PUBLIC MOVES

There are now many applications in the Education field, from apps that teach times tables, to colors. I use “Preschool Adventure” with my 3 year old son and he loves it. For teaching my daughter Multiplication I use miTables. There are now many more apps for that are equally helpful. As of this writing there is a noticeable gap in Grading software, as well as student management, but we are only a few months into the development of apps. I suspect that it won’t be long before the gaps are filled.
It is obvious that even with the recent price drop it is impractical to order a class set, but in my case I have three computers and groups of four students for centers. I now use my iPod Touch as an additional computer and the students switch which computer activity they use. I also use the calculator on my document projector because it is easier to see than the student calculators. My uses are quickly expanding, and I will likely purchase a separate one with teacher funds to get even more use out of it.

Speech classroom often have a speaker’s lectern mounted on a table at the front of the room. Lecterns can seem very formal and can create a barrier between you and your listeners. Therefore, if you are attempting to build identification and good feelings, standing behind the lectern may be inappropriate. Moreover, short people can almost disappear behind a lectern. Because their gestures are hidden from view, their messages lose much of the reinforcing power of body language. For these reasons, when you practice you may wish to experiment with speaking from the side of the lectern or in front of it.
If you plan to use the lectern, place your outline high on its surface so that you do not have to noticeably lower your head to look at it. That way, you reduce the loss of direct eye contact with your listeners. Print your key word outline in large letters that you can read easily with a glance. If you are using note cards, don’t try to hide them or look embarrassed if you need to refer to them. Most listeners probably won’t even notice it when you use them. Remember, your audience is far more interested in what you have to say than in any awkwardness you may feel.