Technology is all-pervasive in our lives. Outside the classroom, junior students are using communications devices and technological tools that increase in number, variety, and sophistication with each passing year. As a consequence, students are bombarded with information. As educators, we have a responsibility to help students develop the skills they need to critically assess and filter the information they are receiving.  By providing exposure to, and guided practice with, a broad range of text forms, media, and symbol systems, teachers can prepare students to be successful members of an increasingly interconnected world. Equipped with a solid understanding of the purposes and forms of communication methods, they will be better able to use technology confidently and appropriately in the classroom and beyond.

These are the following list of technologies I would desire to use in my classroom.

Portable Data / Video Projector

Communication is a key learning skill and a data projector allows a teacher or student a whole new dimension in how they share ideas, information, charts, images, animations, audio or video. Learning is much more powerful if it offers support for a variety of intelligences such as visual-spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal, intrapersonal, linguistic, and logical-mathematical - a projector can help to achieve this variety in a classroom. Data projectors can also be partnered with an interactive whiteboard to offer additional teaching strategies. A good data projector can show a large clear image that is visible from all parts of the classroom

How it would be used:

• sharing or displaying of educational resources
• students presenting their work to a class
• as part of an interactive white board setup
• group participation in video conferencing, online or on screen tasks
• showing the words to the National Anthem, school songs
• demonstrating new software
• viewing image intensive web sites suitable for class discussion
• magnify image from a digital microscope
• projecting live video of experiments, students receiving award at assemblies- connecting to a smart board
• presentation of student work on parent nights
• display of interactive tours of world architecture with students
• students will be able to show their films and animations full screen

Digital cameras

There are a huge range of uses of digital cameras in the classroom and in the education community. Whether used to enhance learning, provide motivation or as a convenient tool - digital cameras can empower both students and teachers. The freedom to experiment with photos encourages a willingness to learn. Visual literacy - the ability to understand and produce visual messages - can be improved. However for maximum potential the teacher must allow creativity and variety in how students take photos - images can be technical, evoke feelings, be abstract or be taken from many different perspectives.

How it would be used:

• Enhancing lesson worksheets, teacher overheads, test items, food preparation notes, science reports, etc.
• assisting language teaching (e.g. vocabulary) - suitable for LOTE, ESL, NESB and other programs
• providing relevant lesson material to hearing impaired students
• providing relevant lesson material to hearing impaired students
• taking photos or recording information on excursions or field trips
• assisting students in special education and autistic applications
• providing close up, macro or micro views of objects, plants or animals
• enhancing slideshows or presentations
• analyzing physical education activities
• provide relief (substitute) teacher with a seating plan that includes a photo of each student
• fun class activities (e.g. guess the student from a 'Dark Angel style' eyes only photo)
• providing images for use as computer desktop, background or wallpaper
• opportunities for students to develop a photography career (e.g. photojournalism, still life, fashion)

Video conferencing

Communication is a key learning skill. Students using video conferencing gain opportunities for higher level thinking via live face to face interaction with peers, tutors or experts from around the world. It can allow face to face teaching and learning at school, home or other locations. It reduces the disadvantage of distance for learning and offers greater flexibility for arranging a common time. It allows additional educational services for rural and remote students. Video conferencing allows meetings without the time, cost and organization involved with travel. The interactive voice and image provides a great way of establishing or maintaining relationships.

How it would be used:

• collaboration between teachers or students
• sharing of educational resources
• develop real time (immediate) communication skills
• mentoring of individual students
• direct teacher interaction for isolated students
• talking to international experts
• sharing experiences with students from different cultures
• enhancing travel buddy projects
• discovering alternative views about the news
• conducting interviews
• learning about remote environments
• enhancing distance learning

Visual Literacy

Students today live in a multimedia world and appreciate variety in their learning environment. Some forms of literacy they can develop include textual, numerical, visual, audio and multimedia. Visual Literacy can be defined as the ability to understand and produce visual messages. Both teachers and students can benefit by developing their abilities to create, use and evaluate visual resources.

How it would be used:

·         visual skills can be learned

·         students can create their own visual messages

·         students learn digital literacies (e.g. computer, visual, audio, print reading, information, multi-media)

·         students learn how to recognize and respond to visual and print messages of humour; irony and metaphor

·         students distinguish between factual and fictional visual representations.

Wireless Networking

Wireless notebook computers can transform teaching. It is easier to use wireless notebook computers and they are less intrusive in a classroom! Students using wireless notebooks show much greater integration of the technology within lessons than desktop computers - even when desktops are arranged in collaborative clusters. Wireless networks provide great freedom for the users - offering anytime, anywhere learning. It allows students greater movement, permits easy showing of work to fellow students and offers greater opportunity for collaboration. Students can use wireless notebooks wherever they are learning! Wireless networks provide constant access to critical information (e.g. for teachers to access student assessment records). A combination of notebook computers and wireless networking provides great flexibility for different class sizes and multi mode teaching spaces.  Wireless networks allow smaller more mobile devices that save space in the classroom and allow better teacher vision. Another advantage is that wireless notebooks require less change by the teacher to classroom routine.

How it would be used:

• to boost productivity (the computer is at hand - ready for use)
• to provide technology access for students with disabilities
• to support dynamic class sizes or flexible teaching spaces
• to improve sharing or utilization of computers (mobile location)
• to support the use of notebooks in all parts of the curriculum
• to support sports training or athletics competitions
• to allow rapid deployment of extra networking for special events (e.g. open days, parent evenings, drama performances)
• to offer flexibility within science laboratories, art, D & T or other unique learning environments
• to provide roaming network access for notebook computers

 USB Flash drives

It is useful for both teachers and students.  USB flash drives are ideal for transferring files of any format from laptop, desktop or network computers and much easier to carry around than lots of floppy disks or a CD.

How it would be used:

• Ideal if using computers without floppy drives
• A convenient storage place for daily lesson content, presentations.
• An alternative way of providing relevant lesson material to students
• Allow easy transfer between different computing platforms
• Able to store school work, MP3 music, videos and pictures
• Convenient for taking files between library, classroom, home, work, family or friends
• Ideal for dynamic data or quantities of data that do not make full use of CD RW

 Digital video

Students today live in a multimedia world and appreciate variety in their learning environment. They take audio visual information and the Internet for granted! When learning they find a mixture of text, still images, sound and video is more interesting than 'chalk and talk'. They gain opportunities for higher level thinking when producing their own digital video clips. Now that it is easier to produce digital media there are huge opportunities for learning within a school and for global collaboration between students and teachers via the Internet. Even small video clips can be very powerful.

Teachers have found even short digital video segments very useful in customized e-learning. Students find video motivational and enjoy greater control over their own learning (it is easy to start, stop or replay video segments). With greater bandwidth a quality store of validated digital educational resources can provide teachers and students with significant additional learning resources. This is helpful for teachers concerned about the work necessary to provide students with more customized learning.

How it would be used:

• to create learning resource video clips (for use by students)
• to prepare educational segments on safety issues (e.g. on roads, in playground, at home)
• to assist in a variety of ways with the learning of other languages
• to the preparation of mini documentaries, interviews or news reports
• to record students role playing difficult social situations
• to record school performances, excursions, special events, field trips, visits by specialists, etc.
• to collect video of authentic workplace situations that can be analyzed in math classes
• to use frame by frame analysis techniques to accurately record rapid change in experiments or sport
• to compile still images over a long period to produce time lapse movies
• to use frame grabbing software to record and analyze critical events
• to increase student awareness of manipulative techniques used in advertising
• to develop greater critical literacy skills by comparing television or movie segments with own creations
• to view difficult, dangerous or expensive experiments or activities (recorded with specialists)
• to assist in the introduction of disabled students into mainstream classes
• to show skills that are quicker to learn by observation
• to record and analyze student or teacher presentations.

 DVD Player

Video in the classroom has become an essential teaching resource. Beginning with the VCR to current technologies providing teachers with a variety of video sources, the incorporation of video presentations as part of course content permeates the modern classroom.

DVD video will revolutionize teachers' access to and ability to utilize video resources for teaching. It's a revolutionary change because the digital format gives the user a degree of access and control over video presentation content never before possible. DVD technology builds on the laserdisc concept of instant accessibility to video segments by use of frames and adds some cool options that enhance lessons and help students become active learners. Students are more likely to be active learners if engaged in their work and using DVDs.

Because a basic DVD is so easy to use, teachers often assign students projects using them. By providing the topic, the disc, and a player, the teacher can encourage students to expand their range of options as they plan, produce, and present material related to their learning.

How it would be used:

• for instant search for any video segment
• for high-quality video playback
• for multiple languages and a subtitle feature
• for durable physical characteristics

Over head projector

Despite the increasing use of computer technology in the classroom, the mainstay of Com/Media's classroom service is still the overhead projector. The overhead may not be terribly high-tech, and it may not be particularly glamorous, but it cannot be surpassed for ease of use, versatility and low cost.  Many of the classrooms have overhead projectors in them on a seemingly permanent basis.

How it would be used:

• Writing notes on as we go along the lesson in the class
• Prepared transparencies can be made in photocopiers, some laser printers and ink jet printers.  
• Use of colour for emphasis or to distinguish different sections of information Colour printers and photocopiers make this easy.
• Overhead projectors are bright enough that we don't need a really dark room. Keeping the lights partly up while using the overhead allows sufficient light for students to take notes.
• Prepared transparencies can serve as an outline for the lessons
• Numerical data is more easily interpreted and understood in a chart or graphical form.

Audio Cassette Recorder

Educators have available a wide array of commercial audio materials for in-class instruction. These materials effectively contribute to the development of listening and interpretation skills when carefully integrated into learning activities.  The development of oral and aural communication skills can be further enhanced when children actually work with the medium itself. Audio enriches a student's ability to personally communicate his/her emotions and ideas through the use of language, music, and sound. Unlike when working with video or computer technology, a child needs only the simplest cassette tape recorder to start exploring sound.

How it would be used:

There are many activities which media specialists, teachers, and parents can do with children to help them learn about sound; how to become more effective listeners; and how to use their imaginations in creating their own personal messages.

Computers

The explosion in information technology is reshaping the way the world is doing business, pleasure pursuits and gaining education. We are at new cross roads in the history of the Industrial Age; we are at the beginning of the Information Age. The creation of wealth in these days is dependent on a new way of doing business. It depends on the processing of information to gain the maximum leverage over competition by obtaining the best information out of data and by being the most adapt at gaining efficiency and high quality products and services through the utilization of computer technology.

In the field of education the use of computers brings a two edge advantage. The first will be throughout the exposure of the future working generations to the latest in technology. They become familiar with the technology and are not afraid to experiment and learn what is new. The second edge will be through the actual use of the computers in the learning process.

How it would be used:

 Electronic white board

Students respond very well to the board, it accommodates many learning styles, it can be adapted to many age groups, it can accommodate students with limited motor skills, and it’s interactive.  The use of colours attracts students’ attention to the board and the presentation.  A colourful presentation brings in the visual learners and helps others see the information in a new way.  Different learning styles are accommodated as the board is a tool that you can see, touch, and sometimes hear.  Several senses are involved in the lesson.  Students’ age does not limit the whiteboard.  From young children to adults, it is a very user-friendly tool that all can use.  Students that have special needs can become engaged with the board.  Limited mobility, LD, and other special situations can have an impact on how kids work with the material.  Kids can brainstorm and input information at the board or at the keyboard.

Teachers reported that the board was easy to use, kept the class together and focused, and made lessons clear and dynamic.  In addition, the board lessons helped absent student catch up, lessons became more highly motivating, lessons were more organized, and behavioural issues were diminished while the board was in use.  The advantages gained from the use of the board are wonderful.  The potential to share the lessons with other outside of the classroom is a powerful concept.  As teachers create, save, post, and share lessons a library of knowledge can be created to tap into by peers and students for further use.

How it would be used:

·         It works very well with other peripherals and across subject matter

·         Science: can use a document/microscope camera, photo, or graphic and label scientific terms over the image.

·         English: can display writing that needs to be edited and group of students can brainstorm and edit material on the board then save it for future use.

·         ESL and second language: can get students actively involved in vocabulary, sentence structures, and cultural norms of the target language.

·         History:  can display maps, pictures, and videos of places from across time and space to engage students’ attention.

·         The potential for all subjects are great and the uses of the board in the classroom are infinite.

Video Camera

The reasons for embracing video and all it can offer curriculum are many.  The cost of digital cameras for still images and digital video cameras (DVC) has dropped, making them more affordable for classroom use.  The wide range of choices and options provide easier access to digital still and video cameras that will fit curricular needs.  Another primary reason for using digital video in the classroom is the wide range of possibilities for video production in the classroom.

How it would be used:

·         Electronic student portfolios for assessment and teacher portfolios for professional development

·         Tutorials for management options such as class rules and procedures

·         Student projects that benefit the school, such as An Introduction to Our School or a Book Talk for a Book Day

·         Begin a video scrapbook of the school year to send home

·         Video for online classes-self-contained web delivery

Software

Microsoft Word: provides powerful tools for creating and sharing professional word processing documents.

Microsoft Excel: can create detailed spreadsheets for viewing and collaboration. Create customized formulas for data and analyze it with the easy to construct charts.

Microsoft PowerPoint: provides a complete set of tools for creating powerful presentations. Organize and format material easily, illustrate points with own images or clip art, and even broadcast presentations over the web.

Microsoft Access: gives powerful new tools for managing databases. Share database with co-workers over a network, find and retrieve information quickly, and take advantage of automated, pre-packaged wizards and solutions to quickly create databases.

Microsoft Publisher: helps easily create, customize, and publish materials such as newsletters, brochures, flyers, catalogs, and Web sites. Publish easily on desktop printer.

Internet: Using the Internet to promote inquiry-based learning is an effective pedagogy for teaching students the process skills necessary to effectively use the World Wide Web. The other important benefit is the reinforcement of developing the essential adult skills of decision making and/or planning a course of action that are necessary to operate as a functional citizen. This inquiry-based process can be facilitated by the use of teacher-created Project Pages. As students can skills relative to inquiry-based research, teachers should require students to assume a more robust role in throughout the entire process. Such instruction directly encourages the development of an independent learner who is capable of processing and developing solutions to problems in an information-centered society.

Conclusion:

The use of computers, indeed the use of any form of technology, is a means, not an end to education. Teachers and students have a responsibility to use the tools at hand to enhance education.

I believe the educational goals when using technologies are:

·         To provide a variety of information to enhance the curriculum areas.

·         To help students work effectively with various forms of telecommunication tools

·         To prepare students to become critical thinkers and problem solvers.

·         To teach skills those are needed in the electronic and global society.