Can you spend technology grant money on databases? If you can do this, then
I would suggest researching databases for elementary age levels such as
Searchasaurus through Ebsco Host. The Magic School Bus also has some
interesting interactive programs for younger elementary. If you have a
local public library that was awarded the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
Grant computers, they are loaded with Magic School Bus interactive programs
and you would be able to see them in action. Also, furniture to put the
technology equipment on is sometimes forgotten and can be very pricey.
Mavica camera
Inspiration software
A presentation camera, such as an ELMO or Vizcam.
Our teachers all have Flexcam teaching cameras by Videolabs. They are less
expensive than the others. They love them. They can use them instead of
overheads for showing pages or 3-D things like manipulatives.
The ELMO model is nice because it has built-in lighting.
I can't live without an LCD projector--I use it everyday--once your
teachers are used to them, you can't possibly have enough.
Look for how many lumen? and how far they will project--classroom or
large group--and do you want to read it on your screen and on a wall or
just on a wall.
Both is by far the best so that means you usually need a particular
cable to produce a double loop. And that they are compatible. Some old
computers have difficulty with new LCD's, although they usually can be
modified.
Does your school need a new projector to go with the smartboard or just
to have as an extra. How about a digital video camera?
here are some ideas that might help you.
1. set up a presentation cart with a lcd projector, laptop, video, dvd, and
overhead so that teachers can use it in the library to class presentations.
2. buy books on tape with tape recorders, vcr tapes with books, listening
centers, enough books for a 'center'
3. buy more computers with earphones for your library and buy books on dvd
plus the books
4. find and buy a program that teaches the students how to research and
write.
try deborah stanley's research program. i think it is terrific - but you
have
to get teachers to use it. provide time for an in-service by deborah
stanley.
you can go to her website. she is a great speaker.
Do you have one of those screens (I don't know what they're called) that
allow the whole class to see a computer screen? Also , there is an
overhead-projector-type device that can project transparencies or opaques.
Last but not least, a simple wax machine will allow you to put up laminated
stuff on any kind of wall except fabric without using staples, tape, etc,
and it will come off without leaving a mark! You just run the poster or
whatever through the machine and it gets a wax coating on the back that
holds pretty well. I've seen the cheerleaders use it to hold up enormous
spirit banners on the walls.
Digital cameras and scanners are nice to have. Don't forget a binding
machine so all those neat books kids make can be bound for posterity.
Thanks again to everyone who offered suggestions!
Frances Murphy, Media Specialist
Mason Elementary School
Laurel, MS
fpmurphy@bellsouth.net
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