Summary 3

WEEK3Chapter_03DIGITALTOOLSINCLASSROOM.ppt

Digital Tools in Today’s Classroom

Chapter 3

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Reflecting on What I Know

Why is it important to learn about different technology tools when they are constantly changing?
Most desktop computers do the same things as mobile devices, so why do teachers need to use them?
How can the cost of digital devices be justified when the functions they perform are often limited in number and scope.

Using Digital Tools in the Classroom
Four Digital Tool Categories

Computers

Computer Pros and Cons

Digital Tool	Pros	Cons
Desktop Components	Easily replace or upgrade individual components by school personnel Monitors are often large enough for easy group sharing	Desk workspace reduced Heavy Immobile
All-in-one Desktop	Compact size provides additional space for individual or group work. Drives (e.g., USB, CD, DVD) may be more accessible if CPU is not stored on desktop.	Higher cost Entire unit must go for repairs Immobile
Laptop	Portable – can be used in multiple locations Compact size Many schools keep extra laptops for use when others are sent for repair	Access to power outlets Easily damaged from dropping Short battery life Smaller screen limits usability for small-group learning

Mobile Devices

Mobile Devise Pros

Digital Tool	Pros
Digital Media Players/Recorders	Portable for field use Review at home Stores more data than a tape Less moving parts than a tape recorder Digital format produces higher quality recordings that are easy to edit Files easily transfer to other digital devices Files can be copied indefinitely without degradation
Digital Cameras	Inexpensive all-in-one models Easy to use Instant viewing of images Digital editing and deletion of unwanted photos Large storage capacity
E-books	Stores multiple books that can easily be exchanged or deleted Enables digital manipulation of contents, e.g., searching, highlighting, bookmarking, audible reading, increasing font size Enables digital enhancements, e.g., links to video or related information
GPS Navigation Receivers	Provides a variety of real-time information Small portable size
Personal Data Assistants	Low cost as compared to laptops Light weight – easy to carry Multifunction Uses less power than a laptop

Mobile Devise Cons

Mobile Devise	Cons
Digital Media Players/Recorders	Higher cost than some tape recorders Video display models more costly Typically replaced rather than repaired. Theft
Digital Cameras	May break when dropped Theft
E-books	Initial cost Devices become outdated Lacks esthetic feel of a book Management software for tracking e-book downloads and returns Management plan for scheduling downloads of student reading materials Security system to keep students from downloading unassigned books or sharing school-purchased books
GPS Navigation Receivers	Cost for frequency of use Speed and location accuracy varies by type of device Small screen reduces readability Some are difficult to read in sunlight
Graphing Calculators	Can be used to play distracting games
Personal Data Assistants	Some applications will not run Small screen and keypad make completion of student work difficult – although use of a keyboard with the PDA is helpful.
Personal Response Systems	Mixed research results on effectiveness Small and easy to lose

Peripherals

Peripherals Pros

Digital Tool	Pros
Projectors	Large display Easy to see Mobile or mounted option
Interactive Whiteboards	Interacts with computer Stores annotations in computer Places teacher or presenter in front of students
Printers	Inkjet inexpensive Laser excellent quality prints
Scanners	Inexpensive Easy to use
Science Probes	Inexpensive Portable Connect to desktop, laptop, PDA
WebCams	Inexpensive models available Broadcasts live video

Peripherals Cons

Digital Tool	Cons
Projectors	Replacement bulbs are expensive Cost is higher for high ambient light room
Interactive Whiteboards	Often too small for large classroom Resolution depends on projector and may not be suitable for detailed displays The low height of floor models makes it difficult for some students to see the entire whiteboard.
Printers	Refreshing laser printers is costly Need special supplies for printing labels, photos, etc.
Scanners	Require driver installation
Science Probes	Delicate
Webcams	Typically require a driver installation

Data Storage Devices

Digital Storage Pros and Cons

Digital Tool	Pros	Cons
External Hard Drive	Small Large capacity storage Easy to use	Susceptible to damage from multiple sources Can spread viruses
Flash Drives	Small Easy to use	Easy to lose Susceptible to damage from multiple sources
Storage Cards	Small Fits directly in device	Need an adapter to transfer data to computer

Closing Thoughts

Describe a management plan that you can implement to help prevent the loss of your digital files and your student’s data from portable drives.
Select a peripheral or mobile device and generate a list of ways you could integrate the technology into a lesson by using the technology as a tool.