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The world around us is changing, and we have to change with it. As technology advances, so do everyday things like the work, home, and school environments. These days most schools have computer labs, calculators, document cameras, electronic roll taking and grading systems and so much more. Compared to the last century, the school environment has made so many incredible leaps and bounds. We've gone from single room schoolhouses to this! It is truly amazing how far we have been able to come.

Let's focus on the computers first. Consider that just a few decades ago, the simplest of computers took up an entire basement-sized room, and only some universities had them. Now even primary schools have computer labs. Many larger schools have more. We've got websites with calenders, schedules, assignments, even notes and grades. There are programs and web pages accessible from home and school that offer fun interactive and educational activities and games too.

On the other hand there are a lot of less complex gadgets. There are digital dictionaries and thesauruses. And who could forget about good old calculators? They help us out so much in math class. Graphing calculators are getting pretty complex these days. You can play games, graph points, draw and write notes, and of course calculate! They've even gotten to the point that on some, you can download even more applications and games to them from the computer! For younger children who don't need all of those functions, there are plenty of normal calculators around too. You can get them in different colors as well as sizes. Some have patterns on them, others are so small they fit on a key chain! And the best part is you can find them just about anywhere! Even most drugstores have them.

But what about those electronic dictionaries? Pretty cool if you ask me! The prices on digital dictionaries, thesauruses and translators have gone down drastically since they first became available on the market. They can fit in the palm of your hand and some of the newer ones even have touch screens! Who needs those bulky old unabridged dictionaries when we've got these?

Another great advance in 21st century school supplies are audiobooks. Many school libraries have them available to check out just like average books. They cut down on time spent reading, and even allow you to multitask! There's a wide variety of titles available in libraries, but for an even more extensive list, try online! You can purchase audiobooks from iTunes, or websites like Audible.com and download them to your iPod, or any other mp3 playing device!

Last but not least, there are document cameras and projectors for teachers. Projectors make note taking so much easier. Teachers can just put together powerpoints instead of writing notes out on the white board or giving them orally. It cuts down on time for the teachers and students and allows for fun graphics and educational videos. Document cameras can be very helpful too. Teachers can display science experiments like dissections and chemical reactions to the class without having to pass anything around or make the class gather around. They can just stay in their seats and observe what is going on up on the projector screen.

The things I mentioned only scratch the surface of the world of digital school suplies. There's much more out there waiting to be put to use in the class room. Lets just wait and see what the rest of the 21st century has in store for is.

Learn more about this author, Emily Washington.
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