If you asked any student in my classroom about the technology they used, they probably mention devices like computers, cameras, video games, DVD's, e-readers, and the phone that never leaves their side. Chances are they'd never mention the technologies that aren't as much "fun." None would say microwave or watch, calculator or paintbrush even though these technologies probably make an appearance in their life quite frequently. Does that make these technologies less valuable? Of course not! In fact, without them student's lives would be greatly affected. There would be no more Easy Mac or beautiful paintings. Multiplying and dividing would take significantly longer, but they couldn't say by how much because they'd have no way of keeping time.
Sometimes thinking outside of the box with technology is a good thing for a teacher and a librarian. That's why this week I learned how to make homemade scratch-off tickets from this website http://www.moredesignplease.com/moredesignplease/2010/6/22/diy-scratcher-lotto-ticket.html. These easy to make technologies could been used in tons of fun and educational ways. Students could earn them for reading books, returning books, or recommending a good book. Students could share favorite titles, which are then put on the scratch-offs. Every day or week the teacher than scratches off a ticket and the winning title is briefly read aloud or book-talked by the nominator. The uses are endless, but the anticipation of what could be will keep students interested - proof that simple and crafty is just as useful to teachers as flashy and digital.
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