Back to School Tech Gadgets!

A few of my favorite tech gadgets & popular must have tools for back to school...

I am fascinated by technology whether it be websites, smart phones, or accessories.  I love to have a fun bag of tricks in my classroom and at home.  I find by simply introducing a new gadget, a new excitement surrounds the existing technology.  You can see my four-year-old son, Jacob, in the photo above snapping photos of fireworks from the 4th of July.  My own children help me learn about tech trends today.  After all, if they share an interest and fascination, other children probably will as well.  

In our family, we tend to gravitate towards tools that:

• enhance the user experience (not just shiny new tools)
• are affordable
• appear to be durable
• user-friendly (minimal learning curve)

Portable mini-speaker:
One of my absolute favorite tech gadgets is my portable speaker for my iPad/iPod.  I can't begin to tell you how many times I've used this speaker.  When I'm working in small groups, I can use this speaker to amplify the sounds while I'm using my mobile device.  I've used it in meetings, in the classroom, on field trips, and even by the pool!



Solar powered charger:
I saw the solar powered window cling charger on Pinterest and immediately went to Amazon to find this gadget.  We travel a lot, and we are always on the go.  Though we have multi-plug adapters in our car, it would be nice to have the solar powered chargers for the kids in the backseat.  You can click here to see more pictures of this gadget.

I'm also always at conferences where I'm searching for a seat next to an outlet.  Now, I can enjoy a seat while soaking in the view!  I know this will come in handy at the airport, too.  Of course, you can use this in your classroom as well.  I know many teachers that share charging carts.  If you had a few devices that were low, you could quickly charge them without the cart.  In my classroom, outlets are scarce.  I'm very excited about not having to rearrange furniture to plug-in!

Elmer's Electric Crayon Sharpener:

Perhaps it's the obsessive compulsive nature in me, but I feel so bad when I see a child diligently creating a work of art and trying so hard to twist the crayon in their hand to get the 'just-right' angle on the tip. 

 

If you were to ask my students last year, they'd all tell you how particular I am about sharpeners.  In our room, I have one of the most care-free attitudes - but not with pencil sharpeners.  I've had too many expensive sharpeners break far too often.  I loathe the decorative pencils with the shiny exterior that shreds the writing instrument while jamming our sharpener.  We even have a separate sharpener for colored pencils.  Now, we have one for crayons, too!

Twig: the amazing, portable cable for your iPhone

This video is amazing!  My inner-geek has a big smile because this truly is inspiring (and I could see students doing inspiring work like this - they're so creative!).

click play below...

You can click below to back this project and pre-order your Twig - I did!

The Mophie Keychain Charger:
thanks to @teachingwthsoul for the super site link

I have the Mophie charging case and love it!  It's very handy to always have a charged battery.



Buy the The Keychain iPhone Charger at the Photojojo Store! 

Echo Smartpen from Livescribe:

thanks @jlubinsky & @teambond for the recommendation

You can also get the small stickers to record audio and playback for centers, flashcards, or to turn any idea into an interactive experience - click here!

Photo Credit: Jennifer Bond

*Disclaimer: I am an Amazon Affiliate*