Using an ELMO

Every classroom needs an Elmo. The piece of technology I am talking about is called a digital visual presenter. The brand name is Elmo. Using this type of technology in the classroom will benefit teachers and students. I have seen teachers using the Elmo in the classroom, but I have never researched how many ways it can be used.

The ELMO connects to the television or the computer. It will zoom in on images and create a large visual for students look at. Students can download a story they have created onto the computer and show it on the ELMO for the entire class to see. Using the ELMO as a microscope will allow the teacher to place the smallest insect on the presenter and it will be enlarge for the class to inspect.
When students bring a show and tell to share with the class, it does not have to be passed around the room. The student can place the 3D object on the ELMO and everyone will be able to see the item.
When a class wants to do a choral reading, the words can be displayed in large print for everyone to see.
For math time, the teacher can display manipulative"s on the ELMO and work out the problems as a class. Everyone will be able to see the work at the same time.
The classroom would even have its own built in movie theater. The ELMO makes showing DVD's and Videos fun to watch on the big screen.
Ideas for using an ELMO in the classroom are unlimited.


ELMO information http://www.elmo-corp.com/
Picture from Focus Office

More resources for ELMO lesson plans
www.newton.k12.ks.us/tech/eett.htm
www.elousa.com/files/ShowMeGreatLesson!.pdf

The Benefits of the Kindle

I have just been introduced to the amazonkindle. Our school library has purchased several kindles. I checked one out over spring break. I have enjoyed learning to use the lightweight reading tool. I think students will be encouraged to read more when they can use such a compact piece of technology. I have only began to learn everything the kindle can be used for. The kindle can be used with the internet to download books. It includes a dictionary to look up words that are unfamiliar. I think using a kindle for textbooks will be something we can look forward to very soon. It is so compact, light as a feather, and easy to carry anywhere you want to go.
I enjoyed this video for an overview of the kindle.






This website gives a review over the kindle

http://review.cnet.com/amazon-kindle-review-wi-fi
Picture taken by Kim Solinger
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-goI1xgzNro&feature=related

Using Learning Tools From the Web

As a future teacher, I love getting new educational ideas to use in the classroom. I am very excited about what the web has to offer teachers. I found a new site called, "Enchanted Learning". http://www.enchantedlearning.com/Home.html. This site provides worksheets, crafts, and much more. It provides 25,000 websites and 20,000 pages of learning tools. Membership is $20.00 per year. There are free pages, but purchasing the membership gives a larger amount of resources to use in the classroom.

Col, Jeananda. Enchanted Learning. http://www.EnchantedLearning.com 1996

Powerpoint in the Classroom

I am looking forward to following the blogs from our class! Learning new ideas about technology in the classroom will benefit me as I began to prepare for my own classroom.

Technology in the classroom is very important to teachers and students. Giving students the tools they need to succeed in their education and in life begins in a classroom. Powerpoint is something I would like to include into student learning. Providing a powerpoint for a project can give students step by step instructions to follow. Students who are visual learners will benefit from the visuals in a powerpoint.

Here is a link I found to help teachers start a collection of powerpoint templates:

http://www.brainybetty.com/K_to_12_powerpoint_templates.htm
picture by Carson Dalosa