Yes you read that correctly. Teach+Technology = Teachnology. It’s not a novel word. Been posted around the internet thousands of times by now I’m sure. But the word represents such a strong meaning to those dedicated teachers in the world in search of ways to enhance not so much teaching as learning! After all, the objective of all great teachers is to ensure their students become engaged in the process of learning, and stand tall on the shoulders of the educational system!

To date, there have been many tempting “one size fits all” technology-based solutions thrown at the ever-increasing issue of crowding classrooms and shrinking budgets. The problem with many of these gadgets isn’t so much that the technology doesn’t work as promised, but that it’s mostly addressing the symptom of a deeper rooted issue. Sure smart boards and laptops and virtual classrooms should be embraced in the world of education. Fact is, technologies such as these must be utilized in effort to resonate with the younger generations who’ve in essence been spoon fed the multi-media experience (radio, tv, internet, movies, gaming, chat, texting, etc) by the time they reach grade school. But educators realize quickly that technology alone can not teach our children how to become the giants we will need them to be in order to preserve the freedoms and powers of our nation. Additionally, educators are faced with the challenge to empower leaders of tomorrow and all the while finding fewer hours and the day and smaller dollar amounts in the budget.

Enter the flash drive. Not an answer to everything, but surely a tool that is rapidly taking root in classrooms across America thanks to its low cost and ability to mobilize, digitize and equalize access to education.

IT minds in schools across America are teaming up with teachers to present intelligent flash drive solutions aimed at decreasing the digital divide in the classroom, decreasing the per student cost of deploying information (textbooks, handouts, policy manuals) and enhancing the overall student experience.

With the youth already looking to flash drives to store and share pictures, music, videos and about any digital content they create, the marriage of flash drives with educational objectives makes “cents”. In fact, some schools are using school branded flash drives as a proven fund raiser. They preload the flash drives with school calendars, classroom resource information and even Postsecondary-based materials (scholarship info, grants, campus reviews, etc) and then offer them for sale to students and parents. To date, the approach has helped raise money needed for additional technologies like computer labs.

Cari Wagner, Solutions Director for CFgear.com, says, “A lot of the demand we’re experiencing is born from the teacher. It’s the teachers that take note of student trends. And what they’re seeing is more and more students passing around flash drives like the older generation passed around notes!” To date, CFgear.com has helped deliver flash drive solutions to K-12 schools and college campuses across the United States.

Because flash drives are offer rewritable functionality, teachers can assign homework on school-issued drives and students can then work on the assignment “digitally,” later handing in the flash drive for the teacher to check. This reduces the time spent deciphering illegible work as well as offers the student and teacher an organized flow of information.

When was the last time that you went shopping for a home automation and security solution? When was the last time you found a report of a burglary in the neighborhood and you were not too sure if you could have been in those circumstances yourself? It is time to end those miseries! The Home Automation Store is the reply to all your home security and automation requirements. The ecommerce store houses some of the best and most user and budget friendly devices, systems and solutions which can make you feel safe and secure, even when you are not there at home. Highlights of a few of the best selling systems available on the Home Automation Store are as follows:

INSTEON ToggleLinc Dimmer, Ivory (2466DI). This exquisite piece of craftsmanship is a treat to use in a house and will surely be a source of envy for all your neighbors and a source of pride for you. This dimmer will act as a lighting solution to all your requirements and all occasions. This dimmer can be installed along with other Insteon products to give a great look and feel to match every mood of yours with the appropriate ambience and lighting. The advantage is also that you can attach a timer to this dimmer which will get activated when you want it to. A very easy to install and use device that is easy on the pocket ($45.99). It is available at a nice discount of the listed retail price on the Home Automation Store website . With the ability to maintain different levels of brightness and also having an adjustable Ramp Rate (the rate at which the lights turn on and off), this device is a must have in every home. The Insteon ToggleLine Dimmer comes with a Non Volatile Memory and also has a safety certification. The factory has ISO9002 certification for high quality management and systems and strict adherence to quality control systems and practices. Worth a buy.

INSTEON ToggleLinc Relay (Non-Dimming) Ivory (2466SI). This is a one stop solution to your home’s personalized lighting requirements. Be it any occasion or any mood, this device can be used to give you the right lighting. This relay will give you the single point control to all the fans, lights, fluorescent and non-dimmable lighting solution and other devices in the home automation network being managed under the Insteon Home Network. This controller will provide you a simple solution even by your bedside to control all your lights in the house. As a beautiful and high quality construction package which is tested over a series of quality checks for its durance, and fineness, the controller will find a place of pride in any home. It generates less heat and is energy friendly too. Available at $49.99, this is a very economical controller. It is network ready and comes with the ISO 9002 certified ratings. The controller can become a part of any Insteon Home Network and is strongly recommended.

The products available at the Home Automation Store are shipped using the convenient USPS Priority Mail which is normally shipped out within 24 hours. The store accepts a multitude of payment options which include VISA, MasterCard and Paypal. Use it to make your home secure and energy friendly.