The sky's the limit: Kids' Top Tools for the Classroom

Children today are programmed in a fundamentally different to most adults who teach them how. All high school kids down grew up immersed in a world of technology. None has known a world without visual computing. Many never saw a day when broadband access to the Net was not delivered directly to one of the two or three computers at home. Other evidence available every day easier include DVD, several mobile phones and game consoles. However, a typical school reflects little or no technology. There is a huge disparity between the world in which students and their life in the field of formal education living classrooms. His students are crazy about technology. We also know that they would like to use it more in the classroom. So, earlier this spring, we asked teachers to ask their students some simple questions: "What technology is used outside of school would be good for the classroom why how that would work ???" This is what the students came up with. laptop This is an obvious choice, but one that needs to be observed. "I've often thought it would be great if we all had laptops and if heavy books, paper, folders and pencils were eliminated," one student suggested. "All we do all our work on computers anyway, and not that the way it will be in the workplace, too?" Another said: "Why book publishers put this stuff online Thus, it is easier to go out with new editions of texts, too?." Why not, indeed? (See Richard G. Baraniuk profile in "The Daring Dozen: 2007".) bluetooth This standard-Fi connectivity provides a way to exchange information between electronic devices such as mobile phones, laptops, PCs, printers, digital cameras and video game consoles over a secure short-range radio frequency. Install it on all your tech school so students can send information from cameras and cell phones in school computers. Example: If you have a photo on your cell phone that you like and could be used in a project, just send it via Bluetooth on the computer - so simple. (FYI: A personal computer must have a Bluetooth dongle in order to be able to communicate with other Bluetooth devices A dongle is a small hardware device that connects to a computer to authenticate a piece of software.). Some devices already contain an internal Bluetooth dongle, but most computers require the purchase of an external USB Bluetooth dongle, which starts at around $ 20. Back to top mobile phone It is an essential element to keep in touch - you do not have one teenager stuck his head most of the day? It is also a great device for the classroom. An example: A new interactive service called Mobile Prep allows students to create and flip through electronic flash cards that appear on your cell phone. Mobile Prep can also automatically generate questions based on the student's competence. Online, users can share and sell the covers they generate, and teachers can upload new covers they create. Other uses: Call a parent whose child has only been highlighted in class, or just use the notification feature of the phone to ring as a reminder to study for a test. digital camera Use to photograph what is written on the board (such as a list of vocabulary words or task) that may be too laborious to copy by hand. Back to top Graphing Calculator A student confesses that this suggestion "may be the nerd of all the answers," but we think she sells herself short. "My graphing calculator is so portable and easy to use that I find it fun to find new applications in the manufacturer's website, downloadable periodic table to explore my calculator, and create my own programs to solve kinematic equations of physics," he adds. "My calculator can manipulate data quickly and powerful applications are endless! "So even though my TI-84 may not be the flashy new gadget or the smartest tool in the box, I really think that students could use more." Since when is being smart not cool? Credit: Veer Nintendo DS We know what you're thinking: the ultimate time waster. Not true. The addictive handheld game console has various programs / games built with the brain. Brain Age - where you asked to do simple equations quickly or divide words into syllables, and various other learning games - it's really great. You can even connect multiple DSE and race other people who do the equations. "I would love to have it at school," a student says. Another set high on the list is Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney, an adventure graphic novel set at the beginning of the career of a young lawyer. You are involved in a number of criminal investigations, with the usual assortment of dead ends, false leads, and questionable characters. Great for critical thinking skills. video camera Paste the class, study later. Or, better yet, post it on the school website for other students to download. flash Drive A great way to bring a huge amount of information to your home - without shoulder pain associated with overloaded backpacks. A 1-gig unit costs about $ 25 and can store hundreds or thousands of items. Back to top Public Address System Forget that awful tinkling bell, which has long noted when moving from one class to another. Instead of bells, music could play for a few precious minutes of class the students Dash on the door and back to class. Students can request songs or better yet, win the opportunity to nominate selections. universal Remote Teachers have remote control units separately for classroom television, DVD player, projector, camera and VCR - why not have one for all, just like at home? They could control everything with him, making life much easier. webcam With these useful elements, your students can talk to children around the world - and cheap and are easy to install. iPod Credit: Veer It's no surprise that this technological marvel was mentioned as the widespread use of white headphones will tell. "We are going to use in class for us to focus on testing as well as during the time of study," says a student. Another added: "I think it helps me study more effectively during the time at home by blocking distractions, and it actually improves my attention and makes me a better job." Other ideas include using an iPod to listen to books instead of reading them (totally different experience learning), or catch up on the world of podcasts. Sims The range of artificial environments - from SimCity games Second Life and beyond - boggles the mind and offers countless opportunities for social interaction and group learning. But just remember: The real world is always more interesting than any computer-generated environment, so make time to go out and play. Back to top software mathematics Bridge Builder - This educational software package Pre-Engineering Software Corporation helps high school students explore engineering through the construction of a virtual time. ClueFinders - Through interactive stories, games and exercises developed by The Learning Company, 3.5 build valuable children in grades mathematics, language, science, geography and problem solving skills. Math Blaster - Ideal for students who often struggle with basic math skills and concepts. With this adventure game knowledge, which is easy to practice math in an interactive and engaging way. Back to top History Command & Conquer: Generals Zero Hour - square off against the world's most elite commanders for battlefield domination with this game from Electronic Arts. Imperial Glory - An epic Eidos game set in Europe during the Napoleonic era. Think of it as hazardous to the set of PC-addict. Making History: The Calm and the Storm - This strategy game of World War Learning Society teaches interlocking economic, military and diplomatic systems that cause, sustain, and ultimately resolve armed conflicts. Sid Meier's Civilization - The goal: to build an empire that will stand the test of time. The game, Firaxis Games, begins in 4000 BC and the players attempt to expand and develop their empires through the ages. Visual literacy Comic Life - Sometimes life seems comical; Now, you can turn it into a comic with this new creative tool for presenting digital photos plasq.com. Create not only comics, but also family albums, storybooks and how-to guides. Lineform - A low cost alternative to Illustrator, this innovative Freeverse drawing program allows students to create everything from posters to DVD covers scientific diagrams. Manga Studio - Create your own manga and comics from initial concept to finished storyboard art, this tool eFrontier. Back to top physical education Dance Dance Revolution - The footwork of Konami arcade phenomenon would make a great addition to the typical racing line PE scruffy around the school playground asphalt, unenthusiastic pushups, and free practice games for all the football. "Much more than we would be more interested in PE if it was thrown in periodically as an option to exercise the student," says one student. economy Lemonade Stand - Simple business Handango This game teaches children the basics of running a successful business. Zoo Tycoon - Assign teams of children to create zoos, and analyze that score higher on factors such as finances, happiness of animals, and the number of visitors. Then figure out the best parts of how these teams met their zoos, and try to put together the perfect zoo. Action This game is very similar to Microsoft managing a business, or even a life. Back to top All-Around Funbrain - This site for K-8 set offers dozens of games troubleshooting related to mathematics, science and language. Glossopedia - This free multimedia, interactive encyclopedia of environmental science GLOBIO is designed specifically for children ages 7-12. And here's a nice part: no ads. Thanks to everyone who contributed, with a special tip of the stylus with a rubber tip to Gina Ball (Adams Middle School, Redondo Beach, California), Regina Brinker (Christensen Middle School, Livermore, California), Carolyn Foote (Westlake High School, Austin, Texas), Denise Harman (Dale Jackson Career Center, Lewisville, Texas), Richard Hinkel and Kathi Swary (Grandview Heights High School, Columbus, Ohio), Jeanne Kimball (township School District Oxford, Oxford, New Jersey) Eric Langhorst (south Valley junior High School, Liberty, Missouri), and Ann E. Yager (Bill Sybert School, El Paso, Texas).