3.+Optional+Components

3. Optional Components
The following are items that I have encountered in my experience that can enhance a basic smart room configuration. **Elmo** An Elmo projector  is a document camera and projection system that is commonly used as a descriptive name for all such systems, regardless of who manufactures them. This is not a correct use of the term and many companies fear when a situation like this develops that they could actually lose the value of their name. In most cases, if the brand is unknown, using the term //document camera// or //document projector  // instead of //  Elmo projector  // is advisable.

An Elmo is quite useful for individuals who still prefer transparencies and the old projector technology. The benefit you have of the next generation is that you can put almost anything you like under the camera (from books and magazines to beakers and flowers,) it will magnify to get a better look, the surface does not get hot like that of the old projector, and finally you can connect it to your computer and be able to save pictures of what you have put under the camera.

Video WebCam[[image:http://www.buymebuyme.com/retail/product_image.php?imageid=2086 width="150" height="150" align="right"]]
A web camera (or WebCam) is device that captures video files directly onto your computer or is streamed to users you are communicating with. The connection can vary but most models connect by USB. In a smart room a webcam can be quite an exciting piece of technology for communicating with guest speakers or other classrooms through the internet. Students are able to view video feeds from voice-over internet protocol (VOIP) software programs such as Skype

Microphone
A microphone can be an excellent asset in the smart room. First, if you plan on doing any audio or video conferencing you will require a microphone in order to communicate. Another use for microphones are to create podcasts for your class. Computer microphones can come in many different forms. Two typical types are a headset (that come with earphones) and a standing microphone.

These are only a few of the many other peripherals that can be added to the smart room. Once you have decided on your components it is now time to create your smart room.