-
Floppy Disks
At the time, floppy disks were the means to saving information and were also used for software installation. -
I-Mac Computer
In my first classroom, I had only 1 computer that was an iMAC. I detested this computer. I had never worked with MAC before and ever since this time, I won't even think about purchasing one for my own use. Thank goodness the other schools I taught at have had PCs. -
Copy Machine
Paper Jam! Love them when they work... hate them when they don't! Copies make life easier for a teacher and we use them daily! -
PC in classroom
When I transferred schools, I had one PC for teacher usage and 5 in my classroom for student usage. I was able to install educational software for the students and they were also able to type essays, etc. -
TV/VHS player
Once useful is now obsolete in the classroom. Now that we have projectors, we can show videos on a whim using the internet! -
Overhead Projector
I do not miss these cumbersome gadgets and ink covered hands from the markers! Even though they were useful back in the day, they are dinosaurs now. -
Software CD for educational game installation
Using technology in the classroom makes learning fun. By installing software that supports what is being learned in the classroom was so helpful. However now, most educational software are APPS or website based. -
AIMSweb
AIMS web is a website that allows teachers to first assess all students during 3 Benchmark periods throughout the year. It also allows teachers to track progress monitoring each week or month. Excellent website for all reading, language, and math teacher. -
Smartboard
I have had a Smartboard in my classroom for two different time periods. The first was from 2010-2014 and then 2015-2017. -
ELMO
I have had an ELMO in my classroom for many years. I think this is the BEST piece of technology in the classroom as well as the most important. The ELMO makes information easy to see for all students... and you are not blocking the view. -
Laptop
A laptop is vital when using an ELMO or Smartboard. This allows students to use the Smartboard even when you are using your teacher desktop for other reasons. -
Projector
Without a projector, an ELMO, Smartboard, or student responders are useless. I have had a projector in my classroom for many years, however at my school now, they are mounted on the ceiling which makes it even more useful and out of the way! -
Discovery Online Assessments
I really liked when the students took these formative assessments. Teachers received specific information/data back that was useful; especially for small flexible group instruction. In addition, there were a multitude of other things a teacher could do: make activities to use in classroom to work on a particular standard, videos, etc. I was very sad when the district decided to cancel this when we started the SBAC. Funding runs everything! -
Student Responders
I used student responders for a span of 3 years. I wish that I could still use them, but the ones at my current school are not in the best shape. -
PC in Classroom
In my current classroom, I have only 1 PC computer for teacher/student usage. -
Class Messenger APP
Staying connected to my classroom parents is vital. Being able to send out notices, reminders, etc. in a mass message has been fabulous! Parents are able to also "text" me questions which I can reply back to instantly! One App I can't live without in my day to day teaching! -
SBAC
Even though teacher's groan about SBAC, there are pros and cons. It is great that these assessments are online, however this website is not user friendly for the students while they are taking these overly lengthy assessments... especially the reading section. -
Promethean Board
I used a Promethean Board for a very short time. In a portable, it was too cumbersome since it was on wheels. -
EBeam
I had an EBeam in my classroom for one year while in a portable. I took an all day training on it and couldn't wait to use it in my classroom. However, I was very disappointed. The EBeam and pen did not always work and having to calibrate constantly resulted in a non-conducive classroom environment. I feel that if my projector was mounted, it would have prevented a lot of problems. Consequently, the projector was on an unstable portable floor and was jostled by the students. -
Google Chromebooks
These machines are so helpful in the classroom. Even though I only have 5, they take up less space than the traditional desktops. In addition, they are very inexpensive so schools can purchase them more easily than desktops or laptops. Well worth every penny! -
Google Docs/Google Classroom
Google Classroom is my world now. Assignments can be sent to all students and then students complete using a Google Doc, Slide, etc. Grading is simple too! I love being able to send students back comments and students can also revise if needed. -
Book Retriever
This APP has changed the classroom library check out in my classroom. I have almost 1,000 books in my class library. For 16 years, I lost books in the droves, which can become costly since all books are purchased with personal money. However, last year, I was able to scan all my books in and the students learned how to check out and check in books! Last year was the first year that ALL my books were returned! Money saver! -
I-Ready Online Program
My school adopted the I-Ready math program. All teacher/student materials are easily accessed on the website. In addition, there is a component in which the students are benchmarked assessed using this online program 3 times per year. In 2017, our school purchased an additional component for the students to complete online instruction on their level; thus allowing differentiation. My school is looking into purchasing the Reading component from this company.
