School Videos - A Low Cost Part of Your Classroom Technology

Helping students become technologically adept isEducation - There are many free
necessary if we are to prepare them to bevideo-conferencing sites available today so you
thinkers in the twenty-first century. Criticalcan literally (and safely) open your classroom to
thinking and problem solving have always beenthe world.
necessary life-skills but to be competitive inIdeas for Computers with NO Interneto Word
today's marketplace, creativity and innovation,Documents as a White Board - Make taking class
such as that required for producing multimedianotes a collaborative activity.o Educational
presentations, is also required.Podcasts - A great resource for those who are
When most people talk about educationalprimarily auditory learners. No Internet access?
technology, they are referring to bringingDownload the podcast at home and burn it on to
computers into the classroom and using thea CD for classroom use.o Creating Podcasts -
Internet as a primary tool for instruction.This is easily accomplished with the computer and
However, in school districts where funds arerecording microphones.o Digital Movie and Montage
lacking or where the tools are cost prohibitive orMaking - Creating multimedia sound and visual
where Internet access is purposely limited, wepresentations is no longer reserved for techies
should not forget about the old tried-and-trueand filmmakers; they cut can be created easily
technologies such as school videos.with resident computer software, even without a
Here are some low cost alternatives fordigital camera.
incorporating technology in the classroom usingIdeas for Classrooms with NO Computer
both new and more traditional technologies, suchEducational School Videos remain a viable and
as DVDs and school videos.VERY low cost way to integrate relevant,
Ideas for Computers with Interneto Making aeducational content into lessons that engage the
Class Website - Many online companies that allowstudents and enhance their visual literacy. Even in
you to easily construct a website for free. All youthis information age, most school libraries still
need to do is click and drag.o Online Learningretain a collection of VHS tapes and many also
Environment - Alternatives to class websites arehave DVDs. Don't forget they are there.
online class management services. These sites,If you DO have a computer in the classroom, it
for a small fee, allow teachers to assemble andcan be used to show the school videos that are
share content with their students via theDVD-based, thereby also providing needed skills
Internet.o Video Conferencing and Multi-Culturalon operating the computer.