Walk into a Electrical goods store that sells Tablet PCs and get them to sell you one. Not just walk in and buy one, make them work for the sale. They'll tell you all about the new technologies, tough as nails screens, what wireless networks they can access, the range of apps, screen size, CPU speed, how much memory it has....
Almost none of them will tell you "and lookie here, it's even a camera!".
As teachers being bombarded by manufacturers, sellers and "latest teaching practice" regarding the newest technologies, it's all too easy to forget that the most basic functions can be invaluable classroom tools. Just to show how much we can forget this sort of thing I'll bring back a video I used a while ago:
Even the top end designers have stopped, taken a breath and decided that the best way to move forward is to jump into a time machine and take a huge step backwards. Make it work like a normal old everyday whiteboard or chalkboard! Pens for different colours. An eraser to erase with. Being able to erase a mistake with the side of your hand!
Basic functionality is a really big deal. Even with the rapid pace that technology is advancing the designers of these technologies never forget this and neither should you!
So, as I said above, the iPad is a camera too! Even if you have access to the most powerful iPad and the latest and most effective apps on offer it's a good thing to remember that even the most basic model still has a camera!
For most of that you don't even need to be connected to the school's network or use up your mobile internet!
Regards,
Mel.
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