K12 Schools Must Fill Need For Digital Media Skills
There is a new urgency to teach digital media literacy as a study finds students are taking online information for granted
This computer companion includes versatile learning software for developing writing, keyboarding and quizzing skills, and purposely does not include Internet capabilities. Features are a full keyboard, large LCD screen and spell check, thesaurus, word and page count tools, and Spanish-English word lookup. Students can transfer text to any Macintosh or Windows computer with a single keystroke. It operates off of three AA alkaline batteries (for more than 700 hours of use) or a rechargeable battery pack and can store hundreds of pages of single-spaced text.
By connecting this unit to the classroom computer through a USB plug, educators have the option of combining the functionality of audio output and input to help students enhance both listening and oral skills. Up to six students can practice their language skills or listen to recorded books and online streaming video as a group or at the same time. The unit can benefit those who may need additional reinforcement, including English language learners or special needs students. Students can also create their own podcasts or connect with keypals through any VoIP application with the input functionality.
This tablet PC features a new 12-inch multiview indoor/outdoor, antireflective/antiglare display that helps increase viewability in multiple environments. This screen is combined with a MultiTouch feature that allows users to move the cursor with a pen or finger. It also comes equipped with an Active Rotation function that orients to the user. A redesigned navigational dial lets users move easily in four directions and remaps keys so up is always up as the user changes orientation. In addition, a new, more natural and durable pen resumes from suspended mode automatically when a user removes it from its cradle.
Educators can use the program with any standard writing software, such as Microsoft Word, WordPad, Notepad or Outlook. When users type a letter, it predicts what they might want to write and displays a list of correctly spelled words from which to choose. After seeing the word they want, users select it with a single keystroke or mouse click or have the option of hearing the word spoken to help them choose. After typing their sentence, the program reads it back to them so users can check for mistakes, such as missing words or punctuation.
Offering four million standards-aligned math problems with step-by-step solutions and a completely integrated math dictionary, this tool helps educators produce differentiated practice problems, assess their students, and report findings for predictive analysis for grades 3-12. Educators can generate assignments for all levels of learners, including under-performing and advanced students. Its practice problems are generated by an algorithm and complement any math textbook used in the country. Educators can also customize the tool for after-school and summer programs or for prescriptive assignments that can help students practice for state exams.
This USB, transportable tool enables teachers to bring visual technology into their classroom presentations. With a frame rate of 20 fps, it captures and displays moving objects in real-time, making hands-on lessons easier to understand. Miniscule subject matter on microscope slides can also be displayed for science lessons. A logically designed control panel with simplified buttons and LEDs makes operation intuitive. Users can also switch to a PC image display or project images to any standard monitor or projector for greater presentation flexibility.
