No, that image to the left is not an iPad surrounded by SmartCovers. That is the Microsoft Surface. Not to be confused with the giant table-sized computer the company released a while ago, the Surface is Microsoft’s entry into the tablet market.
Attempting to take a page out of Apple’s playbook on several levels, Microsoft revealed the Surface during a mystery press event in California. What those in attendance saw was an iPad knock-off that is heavier, boasts shorter batter life and an inferior chip. To be fair, the Surface does have an impressive cover that contains a fully functioning keyboard, but that is an accessory that must be purchased.
Microsoft has two versions of the Surface in the works, each for a very different audience. There’s a “consumer version” that will run Windows RT and a “business version” that will run Windows 8.
Microsoft isn’t saying exactly when the Surface will be available for purchase, or how much it will cost, but experts are predicting the “consumer version” to fall in the $500 price range with the “business version” to come in at over $1,000. The pricier version does have better overall tech specs than its cheaper brother, but that improved performance comes at the cost of weight and, of course, cost.
Earth Hour is coming. Here is a way to participate in developing environmental responsibility and awareness that climate challenges facing our planet need to be global. In its 6th year~ people around the world are being asked to shut off electric lights and other electrical devices for one hour on March 31st. Begun in New Zealand~ it is estimated that over 135 countries around the world will take part this year.Landmarks such as the leaning Tower of Pisa~ the Vatican~ the Eiffel Tower~ the...
A sign of the times that more and more people are reading e-books. Encyclopaedia Britannica Inc.~ which has published their encyclopedias for more than 200 years~ has announced that they will cease publishing their print editions~ focusing on their digital versions of their encyclopedia~ instead.
...Its official. I have gone Clicker Crazy! I have found ways to incorporate the clickers~ or remote control keypads as they are known in my school district~ into all kind of activities. These remote controls allow students to punch in answers electronically~ and the results are posted on the overhead screen. For instance~ the class answers a math problem~ punching in either the number or choosing a mutliple choice answer~ and then the screen shows what percent of the class got the...
I developed plays based on the To Tell the Truth Game Show on several of our First Ladies. Perhaps~ you may find them useful to use with your students during this month which highlights the contribution of women.Go here to download(free) the following plays: http://www.gailhennessey.com/index.shtml?plays.html
Most teachers have heard of a token economy classroom. Many variations are out there based on this very principle. I personally find a simple form of this idea to be rewarding for the students~ but more importantly~ for me. This is how I set up my classroom environment: First~ I begin with contacting local banks to donate a class set of blank check registers and checkbook covers. Second~ the students use sticky foam letters to place their name on their...
I have an idea I want to share. I don't know about you~ but as an educator I have sometimes sat in professional development trainings and wondered how the training applied to my classroom. I have also wondered how much my school district might be spending to bring in these trainers~ some of whom may haven't been in an actual classroom in years.
How about this: school districts use professional development days to allow educators to come together and share their best practices....
Whenever astronaut John Glenn left on a mission as a fighter pilot~ he'd tell his wife~"Well~ I'm going down to the corner to buy some chewing gum". He said the same thing on Feb.20~ 1962~ when he left to board the Mercury capsule~ on a mission to orbit the Earth~ In a 9 1/2 by 6 ft. space...
Movement. I think it defines my classroom for most of the day. I have students take a stand when debating. They stand to answer questions or play games. They stand and perform movements when singing chants. When they get an answer correct~ they come up to the front of the room and jump a few times on the trampoline. Keeping youngsters moving just makes sense. Expecting children to sit still in a room all day is a recipe for disaster. Using movement purposely in your teaching does a few...
Noise level is something we have to control every second in our classroom. It can't be too noisy, or others will be bothered, including the teacher next door. I was always conscious of my class's noise level so I didn't become a nuisance. It is never much fun to hear the "Wow, your class must have been really excited about something today" line from your partner across the hall.
...