a 1-3 megapixel image is more than fine; if you’ll be printing 4x6s or 8x10s, then go to 5-8 megapixel camera/images; but if you’ll be printing 20x30 wall hangings/pictures or doing detailed editing and adjusting in Photoshop, then YES, you’ll need the 12-14+ megapixel camera! And, if you plan on taking a picture for a billboard (yes, those big things along highways), skip the point-n-shoot cameras and go get a DSLR with at least 15 megapixels.)
Be sure to also get at least a 2MB memory card with your camera purchase! Most cameras do not come with one. Nor do most come with a case anymore, so seek one of those out, too, if one is not included (check the camera box; some have a “baggie,” but not case). One at from a grocery store for $7-12 will do just fine... No need for paying much more than that.
4) iPod Touch - ($200-$399) - This versatile device, right out of the box, can now... Connect to your email account(s), take video with simple editing tools, store/organize music, ebooks, pictures, movies, TV shows, voice memos, video chat, and even make phone calls (but that requires a separate app!). So, basically ignore #1, 2, and 3, if you can get an iPod Touch! This doesn’t even include the hundreds of thousands of apps you can find to use on the Apple App Store (through iTunes). There are thousands of education-friendly or productivity apps that can help teachers and/or students. All you need is time to explore or let your students find some!
5) Projector – (about $400-700; careful with cheaper versions... See here for the Discovery example - http://bit.ly/hvezYC ) Connect your computer (desktop or laptop) to the projector to SHOW your students what you are learning about... Not just talk about it. Add speakers and also let them HEAR it, too! Historical speeches or events, scientific processes or animations of things we can’t see, but have evidence for, math problems worked out while talking through the process (play a recording/video) as you work with students individually. Add some video or images you or the students took with your digital camera (see #2 above), and you have even more to show/use on your projector. Plus, a DVD or VCR can also be attached to the projector to show those videos larger and more effectively than a 28-36 inch TV screen with glare!
Misconception – you DON’T need an interactive white board to use a projector in your classroom... Just a screen or white wall (or a strip or two of white bulletin board paper works just fine!) Lastly, look for sales in your weekly office (Office Depot, Staples, OfficeMax, etc.) or electronics (Best Buy, even Target) store flyers for many of these items or check out online stores/sites such as Amazon, Circuit City, or CompUSA (yes, these two live primarily/only on the internet, respectively).
Teachers: leave comments below on some of your favorite tools from the above list or add more of your own!
