We have four computers that the kids can use (between the two classes...that they travel between for stations). These computers are used by the preschool in the morning and the kindergarten in the afternoon.
IMPORTANT NOTE! The volume on the computers is either turned down SO low or is totally disabled - so sound or verbal directions are useless. To me... I would think you get headphones - but there must be a reason why they don't. Tangling? The fear of spreading lice-should they exist? I am not sure.
So far... the team has had them set on PBSKids. And that's IT! I guess the kids like it. At least they see characters they know. But without the sound even the most brilliant of activities (are they brilliant? I can't tell without the sound.) are often useless...and we don't have time to sit with the kids talking them through things.
You know... it's like a babysitter. They are occupied..but are they learning ANYTHING? MAYBE mouse-skills - but that's a shot in the dark too since they don't know why they are touching/clicking on things.
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My question:
What sites do YOU use in your computer station. And can they be understood (or figured out) without sound?
This is a website I compiled myself that incorporates different sites. I haven't tried all the games without sound but some of them might work that way. It is bad that you can't use headphones b/c that would make it a lot easier. Hope you can get the sound situation resolved
I would purchase cheap headphones for at least my class. Just a thought. I bought cheap ones from the dollar tree and they work fine and I don't feel bad about throwing them away. I have had the same two pairs for a year and half now.
I don't know if this is an option, but a couple schools I have worked at, the parents purchase the headphones for the students and they use them with the computers and plug them in to cd players for listening to books on tape. The headphones are kept in a baggie with the students name on them. The headphones stay with the student through their time at the school and they take them when they leave. This may be an option.
I don't know if this is an option, but a couple schools I have worked at, the parents purchase the headphones for the students and they use them with the computers and plug them in to cd players for listening to books on tape. The headphones are kept in a baggie with the students name on them. The headphones stay with the student through their time at the school and they take them when they leave. This may be an option.
Huh... now that i think about it... even the listening station (which happens in the other teacher's room) goes without headphones. They are in an away spot on the rug...and they play the story quietly.
or class 
