The Infinite Thinking Machine

Don't miss the "Infinite Thinking Machine" Show. Each episode covers a wide range of topics and features one tool or resource that can be immediately used in the classroom. The show is purposefully designed to be a bit quirky, so it doesn't feel like a stuffy educational video or a geeky technology show. Detailed "show notes" and links for each episode can be found on the blog, allowing educators to explore each idea in more detail.

The Infinite Thinking Machine is a part of the Google for Educators site.

Internet Content Filters

Many of our schools allow students to have internet access during the day, but filtering inappropriate content is always a concern. There are several different types of filters available for individual computers or for the entire network, and there is a wide range in the prices for these services.

Obviously, our schools are looking for the best combination of effective filtering at a low cost. Perhaps you could share information about what you use at your school, how you like it, and the approximate cost.



3Com Cable/DSL Router with Content Filter

We've been using a 3Com router (3CRWE554G72TU) for a year now. It's been discontinued, but there are two replacement models you can choose from: (3CRWER200-75) or (3CRWER100-75). They will probably cost you between $60 to $90. You run a network cable out of your modem and into one of these routers. Then, you run another cable to your hub, switch, or computers -- or you can connect wirelessly.

Your network can then protected by the content filter, which is a really good one. A one-year subscription (which covers all the computers) is only about $80 to $90. You can choose the website categories (gambling, drugs, etc.) and types of services (photo searches, web based e-mail, etc.) you want to allow or deny. You can also set timers to only allow internet access on certain days or at certain times. If you have some computers that you don't want to filter, you can specify a few (I think it's 9 or 10) that bypass the filter.

We've been pretty happy with this set-up. The cost is reasonable, the set-up is rather easy, and the customer service has been very helpful whenever we've run into problems.

QX5 Microscope

A few years ago, WLTCC looked at the QX3 Microscope (which connects to your computer), and a few schools purchased them. Now, there is the QX5, a version that offers some new features:

• LED lighting for brighter, longer lasting top and bottom illumination
• higher resolution (640x480) for more detailed images
• video playback now three times faster (at 15 frames per second)

Our school purchased a few of the QX3's for a pretty good price, and we use them on a few computers. They're not the best you can get, but if you use microscopes in your science classes a lot: a) they're handy, b) they're rather cheap, c) they're easy to use, and d) they're great when hooked up to a projector.

It looks like you can pick up a QX5 for about $99 at ThinkGeek or Academic Superstore.

Interactive Whiteboards

We hear about SMARTBoards quite often in our meetings. In 2004, John Stark (Trinity Lutheran School, Waukesha) gave a presentation on SMARTBoards and SynchronEyes. Our third presentation this year (April 9, 2008) will be another demonstration of SMARTBoards in action.

Did you know that there are alternatives to the SMARTBoard, though? Many companies produce their own version of the interactive whiteboard. A few examples include:

• Mimio
• eBeam
• Polyvision
• VBoard
• Interwrite
• IdeaShare
• Numonics
• There are many more out there, too

Perhaps you've had some experience with one or more of these brands. If so, we'd like to hear from you! Click to e-mail us a review: pros, cons, prices, where to buy, etc.

POLYVISION REVIEW

A few years ago I purchased a new Polyvision Webster TS-600 and cart for $99 on eBay (it pays to search for terms like "interactive whiteboard" rather than just "smartboard"). I can use it as:

1. a regular whiteboard (if I leave the computer and projector off)
2. a note-capture whiteboard, allowing me to print anything written on the board (if I leave the projector off)
3. a fully interactive whiteboard

I learned an important lesson, though. Make sure you have decent surge protection on your computer, projector, and whiteboard. Lightning struck nearby and fried the whiteboard. A replacement unit cost about $900 (still not a bad price).

MIMIO REVIEW

The Mimio is a smaller device that allows an existing whiteboard, bare white wall, or even a screen to become interactive. The size and portability of the Mimio make this piece of technology a popular choice.

I think the neat thing about the Mimio system is that you can start out cheaply, and that the equipment is not fixed in a single room. This means that the staff can easily share the system and the entire school can benefit.

So - all in all, I think a Mimio with a bright LCD projector and a laptop are the best solution as you get the absolute most flexibility for a fraction of the price.

Finally, you need to provide staff training. Mimio conducts training via the web interactively, and this is a great way to get everyone trained in one staff meeting. It takes about an hour.