Technology Equipment List For Facilitating Student Learning

The availability of technology equipment, from computers to two-way videoconferencing devices, is one prerequisite for facilitating student learning. Other necessary ingredients include curriculum integration and professional development.

SIS maintains an equipment loan pool to facilitate experimentation and innovation in teaching and learning. To reserve equipment, contact your ATS. Anyone teaching in programs administered by Introductory Studies (COLLEGE, ITALIC) can access the pool.

Multimedia Computers

Multimedia computer systems are computers that come equipped with hardware and software that allows users to work with multimedia files. Unlike early home computers that offered only text and graphics, these newer computers are optimized for multimedia performance, often having larger hard drives with more memory to hold large media file sizes and faster central processing units (CPUs) that help speed editing and displaying. Multimedia computers also have special graphic cards that support the storing and display of graphics, animation, video and sound.

Multimedia is any type of visual representation that combines audio, images and full-motion video with text information. The information in multimedia is typically more enjoyable than written text, and can provide a richer experience for the user. For example, a thesaurus in multimedia format could include audio recordings of famous speeches alongside their transcriptions.

Multimedia computer systems are a growing area of technology. They offer the potential to greatly increase the communication power of media materials, and they may even replace traditional print media in many areas of education and entertainment. However, significant issues related to system incompatibility and standardization must be resolved before libraries can start offering multimedia information to their end-users in a way that is comparable to the photocopy machine. Until this happens, it is likely that libraries will have to continue to provide read-only versions of multimedia materials in their facilities.

Graphing Calculators

Graphing calculators are essential tools for advanced math classes, and a must for any student planning to pursue a career in science or math. While many teachers are switching to apps that are available for free on smartphones and tablets, physical graphing calculators can also help students master complex problems, especially if they’re taking long exams in college. Depending on the level of difficulty of your course, you may need a graphing calculator that has features like touchscreen displays, 3D color displays and high-speed processing capabilities. Ensure your model is compatible with the standardized tests you or your child plans to take, as some of them prohibit the use of certain calculators, such as those that contain a computer algebra system (CAS).

Whether used in the classroom or at home, these devices allow users to create visual representations of mathematical concepts and equations. They simplify complex calculations, facilitate data analysis and promote problem-solving skills. Graphing calculators can also be used to create interactive physics simulations that help students understand concepts such as motion, wave behavior and electric fields.

While they have some disadvantages, such as the cost of the hardware, graphing calculators allow you to manipulate information at a more rapid pace than most computers or handheld calculators. They also have the advantage of providing you with a full range of math functions and are user-programmable, allowing you to write programs to automate repetitive calculations or perform sophisticated operations.

Two-Way Conferencing Devices

2-way conferencing devices allow employees to collaborate with coworkers in the same room or at remote locations. These devices help create and share content, including digital whiteboards, audio recordings, and video calls. Some conferencing devices offer artificial intelligence and noise-canceling features to improve real-time communication.

Whether you need to conduct a conference call or interview a candidate, having the right equipment is crucial. Look for a professional videoconferencing device with high-definition cameras, which deliver clear images during meetings and interviews. These devices often come in bundles, with a headset and room device included for one affordable price.

A good microphone is also essential to audio quality in a videoconferencing call. Many devices feature a variety of pickup patterns, so you can choose the one that fits your needs. For example, a Blue Yeti USB microphone is an all-around audio solution for conference calls, recording, streaming, or podcasting. This versatile microphone features studio controls, so you can adjust mic sensitivity and headphone output.

Displays for conferencing are another essential piece of technology equipment. These screens can be as simple as a standard monitor or as sophisticated as an interactive whiteboard that allows you to take notes during calls and use them as a virtual workspace. You can even daisychain these displays to connect several monitors simultaneously. These multifunctional devices can save time and money by eliminating the need to travel between different locations.