$40!!!!

While at the MSET conference last week, I attended a session on low-budget tech tools. They had some great ideas for how to get/make some items that typically cost hundreds or thousands of dollars, including interactive whiteboards and document cameras. I am fortunate enough to be in a school where I have an interactive whiteboard in my classroom, so I won't be sharing that tidbit in this post. However, feel free to leave a comment if you're curious!
What I thought was pretty cool was that these people MADE a document camera! This is a tool that I have kinda sorta dreamed about having in my classroom. I even attempted to get one through Donorschoose.org, but was unsuccessful in raising the funds (insert sad face with a tear here!). When I saw the materials used to make the document camera, I slapped my forehead and thought, "DUH! It's so easy! Why didn't I think of that before?!" The example they had brought to the presentation used PVC pipe for a base and a webcam mounted near the top. I instantly knew that I had to make one. So taking advantage of my time off from work for Spring Break this week, I got together with a couple of friends and we made document cameras. I did a little bit of research before we got together though and saw that there were, in fact, other ways to make a document camera that would not require the amateur carpenter in me to make an appearance. Being a fan of the KISS philosophy (that's Keep it simple, stupid!), I went for the much simpler method. All you need is about $40, a trip to Target, about 10 minutes at home, and VOILA! You too can have your own document camera!
Shopping list:

a desk lamp- the one I purchased was $20 at Target. You want it to be reasonably tall and if the post is kinda bendy, that's a plus too! Don't go for the short little type. Size matters if you want to project something larger than a post it!

a webcam- this one cost me $20 on sale. I believe the normal price is around $30. Either way, it's a cheap webcam that still had great reviews online (yep, I did my research before I went out and bought this!) and when I plugged the camera into a computer it had a great picture.

bundling straps, duct tape, or plastic zip ties to mount the camera to the lamp. Target did not have plastic zip ties, so we got the bundling straps instead and they worked great. We used the duct tape to hold them in place so they didn't slide up and down the post of the lamp. And yes, this was a group of girls so we got the pretty plaid purple and blue duct tape.

To assemble it, take the webcam out of the packaging. Use the bundling straps to fasten it near the top of the lamp right under the shade. Use the duct tape to secure the straps in place and keep them from sliding (which will also help keep your camera steady. Now you also have an awesome document camera!

I spent $40 on something others have spent $600 or more on! And even though I am enjoying Spring Break, I really can't wait to take this thing to school to show off to my kids and the other teachers!!!

Brain overload!

If you have not yet had the chance to go to a conference, find one and go! I spent the last three days attending MSET and it was an AWESOME learning experience! I came away with more information than I could possibly post right now. Look for some posts in a few days to share some of the cool things I learned! Have a great night!

ToonDoo

By sbecker09 | View this Toon at ToonDoo | Create your own Toon

ToonDoo is a really cool cartoon creating website! You/your students can sign up and create an account for free!! It would be a great way to start off a lesson and introduce a problem, or to have students demonstrate comprehension. It's a lot of fun to use and super easy to learn!
http://www.toondoon.com--

(BCPS teachers, this website is currently blocked by WebSense.)

Voki!

I am at MSET- using Web 2.0 tools in the classroom workshop and this is the first tool we got to play with! It's pretty neat and FREE!! Check it out: http://www.voki.com
Possible uses:
*Leaving a message for your students if you are out and have a sub
*Have students post responses to different questions/problems- this is way more engaging than just writing it out!
*Kick off a lesson in a new, fun, and interesting way by showing a Voki!