Archive for December, 2008
December 31, 2008
By Chris Crowe
Most people do not realise that cell phones can be recycled just like many other products. Most of us replace our cell phone from time to time and simply keep the old ones never to use them again, perhaps even eventually throwing them out. However, sending your old cell phone to the landfill is not your only option as cell phone recycling is both environmentally friendly and even cost effective.
There are many reasons why you should recycle your cell phone. Did you know that all cell phones, like other electronic items, contain harmful metals and materials in their batteries and boards? These include mercury, and flame retardants which have been shown to cause developmental problems in children, and even some adults. These chemicals leak when they are thrown into landfills, and they slowly make their way into the earth and into our water.
As well as environmental matters you may also find that there is money in recycling your old cell phones. Companies such as Pacebutler Corporation will pay you around $50 for an old cell phone. These companies will recycle rather than waste your phone, and you can be sure it is going to a good cause. There are also larger recycling companies such as Umicore in Belgium that extract precious metals from our old phones.
These recycling processes mean that around 99% of the total materials of cell phones are able to be used. Bear in mind that it would be dangerous and near impossible to collect enough precious metal from your own phone to benefit and leave it to the experts who will extract thousands of phones to collect this precious metal.
There are other ways to recycle your phones without using these companies, the easiest of which is to let your family and friends use them. This can be useful for them and a great thing for you to do. Perhaps you could also ask them to recycle it when they are finished, either by giving it away or making sure its parts are recycled.
Charities will also be more than happy to take your phone off your hands, and this can allow you to donate to a cause you believe in. The charities themselves will usually sell them on to recycling companies as a way of raising money. It will be easy to donate, you can simply send off your old cell phone or hand it in to your local store, or even areas such as zoos which have cell phone collection boxes.
If you are looking for an easy way to get your cell phone recycled then try contacting the manufacturer. They will usually be happy to take back your cell phone, and may even provide discounts on a new model as well as paying for the shipping. This is a great way to make sure that your phone is recycled and disposed of completely safely, and companies are always looking to recycle the materials in their new items. You can always contact a refurbishing company to see if you can make any money from selling your phone. Companies like Pacebutler will usually make it easy for you by sending you a shipping label.
As you can see, there is more than one way to recycle your old cell phone. Whichever method you choose will be up to you, but you will always be helping the environment in the process and improving our general health. If you start today you will be making a huge difference, and can perhaps even contribute to increasing the cell phone recycling rate across the country.
If you are switching to a prepaid cell phone like those offered by Tracfone or T-Mobile because you are trying to cut back on your bills, you may want to remember to recycle your old phone instead of just tossing it out. You may even be able to sell it for a few bucks on ebay.
About The Author
Chris runs a website about prepaid cell phones. Visit it here: http://prepaidcellphonesguide.com/
December 31, 2008
By Ray La Foy
Did you know there’’s a device available today that will allow you to watch video or listen to audio on a second device located anywhere in your home - without wires?
With a wireless audio video transmitter and receiver, you can watch satellite TV in any other room in the home without purchasing a second box or running any wires. Plug the transmitter into your video source, connect the receiver to the TV you want to transmit to, and you”re connected.
Wireless audio and video transmitters can help you save hundreds of dollars on extra satellite boxes and subscription costs, but that’’s not all. You can also plug the transmitter into your DVD player, DVR or TiVo box, gaming console or even your PC. You can then watch films or pre-recorded TV shows on a second TV, or watch movies you download on your computer.
You can also transmit audio with a wireless transmitter just easily. This means, you could listen to the music collection you have on your PC or live Internet radio on your home stereo system located in another room.
Today’’s wireless receivers and transmitters allow you to link any audio, video or computer source to whatever monitor, TV, stereo system or PC in your home. The possibilities are endless, and it takes just minutes to make the connection.
If you invest in a quality transmitter and receiver, it will transfer audio and video signals up to 450 feet, and you”ll be able to use a remote control extender to control the transmitting device’’s functions from whatever receiving-end equipment you”re using.
In the past, 2.4 GHZ wireless av transmitters meant interference from cordless phones and other wireless devices could be a problem. A 5.8 GHZ wireless sender with multiple channels prevents interference, and signals can be sent through floors, walls and even ceilings.
A 5.8 GHZ wireless video and audio transmitter can allow you to make the most of the technology you”ve already invested in without interference, and these devices are surprisingly affordable.
Wireless Surveillance Equipment for the Home
There’’s another great way to take advantage of today’’s wireless technology at home, and that’’s by installing a wireless security camera and portable monitor. This incredible technology allows you to monitor any area of your home from a hand-held portable device.
You can keep an eye on your entranceway, driveway, pool area or child’’s bedroom, and even opt for a surveillance camera equipped with night vision. Audio and video signals will be automatically transmitted wirelessly to the hand held monitor, or you can hook up the monitor to your TV, PC, VCR or DVD for viewing or recording. This easy to use, affordable device can provide a tremendous amount of peace of mind.
Wireless av video transmitters and wireless security cameras are just two ways to take advantage of wireless technology at home. The main advantages of wireless technology are convenience, flexibility and affordability, and you”ll enjoy all three with either of these two devices.
About The Author
Take advantage of today’’s wireless devices for the home.
Visit http://www.wirelessvideoshop.com today.
December 30, 2008
By Michael Hickmon
Conducting a cell phone number lookup is an easy way for you to find information about a number that you”ve found or that has called your home, work, or cell phone. Whether you”re worried that your partner is cheating, that you”ve missed an important call, or that you need to get in touch with an old acquaintance, doing a cell phone number lookup can help you get the answers you need, and you won”t even have to leave your computer!
Conducting your cell phone number lookup - What are your options?
To do a cell phone number lookup, you”ll need to go to a site which provides such a service. Of course, you are probably already familiar with the countless sites on the Internet that offer free reverse lookup services.
Most of these do a great job of providing information if you”re looking for a landline number that isn”t unlisted. The bad news is that a growing number of the phone numbers we”re seeing aren”t from landlines. Free services won”t be able to help you if you”re researching a cell phone or unlisted number.
In most cases, you”ll need to turn to a paid service. That’’s not such a bad thing, usually because you”ll end up with more accurate and up-to-date information. You”ll also learn more about the individual who owns the number than you probably imagined possible, like family members, relatives, and background information.
The registration process is simple and you only need to do it once. The premium services your membership entitles you to an unlimited number of searches, so in the future you only need to log in to find what you need.
After you”ve registered, you will be able to do your cell phone number lookup. Simply enter the area code and seven digits of the phone number in question. After you hit the search button, the system will make a match using the number and its extensive database of records. While most reverse lookup services contain insufficient records, the best have wide coverage across the U.S., so that you will get your results within seconds.
When available, you will find out the name of the cell phone number’’s owner and their address, as well as background details that you will not find through any of the free services.
If you want information on a certain cell phone number, then you”re better off going straight to one of the premium services. You will quickly find out what you need to know. Additionally, the best services are backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
About The Author
The author has created a review site that provides you with the most in-depth analysis of cell phone number finder Sites on the Internet.
Please go to:
http://Phone-Record-Detectives.com/
December 30, 2008
By Brett Michael
A senior citizen in today’’s day and age either keeps clear of computers with a ten-foot pole or uses one to send and receive email and conduct minimal Internet searches. For the rest who have become accustomed to using many applications in the workplace until retirement age, they are more comfortable with today’’s advanced technologies.
Whether senior citizen, teenager or any age in between, members from all of these age groups will agree on one thing - technology changes like the wind.
Ten to fifteen years ago it was extremely expensive to keep pace with the ever-changing advances in software development. Many of these new and improved programs were more than the next best thing that everyone had to have - they were mandatory if you wanted to function at the same pace as everyone else.
This has primarily been the case with software upgrades. This problem persists even today. If a person sends a document file to a recipient who uses a different type of word processing software or an earlier version or the same, there will be an incompatibility issue.
This means that in order for the recipient to open that file, they need to obtain that version of the software. This is very frustrating when either time or money is of the essence.
Once upon a time there were separate machines for standalone functions such as printing, faxing and scanning. Then the computer industry came out with multifunction machines that combined all of these features in one machine. This turned out to be cost effective and space saving at the same time.
As the demand for portability increased, today’’s manufactures of many devices continue to produce sleeker products that are multifunctional in ways that were unimaginable a decade ago.
For example, when laptops came out more than a decade ago, they were considered a luxury product used by traveling businesspersons who needed to have portable technology solutions. As such, these systems were priced very high, making them unavailable to most individuals.
Today, almost every household has at least one laptop. In fact, laptops are used more than desktops because teenagers and college students enjoy the portability and comfort they provide.
Mobile devices have been the rage for a while now. But, cell phones have become very dynamic. They include so many features such as Internet and email capabilities, software applications, multimedia, personal information managers. Today’’s cell phone is more like a mini laptop than anything else.
So where is technology headed now? In addition to having movies on demand from the comfort of our homes to online banking and vehicle navigation systems, touch screen technology seems to be the newest thing.
Today’’s all-in-one desktops and laptops include touch screen technology, multimedia and television! Just think - all of this has evolved in just a few short years. With advanced technologies such as voice and body movement recognition fast becoming the norm, it is anyone’’s guess where technology will take us in the next several decades.
No longer is technology a luxury reserved for the technically astute or for those who can afford it. Today’’s technology is easily available and affordable, and is quickly becoming a means to survival. Moreover, it will leave those in our society who do not keep pace at a clear disadvantage.
About The Author
For more information, visit http://www.topicplanet.com
Source: http://www.stcomputerrepair.com
December 28, 2008
By James Farkenfur
Electronic devices ranging from to cellphones to PDAs are as much a part of our homes now as our chairs and tables. Yet electronic devices are not water-proof. As such, major disasters such as floods and minor accidents like cellphones falling into swimming pools can bring damage to our electronic gadgets. Many think that electronic devices damaged by water are irredeemable. This is entirely a misconception. Like water-damaged carpets and upholstery, electronic devices can also be saved when subjected to water damage restoration process.
However, damaged electronic gadgets are more sensible than other non-electronic household items. Thus, success of water damage restoration of electronic devices is guaranteed only when the device is immediately removed from the water source. The longer the device remains on water, the lesser the chances of success of restoring them.
After removing the gadget from the water source, place it in a dry location. Remove excess water from the surface using clean cloth or paper towel. Never shake the device to remove the water. Shaking would cause internal layer to loosen up or allow the water to seep further into inner layers of the device.
The next step in after removal of surface water is to check the inner layer for water seepage. The way to do this is to separate the casing from the internal device. If you have no idea how to do it, ask help from someone around. Allow the casing to dry on its own on a separate area. If the device includes a battery, remove it. Using paper towels, dry the battery. Store it in a safe, dry place.
Dab the surface of the internal device with cotton or paper towels. You have to do this as part of the process very carefully or you will risk adding more damage to your gadget. Most keypads are detachable; remove them so you can remove water from deeper parts of the gadget. Dab the keypad free of water before letting it completely dry on its own.
The next procedure in water damage restoration attempt is the most crucial and success-defining part. The thing is, if you don”t know how to do this part or if you are afraid of adding more damage to the device, then it would be better to bring your gadget to a professional water damage restoration expert specializing in electronic devices.
You need to use precision screwdrivers for this next step in water damage restoration process. If there are precision screwdrivers available, you can use small flat-type screwdrivers. Separate the layers of PCBs or precision circuit boards inside the gadget. Keep in mind the order of their assembly. Better yet, note down the order of their assembly in case you will forget how it was done.
Gently dab the surfaces to remove moisture and water from the PCBs, then dry using an air blower. If you have a non-corrosive contact cleaner, spray the layers of the device. Re-assemble the parts in the order they were originally assembled. Put the screws back and securely tighten device. Put back the keypad back, the battery, then attach the casing.
Water damage restoration of electronic gadgets is all that easy. Remember to give extra care when removing water from the device, though, and remember to do the water damage restoration attempt right after removing the device from the water source.
About The Author
James Farkenfur writes about floods and water damage problems. See http://www.moldrestorationusa.com/TEMPE_Water_Damage_Repair_Water_Restoration_Service_TEMPE_AZ
December 28, 2008
By Gretchen Vuvalgee
When it comes to thorough water damage restoration and cleanup of homes, none is more trusted by water removal contractors than structural drying drying. This technology has been created based on the understanding that removal of visible surface water is not enough in making a home habitable again. Rather, drying plays the most important part in handling of water loss.
Water damage restoration involves more than removal of standing water or drying carpet and pad though structural drying starts with removal of visible water. However, for structural drying, water damage restoration is more than that.
Water damage restoration means locating and drying all affected materials. If the structure is not thoroughly dried, this would result in secondary damage and possibly amplify or cause growth of mold and bacteria. Proper drying of all interior surfaces will give the homeowner thousands of savings on probable replacement costs.
Structural drying is an accelerated method of drying that involves little intrusion of materials. For instance, drying carpet is achieved without removing carpet pad or lifting carpet off the floor. But before actual water damage restoration through structural drying is done, the restoration crew would first take survey and measurements of the damaged site to determine the type of method and restoration equipments that will be used. All parts of the house will also be examined to determine where exactly water has traveled. This means walls, stairwells, cabinets, basements, built-in appliances, and even ductworks and HVAC systems will be examined.
Most water damage restoration companies that use structural drying incorporates psychrometry, or science of drying, to achieve thorough and complete drying of affected surfaces. Using thermo-hygrometer, penetrating and non-penetrating moisture meter, and other moisture-content measuring devices, psychrometery is able to measure and track the amount of moisture that still needs to be extracted or if the surface is not yet thoroughly dry. With such information, technicians are able to approximate the amount of time it would still take for materials to dry.
Evaporation is the bottleneck in structural drying, yet it has to be done in order to release surface-trapped water. Evaporation is achieved by running large air movers and by heating wet surfaces. As for hard to reach surfaces like bottom of cabinets and surfaces behind walls, most water damage restoration companies use inter-air drying system and Injectidry wall drying units.
As water evaporates from surfaces because of air pressure and directed heat, this results in increased humidity. However, evaporation leads to increased humidity. This is corrected by running dessicant humidifier. Reducing indoor air humidity using top-down drying systems to just 30% - 50% has to be done quickly. Sometimes, air conditioner is ran to add dehumification.
Though it is generally true that water damage restoration companies applying structural drying techniques use state-of-the-art drying equipments such as lay flat ducting and Injectidry wall drying, they still do use conventional technologies like air dryers and dehumidifiers. But since professional restoration companies use high-capacity air dryer and dehumidifier units, structural drying is able to achieve its promise of drying homes at a faster rate than other drying process.
About The Author
Gretchen Vuvalgee writes about floods and water damage problems. See http://www.moldrestorationusa.com/TEMPE_Water_Damage_Repair_Water_Restoration_Service_TEMPE_AZ
December 26, 2008
By Andrew Stratton
Are you considering a PBX system for your business? A PBX, or Private Branch Exchange, is an advanced type of business telephone system. Unlike a common carrier exchange, PBX systems are designed to connect among telephones, fax machines, modems and other extensions of a private organization, as well as to public telephone networks.
Once seen as systems for large companies only, PBX systems are now aiding communication in companies of all sizes. These systems have now become more manageable for smaller businesses, yet easy to expand as a company grows. PBX systems generally offer an internal switching network; external phone lines, internal phone lines and a console for manual control.
Today, most businesses opt for a VoIP (Voice over IP) system, which uses internet technology to carry and connect calls. VoIP offers many advantages over PBX for smaller businesses, such as their ease of administration, the ability to upgrade, and their low cost compared to traditional PBX systems.
Traditional PBX systems use physical lines to route calls throughout an office system. As a result, the more complex the system, the more expensive it is for the business. VoIP technology allows businesses to operate their phone systems over their existing data network, which not only reduces cost, but adds great versatility and freedom as well.
Common features for IP PBX systems include, call forwarding, call accounting, automatic ring back, auto dialing, call transfer, call waiting, conference call capabilities, speed dialing, busy override, direct inward dialing, do not disturb features, interactive voice response, computer telephony integration, hold music and a myriad of other features to mix and match to perfection.
Though traditional PBX systems still have their place, for now, VoIP is quickly gaining in popularity. Companies with only one location, who generally connect through their own phone systems and don”t make many long distance calls still choose to stick with a PBX. But VoIP is definitely the wave of the future, sending traditional PBX systems the way of the fax machine.
VoIP’’s versatility allows for the freedom and options demanded by today’’s companies. For instance, it allows businesses with multiple locations a cohesive communication system, allowing even small businesses or freelancers the advantage of looking, or sounding large to clients and the rest of the outside world. It allows freedom of travel as well, from office to office, coffee shop to coffee shop, or from wherever modern businesses are run. VoIP allows everyone, even the office receptionist, to work from home when needed. Other advantages, such as voicemail through email, allow people to get their messages from wherever they are. And IP PBX is much more cost effective than phone systems of the past.
Many VoIP providers offer unlimited calling plans for one set fee per month, and a lot of the bells and whistles, such as call waiting and call forwarding, which cost extra on a landline system are included in many VoIP plans.
The ability for easy upgrades is also appealing to many. As companies changes VoIP system can change with them. And keeping up with changing technology trends is much less expensive in VoIP than in telephone systems of the past.
About The Author
For telecommunication versatility for your business, consider a PBX system. New Orleans telecommunication company, Cat5 Technology offers an array of business communication options. For more information, visit http://cat6telecom.com/.
December 26, 2008
By Bernice Eker
A lot of people are clueless about technology. And while it pays to be blissfully ignorant in some cases, most times it doesn”t.
Android enabled phones aren”t phones that can only be utilized if a robot says so (I”m sure someone in the world thought that). But rather they are phones that utilize Google’’s very own mobile operating system: Android. This is Google’’s way of entering the mobile phone market (because they”re part of everything else, so why not?).
Android phones aren”t common yet, in fact there’’s only one thus far: The G1. This Google phone was released in later 2008 and the only phone that supports the operating system. Other android enabled phones may be slated for the future, but the G1 is the only one currently. And the phone itself is relatively inexpensive at approximately 180 bones.
Additionally, the coding for the Android operating system is open source. This means that the code is available for users to manipulate and add to at their will. Restrictions apply but it’’s still a pretty cool addition. Although, the open source is often criticized as not being fully open. This is because Google set up certain parts of the code as off limits to the public. The majority is available however, and that’’s more than most providers and operating systems would allow.
As far as Google phones are concerned however, you”re only going to find the one. Prototypes may pop up, as they ran the Android platform as well, but they were never released to the public. So don”t be confused if you see a phone running the platform and don”t see it on the shopping list of your favorite phone distributor.
So, I think we can all assume the question on everyone else’’s mind: is the android phone, the G1, worth the buy?
And simply stated the answer is yes. In a nutshell, the pros outweigh the cons enough to make this phone a great purchase (and just in time for the holidays!). At 180 dollars this Gphone is priced much cheaper than phones that are similar in features. What makes this phone different is the full QWERTY keyboard. This is a powerful add-on in addition to the touch screen because of how so many touch screen phones lack a physical keypad.
And some people say this Gphone’’s QWERTY keypad isn”t as nice as it could be, and that may be true, but consider the alternative on similar phones: no physical keypad at all.
And a physical pad to type is just one of many features (fully operational android OS being another) that makes this Google android phone a great phone and a great buy.
So, even if many people remain clueless about technology, they can relax and be worry free knowing an android operated phone is simply a great technological advancement: It’’s a phone with a brand new operating system designed with users in mind. This alone should be persuasion enough. If it’’s not, let’’s remember that similar phones cost over 300 dollars, and this particular phone is only 180. Although it’’s the only android operated phone on the market currently, it surely will not be the last.
About The Author
For more information on android phones visit: http://androidenabledphone.com/
Bernice Eker is an expert on android phones and wants to help people by sharing her expertise.
December 23, 2008
By Andy Bauer
When selecting a switch, you can ensure that the most appropriate switch is chosen if you take these factors into consideration.
End user requirements:
The designer should consider the conditions under which a switch will be used. For example, whether the user requires an on/on switch or an on/off switch, and if illumination or legends are required to indicate the status are both things that should be considered.
The ease of use of the various switch design types and sizes available need to be questioned during the selection process. A good rule of thumb is that the switch that not only meets the other requirements, but is easy to use, should be chosen.
Engineering specifications:
The engineering aspects of the switch must be assessed in order to ensure that it is able to carry out the expected functions. The load characteristic is an important aspect of any switch selection and will impact the type of switch that can be chosen. Factors like size are important. Switches can be standard, miniature, or sub miniature. Also consider mounting limitations like PC mount, surface mount, solder or fast connect when selecting a switch for your application.
It also matters whether the switch is a momentary switch or continuous contact or maintained switch. A momentary switch keeps the circuit closed or open for a very short period of time while the continuous or maintained switch keeps it open or closed for long periods of time.
The type of contact material is another factor to be considered when choosing a switch. Silver is the most commonly used material for the contacts as it is a good conductor and hence has low resistance. Gold is generally used when switching is performed at logic level (1-100mA).
The longevity and quality of a switch is another important factor. Low quality switches cost less initially but maintenance and replacement costs can make it more costly in the end. Momentary switches have longer life as compared to maintained switches.
Type of actuator:
There are a variety of actuator types available for switches to meet varying demands.
Push button switches are a very common type of switch used in a wide variety of applications. They may be momentary or maintained, illuminated or non-illuminated and are available in several shapes and sizes.
Another common type of switch is the rotary switch where the switch is rotated to choose a particular circuit combination and is available in wide range of sizes and types. It may be sub-miniature dip rotary, very large or heavy duty rotary. It may also be enclosed or open deck type and have many stop positions and poles.
A type of rotary switch is a key lock switch, which can be of low, medium or high security. There are also many key options, sizes and circuits available in key lock switches.
Slide actuated switches are a special type of switch used in certain applications. They are also available in several sizes, key choices and circuit functions.
Toggle switches, rockers and paddle switches are also available in many different sizes and ratings. They may also be momentary or maintained, illuminated or non-illuminated. In addition they can also have 2 or 3 positions.
Standards and government regulations:
Does your application require that switches be certified by UL and CSA? Ratings like the UL94V specifies the fire retardant characteristics of a switch while TV5 and TV8 ratings are related to the arc proof characteristics. These ratings are aimed at ensuring that the switches meet the needs of a given application.
Ratings like the IP rating helps in choosing the right type of switch for a given application. For example, IP 65 rated switches provide protection against dust and high pressure water sprays while an IP 67 rated switch is protected from temporary immersion up to 1m deep water.
Compliance with relevant standards and government regulations is another issue to be considered. Acts like the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), the Clean Water Act and the Clean Air Act (CAA) are some of the regulations to be followed. In addition, European countries follow regulations like RoHS and Waste Electrical Electronic Equipment (WEEE) that limit the use of hazardous chemicals in manufacture of goods.
Operating environment:
The condition of the environment or surroundings under which the switch operates is also an important consideration when deciding on a particular type of switch. Factors like temperature, humidity, dust etc. influence the working of a switch. Applications like medical devices, marine equipment, harsh industrial environment, construction / mining etc. require special type of switches suited to the environment under which the equipment operates.
Using these guidelines can aid you in making the correct choice of switch for an application. By following them, you can quickly come to a conclusion about whether a switch is suited for a particular application or not. Remember that switches are an important part of any application. Making the correct choice of switch will save time and money by avoiding unnecessary maintenance or replacement later and enhance customer satisfaction.
About The Author
Andy Bauer is a tech writer for West Florida Components. You can read more of Andy’’s guides covering topics ranging from electronic components to solar energy at http://www.westfloridacomponents.com
December 23, 2008
By Samson Paulotti
In the School district of Greenville County in South Carolina, the need for change in teaching style and techniques is now one the main concerns of school administrators. As the young learners of the 21st century are now spending more time using the Internet, using mobile phones, and playing video games, teachers should find better means to get the attention of this plugged-in generation.
With the help of technology, Greenville County, South Carolina is directing its efforts to develop its technology literacy and focuses on integrating technology into teaching and learning. The move to use of technology in the classroom would really be an advantage for those students who are going to benefit from this big change.
There are around 100 schools scattered at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the School District of Greenville County, South Carolina, and the student population is diverse with around 63,000 enrollees.
Economic development has been helping South Carolina progress in the past decade. Today, South Carolina enjoys the privilege of working with a number of international corporations, such as BMW from Germany, Michelin from France and Kyocera from Japan which have helped Greenville County for the past seven years to earn $3 billion in new capital investment.
These new developments and influx of jobs to the residents have also presented new opportunities for the school district of South Carolina. Moreover, statistics have shown that employers nowadays are welcoming more technical skilled employees and this is the reason why South Carolina’’s technological framework was put into the development of the students so they can make good use of this in the future.
The district has expended ample energy in the infrastructure technology. Schools are being hooked on networks via fiber optics. Voice-over internet phone services are being installed in every teacher’’s desk. But having sufficient hardware and technical support are just the start of the solution, the need also to have instructional support should be done so that teachers would feel comfortable using technology in their lessons.
To help them with this, teachers are were provided with a 40-hour instruction program in the use of doing effective integration of technology into the classroom. It helps them with instructional planning and project-based learning so that the students can be supplied with skills such as technological literacy, problem solving and critical thinking.
Master teachers also led their colleagues in computer labs hands-on sessions; this will help their district to use their few instructional technology staff to achieve the proper knowledge needed for a large-scale professional growth.
The curriculum that was given to them focused on the importance of planning units to meet standards, of asking curriculum-framing questions and of developing effective assessment. By introducing this development, the administrators were able to touch on the concerns of the teachers and not only of the students. The teachers have the chance now to engage with their students in the different tools of technology, and helping their students meet their learning goals as a result.
About The Author
Samson Paulotti writes for homeowners. Additional information available at http://www.therestorationresource.com/TheRestorationResourceSouthCarolinaCityIndex.html