Ed Tech Update
Top tech gadgets that caught our eyes!
Gadgets and Gizmos
If you see something you're interested in, follow the links to read more, and you can reach out to your ETS if you have further questions!
QBall – The Throwable Microphone
Grade-Band: All grades
Description: Everyone deserves a voice! Amplify your everyday instruction and increase engagement with the addition of a wireless microphone. Use it when reading passages out loud, answering questions, giving presentations … the only limit is your imagination! Be sure to purchase an external speaker with an aux input to make your system complete.
Learn more: https://buyqball.com/
Thinking about these for your team? Consider adding on the QBall Covers, adding a pop of color and making it easy to see which QBall is yours!
Rocketbook
Grade-Band: K-12
Description: Rocketbook is a reusable notebook that combines the cognitive power of the handwritten note with the infinite power of the digital universe by allowing your notes to be sent to a variety of cloud-based sources. Several models are available, including different page templates.
Learn more: https://getrocketbook.com/ (website); https://medium.com/rocketbook-for-educators (educator pricing)
Boogie Board
Grade-band: Elementary to All
Learn More: Re-Write Classroom Set or All Products - Boogie Board
SAM Labs
Grade-Band: 1st - 8th
Description: App-enabled construction kits, designed for people of all ages to learn STEAM, play, and create with technology and the Internet of Things. Sam Labs Classroom Kits include over 60 TEKS standard aligned lessons from beginner to advanced, with applications across several content areas. Sam Labs starts with block-based coding through their app (iPad, iOS, and Microsoft Store), and transfers into code-based applications through Workbench as students become more advanced.
Learn more: https://samlabs.com/
Bee Bots
Grade-Band: Pre-K to 1st
Description: Bee-Bot is an exciting robot designed specifically for use by young children. This colorful, easy-to-operate, and friendly little robot is a perfect tool for teaching sequencing, estimation, problem-solving, and just having fun!
Learn more: https://www.terrapinlogo.com/beebot.html, and
https://www.tts-group.co.uk/blog/2018/07/18/bee-bot-a-teachers-guide.html
Ozobot Evo Classroom Kit
Grade-Band: K-12
Description: Each Ozobot Evo Classroom Kit comes with 12 or 18 Evo robots, accessories, and 1 Ozobot Classroom license. K-12 students can code Evo two ways: screen-free with Color Code markers and online with Blockly visual programming. Signing up for an Ozobot Classroom account (free) provides you access to teacher training, the lesson library, and real-time information about student engagement for both online and offline student activity when you’re using your Evos.
Learn more: https://shop.ozobot.com/collections/for-school/products/classroom-kit
Makey Makey
Grade-Band: K-12
Description: A Makey Makey is an electronic invention tool that allows users to connect everyday objects (any conductor) to computer programs. Using a circuit board, alligator clips, and a USB cable, the Makey Makey uses closed loop electrical signals to send the computer either a keyboard stroke or mouse click signal. This function allows the Makey Makey to work with any computer program or webpage that accepts keyboard or mouse click inputs.
Learn more: https://makeymakey.com/products/stem-pack-classroom-invention-literacy-kit
Sphero EDU
Grade-Band: K-8
Description: Sphero Edu is a STEAM-based toolset that weaves hardware, software, and community engagement to promote 21st century skills. Sphero offers the Mini, SPRK+, Bolt, RVR, and Specdrums, but goes far beyond educational robotics, inspiring millions of coders, makers, and learners, and supporting educators with professional development and resources.
Learn more: https://www.sphero.com/education/
3D Printers
Grade-Band: All
Description: 3D printers are helping to inspire a new generation of STEM learners by combining problem-solving skills with creativity and innovation. 3D printers can help make student learning visible, where their imagination is nearly the only limit, and has the potential to support pedagogy across all disciplines with hands-on experiences. Perhaps best of all, there are thousands of pre-designed 3D CAD models already available, and ready to print!
Learn more: https://www.thetechedvocate.org/best-3d-printers-for-the-k-12-classroom/
Brands/Models: