This is an update to my low end stab at furnishing my classroom with devices for student use (see other post here – Low end tech: a solution?).
Along with several old laptops I have been utilizing some DOPO Android tablets that have served very well. I was able to restore one device that was out of commision and that enabled me to utilize 8 of these tablets for a few months. After a tragic drop of one of the devices a couple of weeks ago (an accident), I was back to 7 DOPO tablets. Walmart had a good deal on these devices (upgraded versions for $39.99 each); so, I used some birthday money to order 5 more. These devices have been stellar in meeting the needs of my students. I have added cases for each and that has been a good investment in protecting the devices from day to day wear and tear.
I have had to adjust some of the tutorials (QUIA and ExamView activities – see weekly Agendas) that I create on a regular basis in order to bypass the lack of Flash availability on the Android devices. The old laptops are holding up well, and Ubuntu has been a refreshing answer to the old Windows machines. The Macs run well with OS 10.4+ and meet the needs of everything that is required for learning. The Android devices, particularly the DOPO tablets, in addition to students being able to use their own phones and a few other devices via a BYOD network is allowing access for all students on a daily basis.
I have set up a separate Gmail account to manage the Android devices that I will begin using once the new tablets arrive this week. I load each droid with the minimal browser and a few apps that enhance the classroom experience. Power management is achieved via several power strips, and I am looking for an improved storage system, but we are making do with what we have. Each of my students have a Google account via the school district that they can utilize as needed; so, my students are equipped with all the tools they need to be productive and to create on a regular basis (See our recent infographics projects).
The better solution would be if I didn’t have to pay for and support it all myself, but I have found a way for my students to be engaged, to learn, to remediate, and to be enriched on a regular basis. If you are looking for a low cost device that is sturdy, reliable, and engaging I highly recommend DOPO tablets as a positive addition to your learning environment.
Having students create an infographic is a great way for them to gather and organize data and information that they can display visually. The following article shows ways to create infographics using PowerPoint.
With the centennial of World War I there are several online resources and articles that can assist educators and students in teaching and learning about a very pivotal time in history. The following are links to several resources I have been collecting and creating as of late…
H I T - Hokanson's Instructional Technology 