Why Portable Keyboards?

You want to make an impact and you're evaluating options.

There are netbooks, laptops, whiteboards, doc cameras...Why portable keyboards?

Despite huge advances in technology, simple, focused keyboard technology has been successfully used in classrooms all over the country for over 15 years.  With many powerful alternatives available, why have portable keyboards been successful for so long?

Simple and Focused Works
Teachers who have used keyboard technology will tell you, the power of the processor and the size of the screen has little to do with learning.  Classroom materials work best when they are simple and focused...paper, pens, pencils, books...simple and focused works. With 25 -35 students in a classroom, teachers don't want and don't need more to manage and students don't need more to distract their attention from tough writing goals.

Teachers are looking for technology tools that integrate quickly, easily and naturally in to the classroom - tools that support learning without additional management burdens.

Part of a Smart Blend
We have always supported those Technology Leaders who feel that schools need a "smart blend" of technology tools available. Depending on the grade level, the skill, the teacher's comfort level...different tools will allow for the most efficient and effective integration of technology in the classroom. If students are working on a multi media project or doing on-line research, certain tools will be required. But, when it comes to keyboard instruction and the word processing needed in nearly every classroom – nearly every day,  simple, inexpensive, skill-focused keyboards trump the distraction laden alternatives.

Great Value
The Writer, Forte and Fusion are inexpensive instructional tools. There is no maintenance required, no programs to purchase and load, no over-head and no obsolescence. We take care of all support needs. And because the Writer and Fusion are welcomed into the classroom and have nearly universal application, they are often the workhorses in elementary and middle schools.  Our labs roll into 3, 4, even 8 or more classrooms every day - providing support and instruction to hundreds of students. That's a claim very few instructional technology providers can make.

If you really want to make to impact student skills ...start here.