Buy a Multimedia Projector for a Classroom
A multimedia projector, or LCD projector, is a great addition to any classroom. Students of all ages benefit from the presentations available to them. A multimedia projector taps into a student's senses in more ways than a standard chalkboard, lecture and textbook can. The more ways students see information, the more likely they are to remember it long term. These are the things to look for in a LCD projector.
Instructions
1. Examine picture performance, brightness and resolution. If the videos are jumpy or the images are blurry and dull, the LCD projector will not be an effective learning tool.
2. Purchase a machine with long lamp life. Projector bulbs often cost nearly as much as the machine, so find a projector with a long projected lamp life.
3. Determine product portability. Ideally each classroom should have its own projector, but that doesn't happen in the real world. If a projector is shared, make sure it's easily connected to the computer, has a good carrying case and is relatively lightweight.
4. Check the PC connections. Of if Macs are used, the Mac connections. Whichever kind of computer is in the classroom, the connection cables should be easily accessible and long enough to reach from the PC/Mac to the projector. Also consider the size and configuration of the classroom and the wall, projection screen or smart board that will be used as the projection surface.
5. Listen for quiet operation. A noisy machine encourages students to chatter under cover of its white noise.
6. Check for ease of use. Technophobes or anyone even the least bit leery of new technology can be scared off if anything like a multimedia projector is too difficult to master.
7. Analyze price and cost of operation. This affects school district administrators more than the classroom teacher. The price should not be the overriding factor in the decision-making process although often times it is. It is important for the teacher to be able to point out the advantages of a particular model when a multimedia projector is being purchased for her classroom. If it means trading off some other item, it is definitely worth it.
