Rice, J. (2005, Summer). Magnificent math sites. TechEdge 24(4). 14-15, 28.

From an educational standpoint, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and
Mathematics) continues to be a concern on the state and national level, and more attention than ever is focused on improving teacher and student abilities in these areas. Included in the efforts have been some outstanding Web-based resources, and this article will take a look at several excellent sites designed to assist math teachers.

Rice, J. (2005, Spring). Texas technology trends. TechEdge, 24(3). 16-17, 35.

This article is based on two roundtable discussions held with teachers and school leaders on current trends and perceived needs in educational technology within school districts in Texas. The first roundtable took place at the Fall, 2004 TECSIG conference in Austin. TECSIG is the Technology Coordinators Special Interest Group within the Texas Computer Educators Association (TCEA). The second roundtable took place at TCEA’s 25th Annual Conference in February, 2005.

 Rice, J. (2005, Winter). Twelve technology tips for resource and content mastery. TechEdge, 24(2). 18-19, 29.

This article focuses on twelve specific technology tips for content mastery and resource teachers. Some of the tips require tweaking settings in Windows or Office programs. Others require downloading specific software, while still others point to resources on the Web. In light of the fact that budgets are always tight, the tips point mostly to free resources. If a resource incurs an expense, it is so indicated, however, expensive suggestions have been limited. Finally, while this article was written with content mastery and resource teachers in mind, the tips can be generalized to all teachers working with disabled students.

Rice, J. (2004, Fall). Basics of laptop management. TechEdge, 24(1), 8-9, 26-27.

In 2001, Rockdale ISD became the first district in Texas to purchase wireless laptops for every high school student on a large scale. Smaller, single campus districts had previously purchased laptops, and some districts had implemented laptops for all students at a particular grade level. Rockdale had about 500 students in the high school and through a TIF grant purchased laptops
for everyone on campus, letting students take them home and carry them throughout the school day. The project became one of the most highly visible TIF grants at the time, and the district received visitors from across the state as well as positive press coverage.

This article remains one of the most requested from tech directors and teachers undertaking laptop initiatives. It details lessons John learned as the tech consultant brought in by Rockdale to run the laptop program.

Rice, J. (2004, Summer). Five creative ways to use a scanner in the classroom. TechEdge 23(4), 14-15, 28-29.

“How can I use a scanner?” This was a consistent response to an icebreaker question in an online professional development course for TCET. The icebreaker required teachers to discuss three technology tools they would like to learn more about. Interest in the scanner was strong, particularly in learning good ways to incorporate it into the classroom. In part due to this experience and in light of the fact scanners are increasingly available to teachers throughout the state, this article will provide educators with access to a scanner some ideas for using it in their classrooms and perhaps spark additional creative efforts.

Rice, J. (2004, Spring). More great gadgets. TechEdge, 23(3), 32-33.

Computer educators in Texas and elsewhere continue to search for effective hardware resources that can be incorporated into the school environment. As in our previous article, we will examine technologies appropriate to classroom integration, and include sample prices from vendors. Also as before, with the exception of products available from sole vendors, additional vendors beyond the ones mentioned here may be approached for purchasing information.

Reviewed in this article: The Migo, a personal computer cloning flash drive; multicard readers; the HP vertical scanner; the HP 1012 laser printer; Laptop Desk from Lapworks.

Rice, J. (2003, Winter). Great gadgets for technology leaders. TechEdge, 23(2), 26.

Texas computer educators are constantly looking for new resources to incorporate into their classroom teaching. This article examines specific technologies which are seeing increasing use throughout the state. Specific product examples with current prices are offered, however in many cases a variety of brand names are available in each category, and they are available for purchase from a larger selection of vendors than the ones mentioned here.

Reviewed in this article: Verbatim USB flash drive; Archos AV320 digital video recorder;  Palm Tungsten T3; Toshiba 3500 Tablet PC; TDV Vision V800XPT.

Rice, J. (2003, Fall). Talk is cheap: Inexpensive text to speech solutions for the classroom. TechEdge, 23(1), 18-19, 29.

Artificial speech software may be useful for a variety of students, including those with reading deficiencies, visual disabilities, and those speaking English as a second language. Fortunately, a wide variety of speech software exists under the $100 mark, making it easily accessible for classroom use. This article will examine offerings from different companies, ranging in price from free to around $100.

Rice, J. (2003, Summer). Display your knowledge: The (often missing) element of effective one computer classrooms. TechEdge, 22(4), 10-11.

The one computer classroom is a reality in Texas schools, as the majority have at least one computer that is powerful enough to run current software and is connected to the Internet. Much interest has arisen concerning using the one computer classroom in the most effective manner. One element often missing in the one computer classroom, however, is a display method large enough for the entire classroom to see what is occurring on the computer screen. Essentially, there are three good ways to achieve this desired effect: through LCD projectors, larger monitors, and scan converters attached to television sets.