New Technologies

Geographic Information System (GIS) is a system for analyzing data spatially related to the earth. For definition and more details go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geographic_information_system
 
In the classroom students could gather information and use GIS software to map and analyze that data. School districts could use GIS software as a very accurate tool for enrollment projections and a [...]

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LabQuest™
This is one of the coolest, most bang for the buck things you could have for your classroom. It is the most engaging tool for science that I have ever seen. It is a computer, editor, contains about 50 built-in instructions for labs, periodic table of elements and you can attach scientific data gathering instruments [...]

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Squeak
Squeak is an open source programming language. It is magical, mystical and challenging for all ages. It runs in your web browser and has very attractive toolbars. I saw a demo of it once at NECC in Seattle by Alan Kay. He was able to draw objects on the screen and move them around the [...]

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Lightspeed Classroom Amplification
These systems greatly enhance learning in the classrooms. Students can hear the teacher better and students with hearing disabilities gain much more than from a traditional classroom setting. Many of these systems can also be hooked up to existing equipment such as computer, VCR, DVD player etc. With the infrared microphone, there is [...]

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AirLiner ™ Wireless Slate
The AirLiner ™ Wireless Slate is a wireless tablet that can be used in the classroom in conjunction with the SmartBoard. It has a range of 54’ allowing teacher or students to control software applications, write notes or highlight information. The slates allow for simultaneous interaction. This would allow for collaboration and [...]

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Belkin CableFree USB Hub
Belkin has announced it’s CableFree USB Hub. The bandwidth would be very impressive and allow for data, audio and video. This may be a real asset for classrooms in terms of wire management or lack thereof. To read the full press release visit: http://www.belkin.com/pressroom/releases/uploads/01_03_06CableFreeUSB.html

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SMART Board™ 600i
I was just comparing whiteboard technologies and I was very impressed with the SMART Board™ 600i vs. the more mobile model. It mounts on the wall along with the projection unit. This is a cost savings measure vs. the more portable unit. It would cost $900 or more to get electric to mount [...]

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Earclip Headset with Microphone
Cyber Acoustics HS-700
I just purchased this device so I could participate in a virtual classroom this week in Blackboard/Wimba. I was very pleased with the performance of this device during the class. It has a noise canceling microphone and I was very pleased with the QoS after I changed my audio setting [...]

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Web
Cam
Phillips SPC900NC with BGA Sensor and USB 2.0 Interface

I just ordered 2 of these web cams to experiment with video conferencing in my school district. I was impressed with the stated performance/features of this device for the cost. The list price is $99.99 but Wal-Mart will have them in
Ohio stores in July for $59.98. [...]

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Here is a really neat projector / document camera. This would be most handy if you were limited on space or traveled frequently. How many times have you needed a document camera whileyou were presenting? Check out this link for more details: http://www.toshibadirect.com/td/b2c/pdet.to?seg=HHO&poid=344012&in_merch=1

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