Digital Technologies in the Classroom

1. Digital Technologiesin the Classroom Chapter 4 Teaching and Learning With Technology 3e

2. Chapter Focus Chapter Four examines some of the most useful and innovative digital technologies (hardware) for classroom use. • Input devices • Output devices • Emerging digital technologies • Computer system enhancements • Virtual environments

3. Input Devices:Scanners • Capture and translate hard copy into digital data • OCR (optical character recognition) software • Recognizes text and turns it into word-processed form • Flat-bed scanner is the most common type • Resolution in dpi (dots per inch) • Choose scanner with highest resolution possible • Can be set to scan at a lower quality

4. Input Devices:Scanners • Scanner connections • High-speed connections necessary • Ports (points of connection) • Older scanners may use a parallel port • New scanners use USB (universal serial bus) ports • Check connection requirements before purchasing • Resolution and software effect price

5. Input Devices:Digital Cameras • Photos stored as digital data on memory card • Images transferred to computer • Special cable, camera cradle, media card slot • LCD screen allows preview • Image resolution in megapixels (millions of dots) • 4+ megapixels = 35 mm photos; print 8 x 10 images • 6+ megapixels = crop and enlarge without losing clarity • May include • Brief video and audio clip capabilities • Zoom capability • Price dependent upon capabilities

6. Input Devices:Digital Cameras • Monitor-top camera (webcam) • Connected through USB cable • Capabilities may include • Built-in microphone • Still and video • Uses • Communication via Internet • Teleconferencing • Image sharing

7. Input Devices:Graphics Tablets • Stylus on electronic pad • Draw diagrams • Create artwork • Signals translated into digital images • Also know as • Digitizers • Digital tablets • Annotate computer-generated material • When purchasing ensure compatibility

8. Input Devices:Microphones • Multimedia computers • Play back and record sound • Show video clips • Display text and graphics • Speakers/microphone connected to ports • Ports connected to sound card • Digitized sound can be edited and enhanced • Audio files require large storage capacity

9. Input Devices:Pen Input Devices • Types • Personal digital Assistant (PDA) • Tablet PC • Capabilities • Recognize handwritten notes • Simplified office management tools • Scaled-down productivity software • Uses • Digital memo pad • Portable “palmtop” computer

10. Input Devices:Touch Screens • Computer monitor that responds to touch • Displays graphics or icons • Light-sensitive • Best with simple displays • Uses • Young children • Physically impaired

11. Input DevicesElectronic Whiteboards • Whiteboard that can print and save data • Can be connected to remote locations • Can be • Touch-sensitive • Rear-projection • Projection device available for traditional whiteboards • Less expensive and space saving

12. Output Devices:Data Projection Units • Display signals usually sent to monitor • Types • Data Projectors • Project both computer images, video and television • Need projection screen • Buy highest resolution and brightness (lumens) • Scan Converters • Digital to analog

13. Output Devices:Speakers and Headphones • Speakers • Vary in capability • Consider how audio-rich computer will be used • Best for large-group display • Headphones • Single student use • Converter plugs may make headphones from other audio devices usable

14. Emerging Digital Technologies:Wireless Devices • Radio frequency (RF) technology • Connect classroom workstations to network server • Access points throughout building • Adapters in workstations • WiFi (Wireless fidelity) • Base stations (access points) anywhere • Connect buildings, auditoriums, outside areas • Access online without wires

15. Emerging Digital Technologies:Handheld Computers • Personal information management • Abbreviated software versions • Integrated into handhelds • Digital cameras • Audio and video players • Cell phones • Use for almost any task full-size can do • Possibilities expand with wireless networks

16. Emerging Digital Technologies:E-Books • Electronic versions of books for PDAs • Single device can store and display many e-books with related materials • Allow note taking • One device with multiple texts downloaded • Update texts without expensive printing costs • Audio and visual enhancements address diverse learning styles

17. Emerging Digital Technologies:Voice-Activated Devices • Enables computer to accept voice commands and dictation of data • Some cellular phones have this technology • Enables physically disabled or those with limited keyboarding skills to use computer • Allows hands free computer-assisted lessons

18. Emerging Digital Technologies:Portable Storage • USB Drive • Key chain drive, jump drive, flash drive • Plugged into USB port • Recognized as external drive • Transport data from computer to computer • Possible issues • Older machines may have few or no USB ports • Ports may not be compatible

19. Virtual Environments • Virtual reality (VR) • Hardware/software to create digital interactive environments • Hardware (headpiece/glove) • Three-dimensional digital world • Reach out and touch • Planets • Molecules • Plants in virtual Amazon • QuickTime VR

20. From Hardware to Software • Chapter 5 • Administrative Software • Chapter 6 • Academic Software • Classroom Equipment Evaluation Rubric • Page 158 • To assist you in evaluating hardware for classroom use in areas as: Ease of use and setup, space, tutorials, etc.