Monday, November 19, 2007

Blog #11-non-computer-based tech

A non-computer based tech that i feel can be important in the classroom and used in various ways is an overhead projector. If schools do not have a lot of money or cannot afford computers they can always settle for an overhead projector. These projectors can be used for all subjects and can show the students things such as graphs, how to work out a problem, stories, pictures, etc. Furthermore, overhead projectors can be used to engage the students in the activity or lesson plan that is being taught! Students are able to use a certain kind of marker in order to write on an overhead slide. These markers are erasable so if the student makes a mistake it can be easily fixed. In addition, teachers can created lesson plans that incorporate overhead slides. For example, the teacher can read the class a story and then separate them into small groups and have them collaborate and decide what the plot, theme, etc. is of the story. After they figure out their final answer they can write them on the overhead slide and present it to the class as a group by showing it on the big screen. I think this is a great way to get students involved and using non-computer based technology. The projector slides are very inexpensive and can be reused, which saves a lot of money. Overall, I feel that most teachers, if not all should have an overhead projector in their classroom or school. An overhead projector is an excellent way to get students excited about learning and more involved in the activity or lesson!

1 comment:

KTW said...

I have to agree with you, I think that an overhead projector is a great resource for the classroom. They are becoming cheaper, and I know a lot of elementary teachers that are still using them. In my own experience, I observed students getting very excited when using an overhead, especially if they got to write the answer on the overhead sheet. This is a great way to go over homework, or discuss things as a whole class.