Great Gadgets!

I love all of the wonderful technology that I have access to in the Computer Lab everyday. Obviously, there are the 31 desktop computers, the laser printer, the scanner, the SMARTboard, the projector, and a laptop. Nothing really unusual there, right? There are several other pieces of technology that I use on a regular basis and would recommend to any classroom or computer teacher. What are they you ask?



The first is called the Easi-Speak USB Microphone. This sturdy little microphone is awesome. You can record mp3s and download them onto a computer in just a few minutes. Because they are mp3s, they can be embedded into Smart Notebook for a seamless presentation. I found this and the next gadget that I'll tell you about on my visit to BETTs in London a couple of years ago, but they are available for purchase online at various websites.

My second recommendation is for a wireless mouse/keyboard. I purchased a Cideko Wireless Air Keyboard from Amazon. This fun gadget looks a bit like a game controller but comes in very handy in the classroom. With this tool I can be freed from standing right next to my laptop during a lesson. It allows me to move around the room to monitor student progress.


The last gadget I'll mention here isn't quite as techie as the first two but awesome nonetheless! It is my Xyron machine. A Xyron is a machine that turns a piece of paper into a sticker or magnet. After we create our works of art on the computer and print them out, the students love being able to turn them into their very own sticker or magnet.

What fun gadgets do you use in your classroom? What tools would you hate to have to do without? Share your thoughts by commenting below.