Other teachers often ask me what equipment, apps and other tools I use at home and at school.  Here is a running list:

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Classroom Gear (Low Tech)

• Lamy Safari Fountain Pen (Medium Nib) – My perpetual search for the best pen is over.  No more dried out felt tip or gel pens for me.  Be careful. Once you’re bitten by the fountain pen bug, there’s no turning back.  This makes me want to take home a stack of papers to correct!  Awesome for the document camera, too. I bought a neon yellow one so I can spot it on my messy desk, and I fill it with deep, black ink. Guilty secret: I like this pen so much I bought a hot red one and a blue one, too. How nerdy is it to be talking about pens and ink colors?

Technology For Class and Home

• 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display – In my opinion, teachers should not use a school-issued computer.  Your data is yours, despite what the district says – protect it by carrying your own laptop to and from school.  I’ve had lots of Apple laptops and this is the best one yet – small, light and  fast.  I don’t use a case. I stick it in a padded envelope, then put it into my backpack.  Seriously.

• Apple Wireless Keyboard – I need a small keyboard because my desk at home is teeny – a hand-me-down from my cousin Carole when I was still in college.  The full size version is nice, too, if you have the room.

• Elevator Laptop Stand by Griffin Technology – I use this at home, not at school. There are lots of models, but I chose the basic one and I’ve had it for many years.  It is surprisingly sturdy (handled the weight of my long-ago-crashed 15-inch laptop). It has a rubber grip on the arms – my laptop has never slipped off.  It dis-assembles easily if you need to get it out of the way. With the wireless keyboard and a foot stand under the desk, I am ergonomically set.

• Magic Mouse by Apple Computer – Like any other mouse, you can point and click with this wireless one. But, even better, the entire top of the mouse is one “big multitouch sensor” according to Apple. This means you can swipe, scroll and perform all the multitouch gestures you would on your computer’s trackpad (similar to how you use your fingers on an iPad).  But, I bought it so I could control my computer from the back of the room. I stand at a podium back there, with my wireless keyboard, wireless mouse, and my laser pointer.  Eventually, I will buy Apple’s battery charger for the mouse, too.

• At home, I boost my wifi signal with my Apple Airport Extreme.  This router enables me to get online from anywhere in my home – even my backyard.  It’s an Apple product, but it works fine with PCs and Android devices.  And, if you are using a Mac or an iOS device, you can use the super-fast 5G mode.  The optional wall/ceiling mount allows you to hang the device.

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