Emerging Technology: Batteries

With technology becoming more and more prevalent comes the need for improvement and refinement. Technology like cell phones and laptops require batteries to function, and the the demand for these devices has shifted to items of smaller and more convenient sizes. But as these things become more compact, the batteries that allow them to operate also need to become more compact. So even though battery technology hasn't changed much, the technology it supports has, and it is beginning to gain attention. Scientists are making batteries that are more compact, last longer, recharge better, and function better altogether.

Since laptops are becoming more and more popular, they are appearing more in schools and classrooms. With increased battery life and functionality, they could become even more popular. It is such a disappointment to show up to class with your laptop, only to have it die halfway through class. But it's such a chore to bring the charger along, try to find an outlet to sit near, and plugging it in. Having it plugged in just limits the portability, and you may as well just use a desktop computer. So making a battery more suitable for portable computers will definitely increase the use of computers in the classroom. Students will have more access to what they need and be able to use it for the amount of time they need to. The following website is an article about a battery supposed to have a really long battery life: http://www.crunchgear.com/2010/02/04/new-technology-extends-lithium-ion-battery-life/
Computers are one of the many forms of technology that are constantly becoming more common and widespread, and with an increased battery life, would likely gain even more popularity. I know for me it would be way easier to be able to just grab my laptop before class, and not have to remember to grab the charger in case it dies in the middle of my taking notes. It is an upgrade that would be very useful.

Assistive Technology: Screen Readers

With so many students having disabilities in classrooms, it can sometimes become a big challenge to accommodate and keep everyone at the same pace. One of the many challenges that may be presented is blindness. Screen readers are necessary for those who are blind, reading everything on the screen to the user. This would be a great tool to use in the classroom for those who are blind. It allows the user to know what is on the screen, like text, graphics, and menus, which enables them to operate and use a computer. For many blind people, using a computer is such a challenge and nearly impossible. But with the use of a screen reader, they are able to operate and utilize computers, which they would otherwise not be able to do.

Youtube Annotated Playlist

I put together this playlist, which introduces students to grammar. the videos cover verbs, adjectives, and nouns. The playlist can be viewed at: http://www.youtube.com/kaylacarlson9#p/c/2230209D19ECC791/0/7CWlvlkXdPc. While or after watching, write down five examples of each of these parts of speech. Pay attention to what they are and how they function, as this will help in understanding them.

Photo Story

Photo Story is a tool that can be put to great use in the classroom. It allows users to use pictures to "tell a story" to the viewers, which could include anything from introducing a lesson to demonstrating how to do something. The one I created is for one of my favorite science experiment, testing whether or not a cardboard "boat" will move in water when dishsoap is placed into it. Photo Story allows the user to add effects, narration, background music, and transitions to digital photos. It provides a great visual for students to see, which is more engaging than just giving instructions either outloud or on paper. It is a fun, interactive way to introduce students to something, and is quick and easy to use.

Educational Podcast

When it comes to the classroom, technology is being incorporated more and more every day. With more types of technology becoming available come more opportunities for teachers to incorporate it into learning. Podcasts are a growing trend, easily accessible to either listen to or download from the Internet, and can be a great tool for teachers, students, and parents. For example, I found a podcast about grammar, at http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/default.aspx. It is great for students, providing useful information in a short amount of time. The information covered in this podcast was stated clearly and although geared more toward the elementary levels, it could be beneficial to all age groups. It covered what was essential to understanding, and did not go on unnecessarily. This means students can optimize where their time is spent. Teachers could use this for students to listen to when they are confused on the material, or as homework to better understand the next day's lesson. It is easily accessible, easy to understand, and is short and to the point.