Grants

Since starting our mid-term project, I have been talking with many of the teachers at my school about technology or lack of technology in our classroooms. When I talked about writing a grant, several other people were interested in joining in. I am currently working on a grant through HP Technology Grants to purchase LCD projectors and document camera readers for our classrooms. Wish us luck.

Projectors

When I first started researching projectors, I had no idea there were so many options. I found a really good website, Boxlight.com that has lots of valuable information to help determine what kind of projector will best suit individual needs. There is information on LCD and DLP projectors. I had never heard of a DLP projector until reading the information on this site. This site also has projectors from numerous companies as well as a wide range in pricing. I was amazed to find projectors ranging in price from $499 - $107,000! If you have a projector that you're really happy with, just leave me a comment letting me know what brand and price if you happen to know - Thanks

Document Camera Readers

I've been researching different document camera readers and have found there are lots to choose from. I found a great website that gives information on how to find the appropriate reader to suit specific needs. VisualEdTech, Inc. has really great information. Four of our classrooms are using the Lumens DC 153 XGA High Resolution Document Camera. All of the teachers using it have been happy with the resolution. If you have use a document camera and are pleased with it, I would appreciate your input on what type you have.

http://www.visualedtech.com/elmo/visual_presenters_description.htm

Helpful Websites

As I've been looking at websites to find out more information on projectors and document camera readers, I stumbled upon something new. It is called a Lightsmith Platform. I've included the following from their website:
http://lightsmithimager.com/site/?gclid=CJGV1JW78YkCFSHBYAodxGHhGw


How Does It Work?
The concept is simple. Any camcorder can be positioned above the Lightsmith platform using the flexible camera arm. Our patent pending reversible camera mount lets the user capture video images right side up and from any angle desired. Powered by the camcorder's AC power supply, images of amazing resolution can be displayed on a TV, an LCD projector, or a computer. While operating in pause mode, digital camcorders capture images at a rate of 30 frames per second, faster than most document cameras. And unlike most other visual presenters, hours of student presentations and digital portfolios can be captured to tape or DVD for easy documentation. The durable laminate platform also incorporates a full spectrum fluorescent light, and includes cable ties.

This site has great pictures of the Lightsmith Platform being used in a classroom as well as pictures of images captured using a digital camcorder and the Lightsmith Platform.

What a difference a year makes.

Last year I had an LCD projector and document reader to use in my classroom. I used it everyday in my teaching. I found it much easier to use than having to create transparencies to use on the overhead. I was able to hook up my laptop computer to the projector to incorporate the web, multi-media, hypermedia, and PowerPoint presentations into lessons. This year I have no technology available to use in my classroom, not even an overhead projector and have had to use a whiteboard and photocopies of materials. I'm interested in finding information on the use of LCD projectors and document readers in the classroom. I would love to hear from anyone using this technology in your classroom and how it has improved quality of lessons and if it has been a time saver for you. If you don't have this technology in your classroom, do you think it would enhance your teaching if you did have access to this technology.