Chapter 6Chapter 6

Digital Technologies Digital Technologies in the Classroomin the Classroom

Digital Technologies Digital Technologies in the Classroomin the Classroom

Teaching and Learning Teaching and Learning with Technologywith Technology

Input Devices in the Classroom

ScannersConvert printed copy or images

into a digital versionWith 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

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Digital CamerasCapture images to storage mediaThe higher the resolution, the sharper the

picture, but also the larger the file sizeSeveral media used: CompactFlash,

Secure Digital, xD Picture, Memory Stick, MicroDrive, SmartMedia, even CD/DVDs

Many cameras also record video

Input Devices in the Classroom

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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 programsMost have with LCD screens to view

images before and after you take picturesDigital photos can be used in many

software programs or can be printedWebcam – another type of digital camera

attached to or built into a computer

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Input Devices in the Classroom

Graphics (or Digital) TabletsStylus used to draw on electronic padPressure of the stylus on the pad is

converted to images or commandsAllows more precise control than mouse,

can be used for creating art workUsed to create original images or enhance

or annotate

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Input Devices in the Classroom

Sound Input DevicesMicrophone (mic) built in most PCsExternal mic may also plug into PCUsed to save interviews, add commentary,

or record music to enhance computer presentation or tutorial

Recordings can support auditory learnersSound files tend to be large

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Input Devices in the Classroom

Pen Input DevicesUsed with Personal digital assistants

(PDAs) Tablet PCsStylus pressed against screenRecords commands or handwritingCan be converted to word processed file

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Input Devices in the Classroom

Tablet PCsIn essence, a notebook PC with input

functionality like a PDAPortable, convenient, and lightweightConverts handwriting into a word

processing file Drawings saved as graphics files.Often offer wireless access to networks

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Input Devices in the Classroom

Touch ScreensComputer monitor screen responds to

touchTouch icons or menu items rather than use

mouseBest at receiving commands and selectionsUseful assistive device for students who are

preliterate and/or have limited motor skills

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Input Devices in the Classroom

Electronic WhiteboardsDry erase markers can be used to write or

drawCaptures writing or drawing and saves as

digital fileFiles can be printed or shared electronicallyPortable devices can convert regular

whiteboard into an electronic whiteboard.

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Output Devices in the Classroom

Data/video projectors Connect to computer to display large image Most common technology: LCD, LED, or DLPDisplays computer and video imagesUsually has remote control, multiple inputs,

and speakersBecoming smaller and cheaper

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Output Devices in the Classroom

Scan ConverterConverts digital computer signal for display

on analog TVVery inexpensive compared to other digital

display devicesResolution limited to that of TV’s display

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Output Devices in the Classroom

Speakers and HeadphonesSmall speakers plug into PC, play audio

or sound associated with softwareHeadphones can be plugged into the

same port or one on a sound cardTo accommodate multiple headphones, a

splitter can be used

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Emerging Technologies

WirelessWireless fidelity (WiFi) uses very fast radio

frequency (RF) connectionsConnects computers and handheld devicesUse spreading quickly, becoming more common

than hard-wired computersWireless networks eliminate cost of retrofitting

schools for network cablesWireless networks improve flexibility with

physical location and arrangement

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Emerging Technologies

PDAs, Smartphones, and NetbooksOnce rapidly growing, PDA capabilities now being

found in smartphonesSmartphones offer capabilities until recently found

only in computersAlthough they have much potential, smartphones,

which are cell phones, have not integrated well into schools

Netbooks have become very popular with students and travelers

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Emerging Technologies

E-booksDisplays electronic multimedia version of

a bookMay enable note taking and/or other

featuresCan store many books Can also read books aloudDevices available from Kindle, Sony, Apple,

and others

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Emerging Technologies

Voice-Activated Devices/SoftwareLets you communicate/issue commands

with a computer via your voiceCan eliminate need for typing or clickingWidely used as assistive deviceCan make computing more flexible,

including freeing users from keyboard or mouse

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Emerging Technologies

USB DrivesAlso called jump, flash, or keychain drivesSmall, lightweight devices with large storage

capacityMemory card-like storage (no moving parts)Use erasable and reprogrammable chip

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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

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