Chapter 6 Digital Technologies in the Classroom Teaching and Learning with Technology

Input Devices in the Classroom Scanners Convert printed copy or images into a digital version With optical character recognition (OCR) software, scanned text can be saved as a word processing file Flatbed scanners may scan one page or multiple pages and can scan from a book The higher the resolution or dots per inch (dpi), the larger the file 3

Digital Cameras Capture images to storage media The higher the resolution, the sharper the picture, but also the larger the file size Several media used: CompactFlash, Secure Digital, xD Picture, Memory Stick, MicroDrive, SmartMedia, even CD/DVDs Many cameras also record video Input Devices in the Classroom 4 Sony Cybershot used by permission of Sony Electronics, Inc; Olympus with LCD used by Permission of Olympus America, Inc.

Input Devices in the Classroom Digital Cameras (cont.) Can download images to computer to view, edit, and use with other programs Most have with LCD screens to view images before and after you take pictures Digital photos can be used in many software programs or can be printed Webcam – another type of digital camera attached to or built into a computer 5

Input Devices in the Classroom Graphics (or Digital) Tablets Stylus used to draw on electronic pad Pressure of the stylus on the pad is converted to images or commands Allows more precise control than mouse, can be used for creating art work Used to create original images or enhance or annotate 6

Input Devices in the Classroom Sound Input Devices Microphone (mic) built in most PCs External mic may also plug into PC Used to save interviews, add commentary, or record music to enhance computer presentation or tutorial Recordings can support auditory learners Sound files tend to be large 7

Input Devices in the Classroom Pen Input Devices Used with Personal digital assistants (PDAs) Tablet PCs Stylus pressed against screen Records commands or handwriting Can be converted to word processed file 8

Input Devices in the Classroom Tablet PCs In essence, a notebook PC with input functionality like a PDA Portable, convenient, and lightweight Converts handwriting into a word processing file Drawings saved as graphics files. Often offer wireless access to networks 9

Input Devices in the Classroom Touch Screens Computer monitor screen responds to touch Touch icons or menu items rather than use mouse Best at receiving commands and selections Useful assistive device for students who are preliterate and/or have limited motor skills 10

Input Devices in the Classroom Electronic Whiteboards Dry erase markers can be used to write or draw Captures writing or drawing and saves as digital file Files can be printed or shared electronically Portable devices can convert regular whiteboard into an electronic whiteboard. 11

Output Devices in the Classroom Data/video projectors Connect to computer to display large image Most common technology: LCD, LED, or DLP Displays computer and video images Usually has remote control, multiple inputs, and speakers Becoming smaller and cheaper 12

Output Devices in the Classroom Scan Converter Converts digital computer signal for display on analog TV Very inexpensive compared to other digital display devices Resolution limited to that of TV’s display 13

Output Devices in the Classroom Speakers and Headphones Small speakers plug into PC, play audio or sound associated with software Headphones can be plugged into the same port or one on a sound card To accommodate multiple headphones, a splitter can be used 14

Emerging Technologies Wireless Wireless fidelity (WiFi) uses very fast radio frequency (RF) connections Connects computers and handheld devices Use spreading quickly, becoming more common than hard-wired computers Wireless networks eliminate cost of retrofitting schools for network cables Wireless networks improve flexibility with physical location and arrangement 15

Emerging Technologies PDAs, Smartphones, and Netbooks Once rapidly growing, PDA capabilities now being found in smartphones Smartphones offer capabilities until recently found only in computers Although they have much potential, smartphones, which are cell phones, have not integrated well into schools Netbooks have become very popular with students and travelers 16

Emerging Technologies E-books Displays electronic multimedia version of a book May enable note taking and/or other features Can store many books Can also read books aloud Devices available from Kindle, Sony, Apple, and others 17

Emerging Technologies Voice-Activated Devices/Software Lets you communicate/issue commands with a computer via your voice Can eliminate need for typing or clicking Widely used as assistive device Can make computing more flexible, including freeing users from keyboard or mouse 18

Emerging Technologies USB Drives Also called jump, flash, or keychain drives Small, lightweight devices with large storage capacity Memory card-like storage (no moving parts) Use erasable and reprogrammable chip 19

Computers in the Classroom Computer hardware makes it possible to enhance teaching and learning Computer software focuses hardware on classroom-specific teaching and learning tasks Teachers should review and evaluate both hardware and software carefully to ensure selection of the best support tools 20