Classroom technologies – Connections 2009

Prehistoric learning:

Sitting around a campfire talking. – telling a story – (share new discovery - catching fish with an arrow and a line)

Demonstrate something – (how to attach an arrowhead and a line)

Drawing in the dirt with a stick. – (show the path to the best fishing spot.)

Limitations:

a) You must be close enough to see and hear.

b) You must be present at the time.

Technological solutions:

a) Talk louder. Use a megaphone. Invent sound reinforcement tools like microphones and speaker systems.

a) Draw bigger. Put the dirt on the wall (chalkboard). Invent various kinds of projectors (overhead, television, document camera, LCD).

b) invent systems to record the instruction. Writing, drawing, photography, film, video, computer software, the web. (asynchronous learning)

b) invent systems to connect people across distances. Telegraph, telephone, radio, TV, videoconference, webconference. (synchronous learning)

What tools do we commonly find in classrooms?

(and what problems do they solve?)

•    Chalkboard (or whiteboard)

•    Flip chart / bulletin board

•    Books, photocopied handouts

•    Overhead projector – requires specially prepared materials.

•    TV - to play recorded instruction from VHS/DVD (or live if you have cable or satellite), TV connected to camera to demonstrate something too small to see.

•    Document camera to LCD projector does the same job as TV/Camera or overhead – connect thru VGA for best image.  (can also connect to TV thru composite or S-video)

•    Connect video camera directly to LCD projector

•    LCD projector replaces TV screen – provides better image for computer screen – connect through VGA (or DVI, or HDMI)

•    Connect iPod to LCD projector

•    LCD display (vs. projector) - discussion of aspect ratios?

What about sound?

•    Live sound reinforcement – microphone and speaker system

o    Various types of microphones – handheld, lavalier, headset, omni/cardioid patterns, dynamic/condensor (batteries or not)

o    XLR mic connector (sometimes ¼” connector)

o    Mic level inputs / line level inputs

o    Can use a mixer to patch into room system

o    Avoid feedback by not letting sound of speakers get into microphone.

•    Amplifying sound from various devices

o    TV, LCD projector have built in speakers. Not always loud enough

o    Separate sound system (installed or portable)

o    Usually take signal from headphone jack (computer, portable stereo, iPod) or RCA line out (VCR, mixer) – may need adapters

o    Common line level connectors:

•    stereo 3.5mm (headphone jack)

•    RCA plugs

•    ¼” – usually mono

•    Computer audio

o    USB speakers

o    USB speakerphone for webconference

•    Conference telephone