Cool gadgets reviewed by teachers like you.BEST FOR LISTENING AND MOUSING JUNGLE STYLE Califone's Listening First Stereo Headphones Head-mounted speakers. Headphones have a strap that rests on top of the head, positioning a pair of speakers over both ears. For listening to music or monitoring live performances and audio tracks, both left and right channels are required. come in animal themes sure to inspire wild little learners. "The adorable a·dor·a·ble adj. 1. Delightful, lovable, and charming: an adorable set of twins. 2. Worthy of adoration. designs are perfect for motivating kids," says our teacher tester. "Plus, the plastic ear cups hold up to daily classroom use." www.califone.com; $14. Product No. 70 BEST FOR THE MOBILE EDUCATOR The new E-475M notebook computer A laptop computer that weighs in a range from five to seven pounds. The term originated when laptops were routinely more than 10 pounds, and those that became lighter were placed in a special "notebook" category. In practice, notebook computer and laptop computer are synonymous. offers a 15.4-inch wide-screen display and more than 10 hours of battery life. "This laptop is extremely fast," our tester says. "I ran multiple applications without delay." www.gateway.com; $1,299. Product No. 71 BEST FOR ASSESSMENT ON THE GO The updated Indigo Learning System handheld device works like a computer lab on the fly and is also simple for students for use. "Students were using the Indigo devices efficiently the very first day!" says one tester. www.learningsoft.net; $2,695 for a six-unit classroom set. Product No. 72 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] BEST FIRST KEYBOARD The KinderBoard is the perfect first keyboard for little ones young children. See also: Little , with large, one-inch-square keys and easy-to-read numbers and letters. "The oversized o·ver·size n. 1. A size that is larger than usual. 2. An oversize article or object. adj. o·ver·size also o·ver·sized Larger in size than usual or necessary. keys really help kids with limited keyboard experience," says one of our testers. "And the color-coded keys help kids learn the alphabet." www.chestercreektech.com; $79. Product No. 73* [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] BEST FOR DIFFERENTIATED INSTRUCTION Differentiated instruction (sometimes referred to as differentiated learning) is a way of thinking about teaching and learning. It involves teachers using a variety of instructional strategies that address diverse student learning needs. The Writer Fusion portable keyboard Either a very small keyboard or a full-size keyboard that can be folded into a small unit for travel. Portable keyboards are available for PDAs and other handhelds as well as laptops. See virtual keyboard. is a great tool for kids of all abilities. The keyboard features spell-check, writing prompts, and a large graphic display for easy viewing. "The adjustable font size and text-to-speech option are perfect for low-vision students," says our tester. www.writerlearning.com; $299. Product No. 74 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] BEST FOR INTRODUCING COMPUTERS The Fisher-Price Fun 2 Learn Laughtop is just for kids. Young students discover letters and phonics, play games, and explore cool mazes. "This cute laptop is a great way to introduce young students to computers," our tester says. "Kids really loved the music, animation, and light-up screen--as well as the fun surprise activities." www.fisherprice.com; $30. Product No. 75 |
|
||||||||||||||||
Printer friendly
Cite/link
Email
Feedback
Reader Opinion