Dreamtime

My thoughts on what I would get if I had an unlimited budget for a new classroom might surprise you. Most would imagine that I would have a list as long as my arm. It would be filled to the brim with all of the most recent, cutting-edge technology and I would want to use it to blow the mind of every student that walks in the door.

Not so much.

I feel that too much technology can be a really, really bad thing. It can easily be used as a crutch, and at its worst, it severely hampers the learning process, making the assignment about the technology, rather than the content.

So, with that in mind, here is my list.

Computers
With luck, the average class size is hovering right around 30 students. Ideally, I would have the space to have approximately 10 computers, all Windows-based PCs. I have nothing against Macintosh computers, but the reality is that Windows still occupies the majority of the computer market.

The computers would be of recent manufacture, would have at least 4GB of RAM and a dedicated graphics card. They do not need to be speed demons, but they would need to get the job done. Each of these, including monitor, keyboard and mouse could easily be purchased for around $800-900.

These would be used for student projects and research. They would be loaded with all of the software appropriate to the types of projects that a student would be doing in a Language Arts classroom. That is, Microsoft Office, and scaled down or free versions of software similar to the Adobe Master Collection. Language Arts covers a wide variety of subjects and forms of expression; these machines would allow students to use as many resources as possible.

Additionally, if possible, each student would have a tablet PC, similar to the ones that we have as part of the PEL program. They would be able to take these home to continue their work. As well, they would alleviate the need for students to carry either books or paper. (Ideally, they would be able to take Standardized Tests on these computers as well.)

Accessories
There would only need to be a few accessories for the classroom.
1. A Smartboard - This would allow me to use my computer to give lessons, as well as acting as a projector for student presentations.

2. A teacher's PC. A computer for me to work on that would be linked to the Smartboard. Either a desktop PC, or a tablet; either would work.

3. Digital Video Camera - For the recording of student presentations and my own teaching.

4. Digital Photo Camera, 3 in quantity - For students to have access to so they can add photographic content to their projects and presentations.

5. Digital Audio Recorder - For the same purpose as the Digital Video Recorder, but audio only so that the audio of a presentation or my own teaching could be reviewed without having to rip the audio from the video file.

All in all, I feel that would be adequate. I would not want any more than this, because I would not want these items to disrupt the learning process.