Classroom+Technology

smartboard $929.99 i>clicker 2 ($43.99) x 25 = $1099.75

The smart board allows a variety of teaching tools and methods to be used, but most notably introduces a greater level of classroom interaction. Engaged students learn better, and creating fun activities and exercises for subjects like grammar is one of the best ways to get students to learn and retain that knowledge. In the same way, the i>clicker 2 gives each student their own remote (remotes can be numbered so that each student knows which one is theirs and left in the classroom instead of being taken home) and allows them the ability to answer questions and participate in flash quizzes.

[|WordPerfect Office X5] $109.99 x 6(5 classroom computers + 1 teacher's computer) = **$659.94**
 * [|ComicLife]** $28 x 5 = **$140**

In our classroom I expect full utilization of our 5 classroom computers. Thus I found a couple useful and fun programs that can upgrade our computers to run smoothly for our students. Alternating 5 different students every other day whether after a lesson or whenever time is suitable could be efficient. Students can jump on the computers to focus on their essays using WordPerfect Office or use the Comic Life program. With WordPerfect Office a teacher can use the “review” function to input comments and analysis, highlighting line by line, on each students work. Additionally, you can follow how students respond to such constructive criticism and see how they have improved their work from it. Great tool in aiding students written work. In addition, Comic Life is another program that can be featured in our budget. Comic Life is a software program that allows students to make a fictional, comic book like dialogue between the author or characters and themselves, encouraging creative and critical thinking along side a better understanding of the text. Students can use their technological habits in a positive way in the classroom and have fun while doing it. - Zack Zaccardi

After knowing which textbook is offered to our classroom, we can purchase either a completely online version or supplemental products. I will be using McGraw-Hill as a reference point.
 * 2)** Online Texbook - **Rowen Divine**

There are many advantages to having an online textbook. Medical studies have shown that children in the upcoming generations suffer from more spinal strain than previous generations; this has a lot to do with textbooks. Usually these problems start to affect students after their first year in middle school, so around the 6th grade. When students are constantly carrying 20 pounds of books to and from and around school all day, the strain on their backs is immense. By offering an online textbook, we are eliminating some of that weight and strain. If all teachers offered this for all classes that strain could be almost completely eliminated. Also,many schools don't allow students to take their textbooks home. This eliminates the problem of strain on the back, but it also creates a new problem. The students don't have any text to reference once they are home. Students may need to reference their book for homework, studying, projects, etc.
 * When we purchase the online version of the textbook, each student would have access information to log into their online textbook.
 * They would be able to access their book from wherever they are (Mom's house, Dad's house, Grandma's house, the library, etc.) Students wouldn't have to worry about where their textbook was left, or how they were going to get it for homework or school the next morning.
 * Online text would also help schools with loss prevention. Every year students are issued textbooks, and every year there are textbooks that are never returned. Textbooks are left on the bus, under beds, on vacation, etc. Textbooks are constantly being lost and having to be replaced. With an online textbook, hard copies won't need to be issued, therefore they cannot be lost. This will save money in the long run.
 * In an online textbook students are able to highlight, copy and paste, type notes, and many more functions not permitted in hard copies of the book. This allows each student to study in a way most effective for them.

The cost for one online Student Edition is **$61.59**. If we multiply this by 25 (one for each student in the class) it would come to **$1539.75**. We would also need to purchase one Teacher's Edition, which costs **$266.10**. After we have the online textbooks and if funds allow, we can purchase some supplemental resources, which would cost about **$490**. McGraw-Hill Pricing and Info

3) __4 Dell Inspiron computers with monitors.__ (Desktops at $359.99 each + Monitors at 109.99 each) x 3 = $1409.94
[|Best Buy Price of Desktop] [|Best Buy Price of Monitor] More computers, especially up to date models, in the classroom would be greatly beneficial to students for research during projects. Having 8 computers instead of five would give students more time on the computer if they were asked to use it during class in rotating groups. The computers would also run faster giving students more time for use.

--Alanna Wagy