Technology is expensive, or is it?

About three years ago, my department began researching digital language lab software. We were looking for ways to help our World Language students practice and gain confidence in their speaking abilities in a second language. Until that time we had been focusing mainly on in-class speaking opportunities and we had been using Windows Sound Recorder to record short answers to questions. Sound Recorder allowed the students to hear themselves and rerecord themselves, but they could only record about a minute of speech. We conducted our research and decided on Sony Soloist software. We're pleased with the software and what our students are able to do, but we do have a problem. The software is expensive and our district could not commit to funding a complete lab. We've been piecing the lab together through grant money and department funds each year. We currently have about 2/3 of a complete computer lab.

Question: Doesn't good technology always cost money?

Answer: No.

Through my Teaching 21st Century Skills class, I have been able to learn about, experiment with, and create both audio, visual, and multimedia using tools that are available for free! I have been able to organize my photos, create collages, try my hand at making a movie, and could even order prints to be picked up at a local store using Picasa. I have been able to record myself, edit my recordings and export them to .wav or mp3 files using Audacity, and I was able to create a digital story about my deceased grandfather to share with my family and daughter who never got to meet him.

So the new question is: How do we find the best of the best free tools out there and begin using them with our students today? None of us has time to test everything, but we can share the task. I suggest the following:

1. Our students are already using media tools. Ask them what they use, what they like and to help us learn about it.
2. Get recommendations about successes (and frustrations) from our colleagues in our districts and buildings.
3. Make use of web resources like Free Technology for Teachers and the Top 100 Tools for Learning.
4. Become friends with your IT staff and media specialists; they are the ones who will be able to help you follow district procedures for new technology, go through the process of having applications installed, and connect you with other staff who may also be using the same resources.

What can my students create with free applications? Check back this fall, and I'll let you know.