Being able to project multiple devices without having to plug them into the projector is a game changer in the classroom! Direct instruction is important, and student engagement is always higher when every student gets to interact with the lesson (Click here to read Who Needs Smartboards When the Whole Class is Engaged?). If you have your teacher computer hooked up to the projector, AirServer allows you to wirelessly project multiple iPads, chromebooks, or computers onto your computer screen, which is projected on the board. That means that you could have 5 different groups solving a math problem on an iPad, and all 5 groups could project their iPad at once to share their answer. Or students publishing a story on book creator using a computer (yes–book creator can be used on the computer now!) could share what they have so far with the class by projecting wirelessly and quickly. The possibilities are endless and very convenient. This is a must have!
It's time to go wireless! Are you tired of having a tangle of wires everywhere? Do you ever go outside on a beautiful day, but you need sound? Wireless speakers are easy to set up and use. You can place the speaker in the most convenient place in your room (or outside!) no matter where your computer, phone, or iPad is. If you are using a wireless projector, it gives you even more freedom when presenting to the class. Amazon has an inexpensive option that you can also use in the summer time to play tunes at the pool!
It's time to go wireless! Are you tired of having a tangle of wires everywhere? Do you ever go outside on a beautiful day, but you need sound? Wireless speakers are easy to set up and use. You can place the speaker in the most convenient place in your room (or outside!) no matter where your computer, phone, or iPad is. If you are using a wireless projector, it gives you even more freedom when presenting to the class. Amazon has an inexpensive option that you can also use in the summer time to play tunes at the pool!
I hate buying new headphones every year. Kids are hard on things–that's a fact. Unfortunately, headphones are one of those things in which you have to spend money to save money. Whenever I have tried buying headphones for under $10 each, they have never lasted more than one year–if that. The only headphones I've ever used that have lasted 3 - 5 years are these from ACP Direct:
I hate buying new headphones every year. Kids are hard on things–that's a fact. Unfortunately, headphones are one of those things in which you have to spend money to save money. Whenever I have tried buying headphones for under $10 each, they have never lasted more than one year–if that. The only headphones I've ever used that have lasted 3 - 5 years are these from ACP Direct:
Califone 2924AVPS Deluxe Stereo Headphones $16.95
Back in the day, I had a listening center that students used with a radio that could play cassette tapes and CDs. Anyone remember that? Listening to stories is still a great way for students to hear fluent reading and comprehend stories, so it's time to upgrade that old listening center! You can use an iPad or computer with an audio jack or splitter so that 6 - 8 students can listen on the same device. Overdrive (used by libraries) and audible have many options for professional audio books. You can also download options such as Dr. Seuss Videos with QR codes, St. Patrick's Day Videos with QR codes, and Spring/Easter Read Alouds with QR codes to use at a listening center. Students just use an iPad to scan the QR code and listen. You can also use Thoughtful Log Entries: Making Thinking Visible to have students respond to the stories that they listen to at the listening station. I have used the two splitter options above to make a listening station and they both work. The Belkin RockStar 5-Jack Multi Headphone Audio Splitter is a little more awkward when everyone is plugged in, but it's not a deal breaker. The Labsonic 8 position 3.5mm Stereo Jack Box works best if your listening station is sitting on a desk.
Back in the day, I had a listening center that students used with a radio that could play cassette tapes and CDs. Anyone remember that? Listening to stories is still a great way for students to hear fluent reading and comprehend stories, so it's time to upgrade that old listening center! You can use an iPad or computer with an audio jack or splitter so that 6 - 8 students can listen on the same device. Overdrive (used by libraries) and audible have many options for professional audio books. You can also download options such as Dr. Seuss Videos with QR codes, St. Patrick's Day Videos with QR codes, and Spring/Easter Read Alouds with QR codes to use at a listening center. Students just use an iPad to scan the QR code and listen. You can also use Thoughtful Log Entries: Making Thinking Visible to have students respond to the stories that they listen to at the listening station. I have used the two splitter options above to make a listening station and they both work. The Belkin RockStar 5-Jack Multi Headphone Audio Splitter is a little more awkward when everyone is plugged in, but it's not a deal breaker. The Labsonic 8 position 3.5mm Stereo Jack Box works best if your listening station is sitting on a desk.
Labsonic 8 Position 3.5mm Stereo Jack Box $16.95
With more technology comes more cords because . . . you have to plug it all in. Most of the time the outlets in the wall aren't enough to charge everything. I can assure you that not all surge protectors are created equally. I was using the power strips that our school already had (probably from the 1970s), and it kept popping the breaker. It can also be awkward to get everything plugged into power strips that aren't made well. Sometimes the direction of the plug and the amount of room that some plugs need covers two holes, and if the power strip isn't stable enough, it won't lay flat when a lot of cords are plugged into it. The Belkin 12-Outlet Pivot-Plug Power Strip Surge Protector is perfect for plugging in a bunch of cords. It's very stable and the pivoting plugs let you plug in any cord. I know it seems like a small thing, but nobody wants to wrestle with a bunch of unruly cords at the end of a long day. It is worth investing in some nicer surge protectors to protect your devices and make your charging system more efficient. The SHARKK Aluminum Surge Protector with 4 USB Smart Rapid Charge Ports is the one I keep on my desk. The best part is the smart USB ports. You can plug in an iPad, iPhone, or iPad mini, and it automatically detects how much power your device needs so it doesn't overcharge or under charge your devices. I think it's worth investing in both surge protectors!
With more technology comes more cords because . . . you have to plug it all in. Most of the time the outlets in the wall aren't enough to charge everything. I can assure you that not all surge protectors are created equally. I was using the power strips that our school already had (probably from the 1970s), and it kept popping the breaker. It can also be awkward to get everything plugged into power strips that aren't made well. Sometimes the direction of the plug and the amount of room that some plugs need covers two holes, and if the power strip isn't stable enough, it won't lay flat when a lot of cords are plugged into it. The Belkin 12-Outlet Pivot-Plug Power Strip Surge Protector is perfect for plugging in a bunch of cords. It's very stable and the pivoting plugs let you plug in any cord. I know it seems like a small thing, but nobody wants to wrestle with a bunch of unruly cords at the end of a long day. It is worth investing in some nicer surge protectors to protect your devices and make your charging system more efficient. The SHARKK Aluminum Surge Protector with 4 USB Smart Rapid Charge Ports is the one I keep on my desk. The best part is the smart USB ports. You can plug in an iPad, iPhone, or iPad mini, and it automatically detects how much power your device needs so it doesn't overcharge or under charge your devices. I think it's worth investing in both surge protectors!
SHARKK Aluminum Surge Protector 4 Port USB Outlet Extender Power Strip for Home Office Power Strips with 4 USB Smart Rapid Charger Charge Ports and 5 Foot Cord
What gadgets make your classroom more efficient?
This post contains affiliate links for your convenience, and at no cost to you.
What gadgets make your classroom more efficient?
This post contains affiliate links for your convenience, and at no cost to you.
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