Avermedia Visualiser
I have been having more and more conversations with schools about visualisers, especially following a training session where we have used one. In particular there is a great deal of interest in using them as a tool to help teachers with Assessment for Learning(AFL). Teachers really like the ability to take a child’s book and share the work within it easily with the class. Visualisers allow for immediate access without the need for scanning or photographing work. Using the supplied software, teachers (or of course children) can capture the image and share this electronically or annotate it in IWB software. Some companies’ software included annotation tools making this process seamless. Please click here for my previous post.
Pricing is always a factor for schools when equipping classrooms with new kit. In my opinion, a visualiser is only going to be used if the teacher has constant access to it since this will allow for ‘on the hoof’/spontaneous use, responding to the flow of lessons and children’s needs. A shared visualiser between several classes wouldn’t really allow for this. Prices currently range from around £350 upwards depending on the resolution of the image and the features included. If you are using one and would like the chance to win another one, just send Avermedia a copy of a lesson plan illustrating the way you have used a visualiser in your classroom. Click here for details.
If you are interested in looking at visualiers and other audio visual equipment Presentation Media and HDi (based in Avonmouth) are holding an open day where teachers and IT subject leaders can meet various company representatives to discuss their requirements. If you couldn’t get to BETT this year, this might be a good opportunity. See their Open Day flyer.
