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 tool for re-districting.

One of the leaders in GIS is ESRI: http://www.esri.com/

Get more details on GIS at http://www.gis.com/

Find out how business, government, utilities, telecommunications, natural resources, science, education are using GIS by reading this informative pdf: http://www.esri.com/library/brochures/pdfs/corporate-intro.pdf

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 such as temperature probes, light sensors and photo cells. It is also a stop watch. Students can take the device into the field, lab, etc. to gather data. It is water resistant and durable. Students could use the device to gather and analyze data. They can import data from LabQuest™ into their computers and use it with Logger Pro software for further data analysis.

http://www.vernier.com

If you want to watch a quick movie by David Vernier of the LabQuest in action, go to:

http://www.vernier.com/labquest/video.html

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 screen with a logo like programming language. It was derived from SmallTalk-80 at Apple Computer and later Disney. You can read the full definition at Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squeak

 You can download Squeak at http://www.squeak.org/download

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 no radio frequency interference and when the teacher leaves the room wearing the microphone it does not transmit to the receiver.  The more children hear, the better they learn. They have several models from permanent in-ceiling solutions to portable solutions.

http://www.lightspeed-tek.com/Classroom+Amplification.aspx

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 group interaction in the classroom.

http://www2.smarttech.com/st/en-US/Products/AirLiner/default.htm

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

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 a traditional projector and get electric to that location. With this model you don’t have to worry about the video projection unit getting knocked off a cart and becoming damaged. The 77” active screen area would be adequate in any classroom. The software was very impressive. I especially liked the capability to write on the board in an overlay format and having the ability to save the screen including the overlay to a pdf to be used later or placed into a learning management system.

http://www2.smarttech.com/st/en-US/Products/SMART+Boards/Front+Projection/Default.htm

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 from external speakers to headset. I can’t yet speak to the durability of this device, but I would definitely give it a try. I found the HS-700 at Wal-Mart for $14.88 but that model is no listed at Cyberacoustics. Visit them and check out their other models.

http://www.cyberacoustics.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=Home.CategoryDetail&content_id=268

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. The specifications state a resolution of 1280 x 960 and a video capture speed of 90 frames per second. This would be a good solution to expose students to video conferencing. A headset/microphone combination could be used for students with physical disabilities.

http://www.p4c.philips.com/files/s/spc900nc_00/spc900nc_00_pss_eng.pdf

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