Educators frequently use projectors in the classroom so that they can cheaply depict visual information. Many vendors have released multimedia projectors that connect to computers and allow educators to show students digital multimedia ranging from a computer desktop to high-definition videos.
Cameras and audio recorders allow students to create projects that are visual and multimedia oriented. Students will likely be forced in the future to create multimedia products for employers, and need to develop a basic media literacy. Many of these recording devices are affordable and do not need to be top-of-the-line.
Various forms of technology allow students with disabilities to access most of the classroom experience. Braille notetakers allow visually impaired students to access email and other forms of online communication through touch, thanks to instant cursor rotation. These devices also provide synthesized speech so that students can listen to information. Also, computers sometimes have reader technology that creates a voice so that students can hear the words.
Online courses allow schools to provide classes that would otherwise not be affordable. Students who have access to the Internet can communicate with the educator and the students through various media, such as chats and bulletin boards, complete examinations online, and submit assignments electronically. Educators can provide students with reading material directly on the screen and can also direct students to websites with helpful information. However, educators are often worried about students interacting with Internet users not in the classroom and wasting class time with irrelevant activities. Fortunately, schools can moderate student Internet activities with software programs designed specifically for online classes.
Blogs, wikis and podcasts help students practice collaboration and also help students imagine an audience. Educators try to prepare students to create products for various audiences, such as their future customers. But students tend to see the educator as the audience when writing essays and creating projects. For students to be effective in the future, they must create multimedia with the audience in mind. Blogs, wikis and podcasts are released online and students have a real audience in the form of other Internet users.
Schools that have a difficult time providing computers can get them from companies that specialize in overstock computers. These companies usually make special deals with schools so that they can become official vendors for these schools. However, schools must make sure that the company offers at least a 30-day warranty.