The Media Centers at Morgan and Elda have a new edition! Mrs. Mueggenberg (Media Manager at Elda) and Mrs. Godbey (Media Manager at Morgan) decided to use a portion of the money they earned from the Book Fair to purchase wireless Mimios. They are the same concept as Smart Boards, however can turn any surface into an interactive space and are made by a different company. Smart Boards require the actual Smart Board (large, interactive white board) to work. A mimio uses a small device that is mounted on an existing wall or white board (dry erase board). The device sends a signal over the board or wall space and communicates with the computer being used with it. So, to make it less confusing it basically turns a dry erase board or wall into an interactive space and is used for similar purposes as a Smart Board. The Mimio has software that you install on your computer that consists of various tools and gallery items (similiar to Smart Board software). The gallery items provide hundreds of resources for educators that are all ready to go! There are shapes to be manipulated, money and change to be counted, fairy tales to read, maps to use, music staffs and notes; the list goes on! Many of the gallery items are interactive too!
Why a Mimio and not a Smart Board, you ask? Well, they are both great products but there are a few differences. One difference is price. Mimios are much less expensive then Smart Boards. Other reasons are portability and less equipment set up. The Mimio device is very small (about 2 feet long and 4 inches wide). It can be easily transported from room to room and can be used on any wall space or white board (dry erase board). Although the Media Center Mimios will live in the Media Centers and not travel, this is a great opportunity to check out new hardware and software to see if the concept could work for other classrooms in the future. There are a few small user differences between Mimios and Smart Boards once they are set up, however I think they will be easy to learn!
The Mimios will be a great teaching resource for the Media Centers. Mrs. Godbey and Mrs. Mueggenberg are currently learning how to use the new hardware and software. I know they are looking forward to introducing the new equipment into Media lessons for the students!
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