Ultra Thin Smarty Complete
Quite possibly the best case for the iPad 2 at such a fantastic price. For $40 (or under based on quantity ordered) this case has a hard shell which covers each corner. A slim, snug fit. An attached smart cover with the auto lock/unlock feature compatibility. The case also folds to provide two different types of stands (one shown). It comes in a variety colors (red, blue, green, white, black, and grey.) We are planning on having each of our carts utilize a different color of case to make sure that iPads do not get mixed up. Currently, we have grey, white, and black cases. Hoping to get the blue and green very soon! We ordered these through ipadcasefinder.com.
Bretford Powersync Cart
We currently have 4 Bretford Powersync Carts in our building. We initially purchased these carts before the IOS 5 update to ensure we could sync all at once. The iCloud has changed the need for the sync feature a bit, but I still find it helpful to sync the ipads via the cart every few weeks. These carts can store 30 ipads and a laptop or macbook. ***On a side note....we feel a macbook is essential if planning on syncing ipads to a single computer**** The cart itself is extremely durable and comes with everything necessary to protect your iPad investment. Expensive, but well worth it!
***With the limited storage on iCloud, these carts remain essential to the syncing process. Check out the news section for more info on iCloud issues with multiple iPads.
***With the limited storage on iCloud, these carts remain essential to the syncing process. Check out the news section for more info on iCloud issues with multiple iPads.
Sony Zx Series Headphones
Our students love these headphones! We actually ordered them through Best Buy for Business at $15 a set!!! That is about half of what I was finding in supplier magazines. To be fair, these are not "studio quality", but for elementary students, they provide great sound while eliminating distractions. They fit everyone from the smallest Kindergarten students to the adults in our building. I was pretty shocked as to how durable they are also. Our students tend to be rough on things and the worst thing we have had happen to a pair of these is the ear pad falling off (which can be easily put back on). Fantastic find and our account rep from Best Buy was awesome!
Samson Zoom Q3HD
There are so many choices when it comes to digital cameras and camcorders! I spent a few weeks researching different brands and units. I finally settled in and decided on the Samson Zoom Q3HD pocket camcorder. We were looking for a pocket, "point and shoot" type camcorder with good video and above average audio. We use these to film student presentations, teacher lessons, professional developments, etc. There is nothing worse than recording and not being able to hear what was being said. The microphones on the top of the camera pick up great sound from anywhere in an enclosed room. However as the room gets larger it does get a bit more difficult to pick up smaller sounds (to be expected). It does have a microphone attachment just in case. The unit runs on 2 "AA" batteries. It can burn through batteries pretty quick, which can be a drawback. Overall, a great camera. Check out the video links on the website...all shot using the Q3HD.
Ebeam Interactive Whiteboard Devices
I was first introduced to Ebeam devices in Philadelphia, PA last year the the ISTE Conference. I have been using a Mimio Interactive setup for the past 6 years and couldn't imagine what my teaching would be like without it. When I saw this unit, I was immediately drawn to it due to the similarities with the Mimio. We currently have 3 Edge units (smaller on the left), and 3 Engage units (larger on right). The main difference being the Engage has a JBL speaker on top as well as an nifty little touchpad QWERTY keyboard so you don't have to be at your computer to enter text. It is a great product if you currently have whiteboards and want to convert them to interactive without purchasing a smartboard or promethean setup. I only wish these devices connected to my computer wirelessly!
Lightspeed REDCAT - Classroom Audio
Education City
Just getting this web based program up and running. Check back to see an update.
CrossTec Schoolvue
Want complete control of the computers in your lab? Take a look at Schoolvue! This program allows the host computer to control nearly every aspect of the student workstation. The administrator can monitor use, co-browse, push assignments/video, adjust or mute volume, or lock out the students all from the host station. Those are just some of the basic features. This program has drastically cut down on some of the mischief that our students tend to get in when released with a piece of technology in hand. I'm learning something new each day about Schoolvue.