Posts Tagged ‘computer’

Are you having trouble getting started on a project? Trying to find a way to be more creative? Here’s an Idea: Get away from the computer. Since we use the computer so often now, we automatically go to it to start just about any project. But the computer can make it difficult. You have to choose the correct page, choose your font, etc.

Using a simple medium like pen and paper allows you to focus on the ideas and thoughts without worrying about the formatting.

When it comes to creativity: pen + paper > computer

Using a Nintendo Wii in the classroom? That’s right. Johnny Lee has created a program a few programs that can turn the Nintendo Wii into a virtual white board for under a $100 (machines that normally cost several thousand dollars. Not only can who write directly to the white board, it also works as a mutli-touch screen allowing you to turn and move the images. You can find his You Tube videos below.

There is a lot of technology out there that can be used for educational purposes, and while I personally think that too much computer learning is not a good thing, there are times when this type of technology can be very useful.

He has also created a design for way for to view the Nintendo Wii in 3D using two LED attached to a set of goggles. Since a student can navigate their way in a 3D environment, this could be great for things like leaning astronomy, geography, or taking tours though ancient cities. Find the the video below.

There are a number of these types of hacks that can be done to save money or find a new use for a current item. For instance the Nintendo DS can be turned into a palm pilot, a calculator, a notepad, a dictionary, a phone. You can find a lot of applications for the Nintendo DS here. The Sony Playstation 3 can run the Linux operating system. Finding better and cheaper ways to teach in our schools could save a lot of dollars for our schools and help keep the kids more interested.

Johnny Lee on TED talking about the programs he has created.