Technology in the classroom is constantly improving, and so is the way that teachers present information using technology. Renaissance Learning and AlphaSmart have designed a line of laptops specifically for classroom use, as well as software and curriculum that work with these scaled down, yet very functional gadgets.
AlphaSmart offers the NEO 1 and NEO 2, which are the most basic laptops. These laptops allow for word processing, spell check, thesaurus, file saving, print transfer, software upload, and infared technology. The newest AlphaSmart laptops are the Dana and the Dana Wireless, which have more features, including an e-book reader, WiFi connectivity, and Palm applications and tools (address book, date book, etc.).
All AlphaSmart laptops are designed to be used by young learners, and they are durable and easy to utilize. The newest designs have touch screen features and audio features, which aide teachers in preparing and presenting lessons to students with special needs.
Software is available for purchase or download from the Renaissance Learning website (http://www.renlearn.com/products.aspx). Programs include assessments and quizzes, writing labs, reading comprehension, and math practice. Better yet, teachers can create individualized assignments and lessons for students, send the file to a laptop, and the student will be able to open the file and work on it either in class or at home. The ability to differentiate instruction is a key element of teaching, and the NEO and Dana laptops make this task easy to accomplish (http://www.renlearn.com/neo/neo/specialneeds/default.aspx).
Teachers and students can benefit greatly from the simplicity of the NEO and Dana because they start up quickly and they are simple to operate. Better yet, because they are lower in price and smaller in size than traditional laptops, schools are better able to bring in enough laptops for every student in a class, and even set up writing labs. Another great aspect of the NEO and Dana is that they are very light weight and they use AA batteries, which means they are also very mobile. This makes it much easier for teachers to organize activities and students are able to take their laptop with them when learning, which is a great tool for creative writing and research.
Alphasmart has created a great tool for teachers and students, and continues to improve on its products as time goes on. For more information about the NEO and Dana laptops, visit http://www.renlearn.com/default.aspx.
To find writing lessons that can be formatted and used with the AlphaSmart laptops, refer to:
http://www.brighthubeducation.com/high-school-english-lessons/24658-creative-writing-assignment-character-analysis/
http://www.brighthub.com/education/k-12/articles/7152.aspx
For writing lesson plan help, please see:
http://www.brighthub.com/education/k-12/articles/5630.aspx
