Care and Handling of Equipment

Digital Images in the Classroom

Over the past two decades, the average student is heavily exposed to digital imagery from television, Facebook, twitter, Instagram, snapchat, target advertisers from web surfing activity, and even their cell phones.  Teachers have adapted this bombardment into using digital imagery into their lessons to ensure higher levels of student engagement.  

By integrating these 21^st century technological advances into the classroom, teachers are enabling students to think abstractly about higher level ideas and information by transforming the curriculum to the methods and techniques that appeal to the student learning process.  Digital imagery is not just limited to pictures and videos, through software such as SMART and Promethean, student learning transcends not from just digital to interactive.

Ideas for Digital setups in the Classroom

There are many different types of set ups for the use of digital images in the classroom.  I have chosen to focus on three that are easy to set up, teacher and student friendly, and ease of maintenance. I have chosen to put the classroom set ups in order from ease of set up and use from basic to intermediate to more advanced.

1) Identify three equipment setups that may be used for students to view digital images in the classroom. 

The Projector and Whiteboard Set Up

The most commonly used classroom set up for the usage of digital images in the classroom is the projector and whiteboard.  The ease of setup depends on the type of projector chosen as models range from tabletop to mounted projectors.  In using a projector to display digital images on the whiteboard, students can view the images and discuss what they see as a group allowing for collaborative learning.  Using a projector can also assist in showing videos to the class in a larger format than the previously used TV and VCR’s of the late 20^th century.  Incorporating the whiteboard also allows students the ability to use interactive software such as Promethean (an interactive software that does not always require the use of a specially created board such as SMART).  The ease in the projector/whiteboard set up comes in arranging student seats in a fashion that allows the best ability to view.  

Students using interactive software in the classroom: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ab3z56wanIQ

The Chromebook/Tablet Set Up

                                                     

Another option for a functional setting for students to view digital images is the individual Chromebook/tablet/iPad set up.  Like the projector set up, students view the digital imagery through the internet, but unlike the previous set up, students are individually viewing the content and manipulating to their learning needs.  In using a Chromebook or various brands of tablets, students have more hands-on control of the medium they are learning through.  Utilizing an individual approach to digital imagery, the student has full control of how they process the information through various videos, online games, and web quests to name a few.  This set up may seem easier than the projector/whiteboard option, but after initial installation the previous set up is complete.  The Chromebook and tablet set up is quick but the complication comes with storage, charging, and security of the equipment involved.  There is also the added issue if the computers and tablets do not belong in just one room or if they are school property and need to be reserved by the teacher for use in the classroom. Maintenance can be covered under warrantees and a qualified technology administer. 

Students using Chromebooks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YZYMm5uQcE

The SMART Table Set Up

 Lastly, I want to present the most complicated of the digital classroom set ups in this post.  A newer technological creation from SMARTechnologies who created the SMART board and software, comes the interactive SMART table.  Up to eight students can work together at the same time, encouraging social and academic development with engaging critical thinking skills.  The SMART Table allows easy access to ready-made content for preK – 3 from the SMART Exchange website, create new activities using the SMART Table Toolkit or import SMART Notebook files. The SMART table also allows small groups of students to view video content relevant to the learning objectives.  While the SMART Table can be costly, it is easy for teachers to update and easy for students to use.  Maintenance of the SMART Table can be costly if used inappropriately which necessitates the purchase of the warrantee offered by SMART Technologies to prolong the life of the table and keep the equipment running optimally. 

Students using SMART Table: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZU-CYeiKmP4

2) What type of projector would a fourth-grade teacher use in a learning center for ecosystems?

For years projectors have been an essential in almost every classroom in the world. Teachers use them in order to get more attention from students, to make their lectures more interesting and engaging. Therefore, it is very important that those projectors are able to project images with high quality.

Using projectors to teach ecosystems in fourth-grade can be very helpful. With projector students can learn about different plants, trees, or animals in a more fun and entertaining way. Playing videos with animals, or presenting pictures about them is a great way for students to learn more, and more importantly to keep them interested in what they are learning. Therefore, having a great HD projector for teaching those things is essential. 

Three HD projectors great for classroom use are:

The Optoma HD141X is amazingly good value for what it delivers. With top-end resolution and crystal clear contrast this is great option for a more modern future-proof piece of equipment.

Resolution: Full HD 1080p – 1920 x 1080 (3D compatible)

Image Contrast Ratio: 20,000:1

Brightness: 3,000 lumen

The ViewSonic PJD7820HD is another High Definition projector that has good features. It is a strong choice for the classroom.

Resolution: Full HD 1080p – 1920 x 1080 (3D compatible)

Image Contrast Ratio: 15,000:1

Brightness: 3,000 lumen

The Optoma HD26 offers a remarkably high-end piece of equipment for a very reasonable price. With exceptional brightness, resolution and contrast, this is the perfect classroom projector for high-definition media from Blu-rays to laptops to iPads and other mobile devices.

Resolution: Full HD 1080p – 1920 x 1080 (3D compatible)

Image Contrast Ratio: 25,000:1

Brightness: 3,200 lumen

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6d9U7ask5M

3) How will the teacher choose the type of projector for the teaching activities?

Educators know that multimedia projectors and projector sound systems can boost attention levels and improve student performance, but the challenge is to choose projectors that perfect for the teaching activities.

  

So, the teacher should choose the effective type of projector based on the following features:

Bright and Clear

No matter how diverse the multimedia content or interactive the technology, a teacher using a projector with poor image or sound quality will not ignite classroom brain waves. Students must be able to clearly hear the lesson and see the projected image from any seat in a classroom. The clarity and brightness of the image really does make a big difference in how closely students pay attention and retain what they've learned.

Total Cost of Ownership

Today, schools are able to find good value when choosing multimedia projectors for the classroom, with increased performance available at lower prices. Special programs offer discounts to education customers to promote effective integration of technology for better access to instructional content and compelling learning that engages all students. Faced with tight budgets in today's economy, schools should not only consider the purchase price, but also the costs that span the projector's lifecycle. 

Features for Easy Use

Before buying a projector, make sure you check out the features to get the best solution for your school. The projector must be "plug 'n play," so teachers don't waste valuable teaching time setting up their projectors and computers. Look for a projector designed to simplify the most essential steps of operation such as powering up, getting connected, and shutting down.

Many innovations in projector development are the direct result of listening to educators. When schools spoke of the need to reach all students in the classroom, projector models were designed with 10-watt speakers and closed captioning decoders.

Projector as Team Player

An important consideration in purchasing decisions is how a projector will be used in the classroom. For multifaceted classroom presentations, make sure you have multiple inputs including component video, S-video and composite video, USB, HDMI, and audio. The projector must work as part of a team with other classroom tools, including Internet-connected Macs and PCs, control systems, document cameras, digital cameras, printers, scanners, laptop docks, VHS/DVD players, handheld devices, among others. Easy hookups to technology like computers and A/V equipment link teachers to vast resources of lesson material via the Internet and media-rich elements like video clips and animations.

Made for the Education Market

Make sure you choose to work with a projector manufacturer that understands the education market. Does the company provide projector models that are designed from the ground up with education in mind? Is it open to providing solutions for a variety of teaching scenarios? Does the company offer competitive pricing, extended warranties, and enhanced service and support for education customers? (Mishra & America, 2009). 

References: 

Excerpted from Teaching with Digital Images - ISTE. (n.d.). Retrieved November 12, 2016, from http://www.iste.org/docs/excerpts/DIGIMA-excerpt.pdf

H. (2016). 12 of the Best Classroom Projectors for Schools. Retrieved November 12, 2016, from     https://www.fractuslearning.com/2015/06/03/best-classroom-projectors-for-schools/ 

Mishra, R. & America, E. (2009). Choosing Classroom Projectors   http://www.projectorcentral.com/K-12_classroom_projector.htm

Where can digital photos be found on the Internet?

Digital photography can change the way children learn. Integrating digital photos in the classroom is a great way for improving student's interaction both with teachers and other students, and it can also be helpful for visual learners to learn and improve their comprehension. 

There are many places where we can find digital photos on the Internet. 

For example: 

1. Flickr - a place where we can find more millions of free images

2. Shutter Stock - high quality photos can be found here

3. Unsplash - Free high-resolution photos

4. Picjumbo 

5. Free digital photos - free download of high quality photos

6. Pixabay

References:

Schiller, J., & Tillett, B. (2004). Using digital images with young children: challenges of integration. Early Child Development & Care, 174(4), 401-414.

Enchancing Learning with Visuals

Visuals are highly important when it comes to learning. There are a lot of different learning methods which teachers should apply in their teaching in order to interest different types to learning styles. Visual learning is definitely one of them. There are various visual aids for teacher to use in their classroom: they can play videos, show pictures, use slide shows, charts, powerpoint presentations, etc. All of these can help student learn because they can actually see what is being taught to them. It really enchances learning because hearing words is abstract, whereas, visuals are concrete and therefore easier to be remembered.

Visual learning can also decrease learning time and improve comprehension. According to a study, visual learning plays an important role in the development of individuals, it promotes higher order of thinking skills and abilities.

In summery, in order to have an effective lesson, teacher should include visual learning in their teaching because it makes learning much more meaningful for students and it meets their needs.

References:

Dhanapal, S., Kanapathy, R., & Mastan, J. (2014). A study to understand the role of visual arts in the teaching and learning of science. Asia-Pacific Forum On Science Learning & Teaching, 15(2), 1-25.

Questions:

1. What is the best way to integrate visuals into the lessons?

2. Which visual aid do you like the most?

3. Is visual learing more efficiant?

Compass Learning

1. How does the software differentiate instruction for different  learning styles?
Software has the lessons that are thematic and follow the same pattern such as a pre-reading activity for introducing new academic ideas, a digital presentations of the story, and comprehension exercises. Therefore, we have SEE, HEAR, DO.

Furthermore, teachers make accomodations for mastery levels, students can pace during their work and a teacher can make instructions based on the grades and assessment results.

2. Does the software increase skills in knowledge reinforcement, concept development, and or problem solving? How?
 Yes, it increases it, because it has explicit instruction, supported practice, independent practice and ongoing arrangement. This instruction allows students to connect with the material and to gain critical-thinking and problem solving skills.

3. What is the name of the company that publishes the software product?
The name is Compass Learning.

4. How will you use this software in your classroom? Why?
I would use this software in my classroom for guiding my instructions in the classroom. Also, to help my students achieve great academic results, since it is a great and fun way for children to learn, to keep them motivated and interested. Finally, this software is a very good way to make a great partnership between teacher, students, but also parents because they can log in to view student's assessment results.




References:
Cobb, A. (2010). To differentiate ot not to differentiate? Using internet-based technology in the          classroom. Quarterly review of distance education. Vol. 11

Compass Learning. (n.d.). Retrieved October 05, 2016, from https://compasslearning.com/