Tech Dave’s Blog

Yes the name of the silly looking white arm on your AV carts is ELMO.  This wonderful piece of technology has replaced the overhead projector and has given you the opportunity to do much more.  First how to use it then what to do with it.

The ELMO is relatively easy to work – there are two ways that an ELMO is connected; directly to the projector or through a laptop.  If your ELMO is connected directly into the projector then all you need to do is turn on the projector and the ELMO.  Use the projector remote and push “RGB” or “Source” to find the ELMO.  If your ELMO is connected through your laptop make sure the beige USB cable and the video cable (lots of little pins) are plugged in.  Open the program “Image Mate” which should be on your desktop.  Click the arrow that looks like a play button and you should see the ELMO.

How to use the ELMO itself:  The arm moves in many different directions and angles – so you can show the floor, ceiling, outside and the class themselves (they really like that).  Place whatever you are trying to show under the arm.  If you need to zoom in twist the black knob at the end of the arm; this can zoom very very close.  Once you have the image at the right distance click the orange button in the middle of the knob to auto-focus.  One other thing is if you need a light the switch near the lens turns on the light.  That is the basics of the ELMO you can play around and see how it works best for you and your class.

What to do with the ELMO?  There are thousands of ways to use the ELMO here is a list, but you can find your own too.

- Show family pictures to the whole class at once

- Read a book so everyone can see

- Little animals or things in nature are great to look at up close

- Have students read reports in front of it like they were on TV

- Safe on paper and print outs, use one copy of a test or worksheet

- Have students display their artwork

I hope this has helped – enjoy your ELMO!