Thursday, November 25, 2010

eBooks

eBook Reader
In today's generation many kids use computers for everything. I think that ebooks would be a great thing to have a classrooms. Many kids already enjoy reading on computers, so I think that giving them that option with books would be an excellent idea. I also believe that the students should have the option between ebooks and regular books. Many people don't realize that ebooks have more than just books to read for fun, but they also have books that teacher can teach with as well. I wouldn't be surprised that if one day ebooks are being bought more than hard or paperback books. Although I don't personally like using ebooks, I understand that there are many people who do. It is because of this understanding that I think students should have the opportunity to use them in classrooms. After all teachers are suppose to be helping students learn in the best way possible for them, maybe this is the best way for them to learn! People need to remember not to be afraid to try knew things. So parents, and teachers talk to your kids or students and see what they like best. Their answers just might surprise you. Ebooks is something that should be offered in every school, to every student, no matter the age.

Picture used under the creative commons law with fliker, with permission by:goXunuReviews'

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Smart Technology

SMART Table en Expodidáctica
Most people have heard of smart boards, but did you know that there is more smart technology? I think that smart technology is a good thing to use in classrooms. I really don't think one smart thing is better than the next. I really like the idea of the smart table (in the picture above). Although I do like the smart board as well. I think it is important to have a wide variety of technology in the classroom. The smart technology gives you that wide variety. If you are interested in seeing the different types of technology just click the link above. I really like that SMART has a concept map making software. I think that if a teacher already has smart equipment, then the software would be another great thing to add. I personally hope that I get the chance to use smart technology at some point in my life.
Picture used by the creative commons act. Used by flikr (smart espana).

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

TutorVista


I just recently learned about a new way for students to be tutored. The new way is done on a computer through a site called tutorvista. Tutorvista can be used for any grade level and any subject. Most of the tutors are from India. The two people never see face to face, but they can talk using microphones. The tutor can see the problem the student is working on by using an interactive whiteboard.
I think tutorvista is a good thing for people to use. If someone really doesn't understand something, then getting help is an important thing to do. I think this a way convenient  way to get help. The parents or student doesn't have to drive to someone to get help they can just in the their own house and use their computer. They can also get help at anytime of the day, which is another thing I really like about tutorvista. I really believe that tutorvista is a great thing for someone of any age to use. Yes, it coast money, but you are still saving money on gas, and it is less expensive than a personal tutor. So the next time you need help, think about using tutorvista!

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

INTERWRITEMOBI




Above is a video of how to use the interwritemobi. 
The mobi is a tool that could be used in a classroom with any age. The mobi would be an excellent thing to have in a classroom because it allows the teacher to move around the room and teach at the same time. The mobi also comes with clickers for the students. When the students are working on an assignment they can type the answer into the clicker, and both the student and the teacher can see if the answer is correct or not.
All you need to use a mobi is a projector and a computer. The mobi can be used on anything, a word document, power-point, a website, or even a worksheet. All the teacher would need to do is pull up what they want to use on the computer and have it projected so everyone can see it. After the teacher has what they want pulled up all they have to do is start teaching the lesson. The mobi can be used as a mouse so the teacher never has to go back to the computer.
Another good thing about the mobi is that the teacher can had it to a student. That student could then fill out the answers to a worksheet, so the whole class could see it. The mobi could be used for any subject and any grade level. I think the mobi would get students more involved in what they are learning about. I would have loved to use these as a kid in a classroom, and I wouldn't mind using them in one or all of my college classes.