Chapter 12 – Instructional Hardware

Educational (instructional) technology hardware can vary from innovative machines like 3D printers to school staples such as monitors, laptops, and desktop computers.

Instructional Hardware

• Data Projectors

• Doc Cams

• Interactive Whiteboard

• Smart TV

• Bluetooth projection

• Wireless

Data Projectors

A data projector is a device that projects computer output onto a white or silver fabric screen that is on a wall, ceiling or tripod mounted.

Projectors have many uses in the classroom. They allow you to show videos, slides and PowerPoints on a large screen. Paired with the right software, projectors can make any board a smartboard. Data projectors can vary from inexpensive and simple to high-tech multimedia projectors.

• Tech Primer: Document Cameras by Scholastic – Learn how to use a doc cam to teach math, science, language arts, and more.
• 8 Best Classroom Projectors for Lively Presentations by My Tech Classroom – Find unique ways to use a classroom projector in your class!
• The Best Projectors of 2021: 10 Projectors to Consider for School and Classroom Use by Matthew Lynch
• Review: ViewSonic PS501X Casts Big Presentations for Small Spaces by John Breeden II

Doc Cams

A document camera is essentially a modern version of the old overhead projector systems. Today’s models work alongside your laptop and projector to make sharing with your students simple. Many doc cams can operate remotely, which means the teacher is available to move around the classroom while teaching. Other options include the doc cam operating as a document scanner and a webcam.

• Reading: this article from Scholastic to see how teachers are falling in love with doc cams! Scholastic gives ideas to use doc cams to teach math, science, language arts, and more from grades PreK – 12.

Interactive Whiteboard

Interactive whiteboards allow you to control your computer from the front of the room and annotate directly on the board. They require three components: a computer, an interactive whiteboard, and a data projector. The following link directs you to a video developed by Smarttech.

Smarttech also has a variety of videos posted on their YouTube channel.

There are a variety of companies that sell interactive whiteboards. Below are a few other types of popular interactive whiteboards:

• Promethean
• Vibe Collaboration Smart Whiteboard

Smart TV

Basically, a Smart TV functions the same as a tablet. The main difference between the two is that a smart tv is perfect for teaching a group of students in the class. The interaction will be present all the time.

Chromecast

Chromecast is another option to duplicate your screen to the class. You can Chromecast from an Android Phone, PC, or an iPhone. An iPhone will not allow you to mirror the screen while casting.

Bluetooth Projection

While many instructors run classroom presentations through a laptop, many more have a teaching tool available and do not even know it. Smartphones and tablets are increasingly being used in the classroom as a way to conveniently project and run presentations. Some modern Projectors are equipped with bidirectional Bluetooth technology, which allows the projector to connect to any Bluetooth device and function as a speaker.

Wireless

WiFi Projectors are also available on the market today. This is a great option for student presentations. Instead of needing to connect their computers manually, they can simply connect to the WiFi network. Epson wireless projectors can quickly and easily share content wirelessly from your laptop and mobile device. The video shows how easy it is to connect!

Clickers

Interactive remotes (i.e., “clickers”) have become an instructional technology tool used around the country from the Kindergarten to the College level. The CPU (Classroom Performance System) was the first interactive remote system developed and worked by using software installed on a computer with interactive remotes, students can engage in questions and activities that the teacher intitiates. Today, most companies also offer response software that can be used on laptop computers and mobile devices, including smartphones. Clickers are sometimes referred to as instant response systems (IRS). Below are links to popular clickers used in the classroom today:

• Read this blog from TopHat, Clickers: The Ultimate Guide