Hardware- It's All About the Tools

Hardware- physical devices
Central School's hardware, in this case, refers to technology available in the building. While designed to perform specific tasks, many of the following hardware have multiple purposes.

Macbook Computers- online browsing, word processing, research, educational websites. multi-media projects (more info under Resources-iLife Suite)

Netbooks- Great for online browsing, word processing, research and educational websites.

Promethean Interactive Whiteboards- Download premade flipcharts from Promethean Planet or create your own, interact with websites. Build the Promethean into a lesson where you need to keep students engaged.

Activotes- interactive response system, can be used with or without the Promethean Interactive Whiteboard. Our school has several sets.

iPod Nano and iPod Touch (w/ Belkin Tunetalks)- the school owns 10 video iPod nanos and two iPod touches. These can be used to support literacy skills and comprehension- audiobooks,poems, songs, and videos can be loaded onto the iPods. In addition, apps can be loaded onto the iPod touches. The sky is the limit- I asked Nicole Gleason, a second grade teacher in SAD 60, if she would be willing to share with us the apps she has loaded onto her classroom iPod Touches. Here is what she shared. Belkin Tunetalks are voice recorders that connect to the bottom of the nanos. Simply click record and students voices are captured. The next time the iPod is connected to the computer it will automatically put the audio files in a voice memo folder in iTunes.

Digital Cameras- We have several floating around in the school. Can't find one? Forgot yours at home? Your Macbook can take photos too. Simply use the Photobooth application and then load onto iPhoto. Once you take the picture in Photobooth, slick on the iPhoto icon to store in your iPhoto library for future use.

Document Cameras - This takes the place of an opaque projector but does so much more. It allows you to project objects or documents to a large audience. The image can be zoomed in and out to see detail. It can also be used to take pictures for future use. The document camera together with a microscope are handy when doing science experiments because the experiment can be done once and everyone sees it without having to crowd around.

Video Camera- We have three video cameras at Central. Two are stored in the music room and can be signed out.

Flip Ultra- This is flip camera that records video. It can be easily uploaded using the built in USB connector. This camera is very easy to use, for students and teachers alike.According to the website:
Ultra™, 120 minutes

The Flip Ultra™ camcorder makes it easy to shoot and share video. With 120 minutes of record time and pocket-sized portability, you'll truly be able to capture video anytime, anywhere.
Specs (from the website):
Simple to Shoot
* Easy-to-use, pocket-sized camcorder
* Start recording within 3 seconds of power-up; simple user interface features one-touch recording, making HD video easier and more fun than ever
* Captures 120 minutes of high-quality video on 4GB of built-in memory; no additional memory needed
* Two standard AA batteries included. Rechargeable Battery Pack (buy now) and Power Adapter (buy now) sold separately
* Large 2.0 inch anti-glare display to play back and delete videos
* Fast lens - great low or bright light results; 2x digital zoom
* Convenient flip-out USB arm plugs directly into your PC or Mac to launch pre-loaded FlipShare™ software
* FlipShare™ software makes it easy to email videos, edit individual clips, make custom movies, capture still-image snapshots, and upload video to Facebook™, MySpace™ , YouTube™ and other sharing sites
* TV cable included to watch videos on television
* Records high-quality H.264 videos that are compatible with most video-playing applications, including Windows Media Player, QuickTime Player, and iTunes
* Video: VGA (640 x 480) at 30 frames per second (fps) progressive scan; recorded as MP4 files
* “Child Safe” mode to prevent accidental deletions of clips
* Silent mode for recording in sensitive situations
* Tripod mount fits any standard tripod
Pre-loaded FlipShare™ software for instant viewing, editing, one-click emailing, and online sharing:

* Browse, play back, organize and archive your videos
* Create movies with video clips, music and titles
* Edit clips and create still-image snapshots from video
* Instantly upload to Facebook™, MySpace™, YouTube™ and other video sharing sites
* Share your videos privately using attachment-free emails or greetings cards (free and unlimited video sharing)
* Create private Flip Channels to share your videos with groups of family and friends

USB Flash Drive- a storage device designed to transfer data files from one place to another. A simple way to save and/or share files with others or load files onto student computers.