2nd in a series of articles on the first Smart Document Camera

Talking with students in class day in and day out, you might be used to shifting your body from facing students for showing an object and having a discussion, to facing the blackboard to write down notes for students to copy onto their notebooks. But is this how it should be done? Shouldn’t there be a more efficient way? Shouldn’t the class be able to focus more on the valuable discussions that inspire critical thinking rather than spending much time writing down the notes? (more…)

In previous articles we’ve covered different features and how-to’s of many portable and installed PA systems. This article will focus on the LINE OUT function and how it can be used to get audible sound out to your audience at a volume level loud enough for all to hear. (more…)

Encouraged by their own innate curiosity and through technological innovations in toys and games, children are learning to use computers at earlier and earlier ages. Clearly the more comfortable they feel using the equipment and software programs, the more confident and competent they will become. In classrooms too, NETS (forwarded by the International Society for Technology in Education) also advocates for the integration of technology. (more…)

Califone continues its support for the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and their educational “Listen To Your Buds” Campaign, which aims to educate teachers and students about the proper use of personal audio technology. (more…)

A previous article reviewed some of the day-in and day-out benefits (for the teacher and the students) of a classroom audio system. Whether for reasons such as integrating more audio-based technology or involving all of the students in the room, once the decision has been made to install such a system, make sure which ever system is chosen, that it can be efficiently installed. (more…)

Polls continue to suggest the role of (audio-related) technology in K-12 classrooms is increasing due in part to the ability of multimedia presentations to hold students’ attention for longer periods of time. But even with the best of intentions, unless the room was planned for this kind of integration, challenges such as the disconnect between video without any audio, low volume, poor sound quality, the inability to connect all of the desired equipment, and even the inability to participate in group teleconferencing can remain. One solution which can create some audio “cohesiveness” is the Infrared Classroom Audio System. (more…)

It seems that whatever is new today can be outdated the following day, and when it comes to technology in general that couldn’t be truer. Advancements in computer oriented applications are moving at such a fast pace that they can be tough to keep up with. All the more reason to prepare the next generation to take on that task by supplying them with the necessary skills they’ll need. (more…)

First “Smart” Document Camera creates interactive learning opportunities

As technology becomes increasingly important in education, administrators and educators are needing cost effective solutions which support their time and resources. One of the fastest growing product categories in classrooms is the document camera. A popular subject with educational bloggers since its usefulness seems to expand with every class it’s used in, some first said the document camera is simply a digital version of the overhead projector, but in fact it can be much more than that. Not all document cameras are created equal. (more…)