Technology Tools
ACTTT used a variety of technology tools to support its curriculum activities. The list below offers explanations of the kinds of tools used and offers tips to teachers about selecting and using the technologies.
Printer
In some schools, children are not allowed to print their work. The most popular reason for not printing is the expense of paper, ink, and printer maintenance from frequent use. There is also a reluctance on the part of many adults to permit children to access the printer. Uncommon, but still present is the attitude that children do not need to print. When children draw in Kid Pix or create a mindmap using Kidspiration, the proof of their work—and indeed documentation for a child's evaluation portfolio—is the printed page. When children create a book using iPhoto or Photo Kit Junior, they have an electronic version, but they also need to print the pages so they can take them home and share them with family.
Inexpensive inkjet printers are sometimes incorporated into the set of classroom tools only to discover that printing really is expensive because the replacement ink cartridges are very costly! A major consideration before purchasing a printer is not the cost of the printer but the cost of replacement ink. Online sources for replacement cartridges are a cost efficient solution. While these sources are likely to offer ink from third party vendors, they are also going to have the most reasonably priced ink. Many options are available for on-line purchasing and, in some cases, those vendors will accept school purchase orders. Replacement ink can be purchased from many on-line vendors, but one that is easy to work with, accepts purchase orders, and is known to be reliable is: http://gotink4u.com/