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 Years
ago (10+ now) before smartboards
and digital
displays, I decided I wanted a portable
computer for my administrative tasks.
I picked up a set of high output speakers,
and bam, I had digital music. This year
I upgraded my sound and purchased a
new set of speaker to add more volume
and bought Logitech's
Z-2300 speakers. This is a 2.1 speaker
set with 400
watt total peak power output. One
thing that all digital music players
have over CDs and cassette players is
the ability to store large amounts of
music, and arrange them in play lists
that you can access immediately through
Media
Player or Itunes.
I use music in almost all my classes,
especially K-3. If you do not know of
Greg and Steve, at the end of the article
I will supply a link to their site.
 The
Z-2300's
put out ample amounts of volume, but
also are clear and distortion free at
higher volumes. They can be connected
to both computers and MP3 players, and
are a low cost solution to more expensive
PA
systems.
Other Great Tools on the Cart
As you can see from the picture to the
right, my cart has more than a computer
on it. It contains all the things my
students and I might need on a daily
basis, but do not want to leave in the
gym. I have my white board
marker set, poly
spots, paper towels, a pencil sharpener,
pencils, a card
reader, and an electric pump. My
system also has a wireless keyboard
and mouse. I use the Gyro
because I can use the mouse without
having it on any surface from about
30ft away. I use the mouse as a remote
for my digital music.
 As
you can also see, I have a TV as a display.
Although I also have an Overhead
and a laptop, I use the cart for ease
of management and portability. I will
replace the TV with a large 32 inch
LCD
at some point. Maybe next year.
 This
system is also connect wirelessly to
the internet, so I can do web quests
with my classes. The computer system
allows me to use Excel as my primary
grade book, and allows me to display
both pictures and video of student performances.
With the laser
printer on the cart, I can print
out task sheets from great resources
like Physical
Best without the need of a copier,
and I only have to print the quantity
I need, which saves me both time and
money.
 The
greatest thing is that in the beginning
of the day I roll the cart out from
the equipment room, and at the end of
the day I roll it back in. If we are
playing a full gym game, I roll it away
for safety in seconds. The only downside
at the moment, is the text quality of
the TV display, which an LCD can solve.
Originally, I made this system out
of older spare systems part laying about.
I found a computer in someone's closet
after they upgraded. I added a TV
out card that was discarded by a
local business. I bought my first set
of speaker for $25, and my first keyboard
and mouse we wired. The cart was in
a back storage room not being used,
the TV was the only thing bought by
the school for $700, and all the classrooms
at the time were being set up for closed
circuit broadcasting. This system is
still the most used and helpful piece
of technology I have and will be using
for some time still.
There are times when a smartboard
or equivalent is nice. What I did was
to buy white board material (for
making a board) from Home Depot,
and create a surface to use for a computer
display. Then I use my laptop, and display
the forms onto the white board where
students see and write in examples for
others to learn from. This homemade
display is great for my needs, and has
really helped the students understanding
of the presented material.
Resources
Greg and
Steve: http://Gregandsteve.com
for childrens' active music.
Physical
Best - Physical Best is a comprehensive
health-related fitness education program
developed by physical educators for
physical educators.
Cool Tools:
http://www.kk.org/cooltools/archives/000679.php
Whiteboards
on a Zero Budget: http://www.teachnet.com/how-to/manage/091998.html
Shower
Board White Boards: http://wiki.xtronics.com/index.php/Shower_Board_as_a_white_Board
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