Not all educational pursuits occur in the classroom or in the field. In fact, a lot of the time that we spend learning is in the home environment.

Graphing Calculators

These highly advanced calculators with large screens offer students an impressive amount of mathematics computing power in a small package. The ability to display data and equations visually is invaluable in completing homework assignments. If the built-in functionality of the calculator is inadequate, some models allow downloading of programs from the internet, including study guides, business applications and games.

  • A lot of power in a small package
  • Higher priced models are extremely expandable.
  • Can be expensive
  • Not as small as a regular calculator

Street Price: From $50 to $200 depending on features. (TI-84 Plus Silver edition ~ $130)

Review: TI-84 Plus Silver Edition review on the Association of Teachers of Mathematics site.
http://www.atm.org.uk/reviews/equipment/ATMReviewti84calculator.pdf

 


Yamaha Silent Brass System

Brass instruments are fairly loud at normal dynamic levels. As such, they can potentially be very disturbing to others during practice sessions. So called “practice mutes,” which feature acoustically absorbing material were developed to combat this problem. These mutes make it difficult for the musician to hear him or herself play. The lack of audio feedback compromises the performance of these low-tech mutes.

The Yamaha Silent Brass System, in contrast, provides audio feedback to the musician through headphones. This allows the musician to hear dynamic changes from pianissimo to fortissimo in their ears while they play.

  • Mutes the sound of the instrument to outside world
  • Allows for full-dynamic range practicing
  • Optional add-on allows for 2nd sound input (e.g. CD player)
  • Increases air resistance
  • Expensive

Street Price: $130-$180 depending on instrument for base system

Review: Silent Brass System for Trombone at Online Trombone Journal site.
http://www.trombone.org/articles/library/viewarticles.asp?ArtID=158

 

Students often suffer from information overload. The material covered in class, coupled the research they gather at the library or from online sources can be difficult to handle. If the student develops a system of organizing this information, the documents will be easier to find in the future. In addition, the resulting framework may allow a bigger picture to emerge.

 

Electronic Labeler

One means of organizing information is through the user of a paper filing system, consisting of tabbed folders. Research articles, classroom notes and other textual information can be categorized and sub-categorized by subject or any other organizing technique. The use of an electronic labeler may seem to be an unnecessary luxury to some, but the uniformity of print that these machines provide can make it much easier to find information quickly. The resulting files also have a professional appearance which exceeds that of even the most careful hand-lettering.

  • Very neat rendition of printed word
  • Uniformity allows for quick retrieval
  • Gives professional appearance
  • Some may see as frivolous
  • Consumables are not free (label tape and batteries)

Street Price: $20-$80 depending on brand and features
Review: Brother PT-65 reviews on Epinions.com
http://www.epinions.com/pr-PT-65_Label_Printer_Printer/display_~reviews