So you finally got that interactive whiteboard...here's how to make the most of it in your classroom. Click on the link to read the article:
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3751711
Will you be an effective whiteboard user in your classroom? Which of the ways mentioned in the Scholastic Instructor article "Amazing Whiteboards" by Jen Scott Curwood (May/June 2009) would you consider using? Why? What other ways could you think of to use a classroom whiteboard to engage and enrich the learning experience i nyour classroom for students?
166 comments:
Comments by Elizabeth C.
This article served as a good and wellrounded introduction to the uses and benefits of Whiteboards in school classrooms. I am currently not a teacher but a parent of young children in elementary school. My childrens' school has Whiteboards in their classrooms and this article gave me a better perspective of how teachers and students are enhancing their own learning experience. As a graduate student in the field of education, I can also appreciate that a teacher has become a student again by having to learn and properly use this technology in order to provide effective instruction.
Out of the many points the article mentions on the benefits of this technology it also raises the point that their are teachers who embrace this techonology immediately while others may be tepid in their initial approach to use the technology. It is important to acknowledge that this technology is becoming a standard tool in how teachers deliver lesson plans and how students of all learning levels are responding in an enthusiastic and participatory manner. This being said, school administration must be supportive and effective in providing teachers with quality training in the whiteboard technology, assure that equipment is functional and consistently working in the classroom. They must also recognize that there is a range of time that it takes for teachers to become proficient in this technology. The article specifically states "it takes 3 to 5 years before most teachers fully integrate whiteboards into their teaching." By acknowledging these points, hopefully all teachers can feel comfortable with the technology and that it only enhances their ability to teach and not hamper it.
I look forward to the day when I have a class and to use the Whiteboard techonology when teaching to students and inspiring them to be great students.
Comments by Jeff K.
After reading this article, I find myself even more aware of the fact that once I become a full time teacher, I will need to know the ins and outs of the Interactive White board.
During my observation hours this past spring I came in contact with the white board only during the class' computer period, and this was the only room in the school that had one. I never got the chance to use it and have never to this day had any hands on experience with one. I think it is important for me that I gain some experience with this technology before I graduate. I would hate to miss out on a job opportunity because I am not up to snuff with the latest technology.
That being said, I think that Interactive White Boards can definately revolutionize the way we teach. The article mentions how whiteboards are helpful to both stronger and weaker students. It also talks about how they help keep students more on-task than traditional teaching methods. The amount of time that the typical child is spending on the computer is definately on the rise. Children today feel comfortable with the technology and will therefore be more engaged and attentive when learning from it in the classroom.
As a substitute teacher it is important that I have familiarized myself with the interactive white board. Although my school district does not provide a whiteboard in every classroom. I would say about half of the classroom do have them and are used throughout the day to teach various different lessons and help with various different activities. I have become very familiar with the white boards due to the fact that there was a whiteboard in the classroom during my student teaching experience that I was required to pretty much teach all my lessons on. At first I was a little frightened of using it especially in front of a real live class. But I would say about the second and third time I got the hang of it and my handwriting improved dramatically on the whiteboard. By the end of my student teaching I become so used to using the whiteboard and really educated myself and took advantage of all the wonderful things that the white board has to offer that I even thought to myself how hard it might be to teach in a classroom without the whiteboard.
I truly believe from my own personal experience that the interactive white board can be such a fabulous tool to use in the classroom. This is one example of how powerful technology is and how much it can educationally enhance today's youth
I thought the video was great! Very true but scary. I think it is important to hold on to some old traditional values of teaching within the classroom such as reading, writing and arithematic. ALthough I think technology can only better future student to become more advanced.
As a permanent substitute, I have been in alot of classrooms. However, very few rooms are actually equipped with a White Board. Many teachers are asking about getting one, but administration doesn't appear to be acting swiftly in getting them. Many of the White Boards are found on social studies classrooms, as well as math and business rooms. I hope that every teacher can get access in their class to one of these because it will greatly enhance student learning and participation. The article mentioned how students can take a Safari trip and I thought to myself how what I would have my student's tour if I were able to use a White Board. The possibilites are endless.
That being said, it can also be seen as negative for those teachers who aren't "computer savvy" . I have seen teachers reject a SMART Board or White Board before because they were unwilling to learn how to use it. The article said that it takes about 3-5 years for a teacher to understand the ins and outs of the White Board and all of its uses. Why would those teachers who are set in their ways bother learning something new? I hope that isn't the case, but we all know teachers who are like that.
-Daniel Nelson
This article explained the specifics regarding Interactive WhiteBoards. I have had the opportunity to interact with White Boards, specifically with self contained classes. I believe the use of these WhiteBoards help students with disabilities maintain their attention in class Students with disabilities are often turned off by traditional teaching methods, therefore they are engaged when interacting with the WhiteBoard. Overall, I believe the use of the WhiteBoard can enhance teaching and engage students in a positive way.
~Maryann R.
This article about whiteboards is very informative. I never knew that the teacher could have a movable slate to access the board throughout the room. This is a very convenient tool. I also think the ability to enhance knowledge through proper use of the Internet, such as the virtual field trips and exploring nature with google earth, is a great way to keep the attention of students. I was most impressed by the remark about 81% of students being engaged as opposed to 58% engaged without the use of the WhiteBoards.
Overall, I think WhiteBoards are an excellent tool, but teachers must be trained in proper ways to use them in ways to benefit children.
ERIN G.
I believe that eventually all teachers will need to be Interactive White Board or SmartBoard literate. The benefits of use of Interactive White Boards in the classroom are obvious, and I would imagine that students enjoy participating in activities that utilize these Boards.
I can also imagine however, that the installation of these Boards in schools may be dautning to some veteran teachers who are intimidated by technology. Although I have not had a lot of hands-on experience with the SmartBoard, I could only hope that it is intuitive and user-friendly, rather than obtuse. I am excitied to learn more about its various capabilities and become comfortable with employing it in lessons.
-Kelly M.
I agree with Daniel. I am a permanent substitute, as well. I have been many classrooms where teachers only use the WhiteBoard to engage students in games. I understand the complexity of learning about the WhiteBoard, but as teachers we are "always learning." As educators, we should try our very best to enhance our students' learning throughout the day, specifically with technology.
~Maryann R.
I would absolutely use a smart board in the classroom. Part of the article discusses multiple intelligences and how each child can benefit from the use of a smart board. Mostly all the intelligences can be used during various lessons throughout the day while using a smart board. I know that in my class now any time that the board is even turned on the childrens attention increases and they are more engaged in the lesson especially if they have an opportunity to come and use the board itself.
-Jackie R.
I agree with maryann that the use of a smart board can increase motivation and stamina in all children but especially children with special needs. By using any type of technology those students are more likely to pay close attention and understand the lesson or activity being taught.
-Jackie R.
I am currently using a smart board in my classroom. It is a very powerful teaching tool as: it enhances modeling and presentation, allows teachers to make effective use of classroom-resources, motivates learners, improve communication and can bring in depth clarity on a subject. I agree with the article that the interactive-whiteboard is suitable for learners of all ages and allows them to work collaboratively. I am looking forward to one day having a movable slate and have access to the board from anywhere in the class room.
Marissa E.
I also agree with Mary Ann that the smart board reaches and engages lower level students. My inclusion class love working with the smart board. They are engaged and motivated.
Marissa E
I currently have a whiteboard in my 4th grade self-contained classroom and feel it is an invaluable tool.My special education students tend to stay on task more often and are contiually engaged. Interactive whiteboards promote student engagement while making learning fun and hands-on.This article just touches on the many aspects of the whiteboard.There are so many programs and professional developement training courses for teachers to get proficient and there are endless possibilities to teach with this interactive tool.
Denise C
I think Whiteboards are awesome. Today in class we were using them with our presentation. Apparently there are clickers to go along wth them for presentations. The markers on board are intersting for drawing on the image.
I like that studies show a higher precentage of student attentiveness. Students' minds are often racing, and any help that a teacher can get to help them focus is appreciated.
Adam
I think this article correctly shows the positive ways a smartboard/whiteboard benefit for children. It is a useful and meaningful way to use technology within the classroom.
Donna W.
I love Smartboards! Like Marissa and others have said, it can engage the lower ability students. Although I do not have inclusion students in my class, some of my lower-ability students are memorized by the Smartboard. In addition, students actually want to participate in the lessons and are excited to write on the board. I find that it makes my lessons so much more engaging.
Another aspect of the Smartboard that I love is that it allows me to walk around the room. Instead of being stuck at the board, I can post all of my notes up and walk around the room to make sure that everyone is doing their work.
I truly believe that one day all classrooms are going to have a Smartboard. Hopefully one day they can create a Smartboard that is the size of a chalkboard!
Although there are some teachers that are against using technology in the classroom, I am all for it. This morning I had an interview for student teaching and one of the questions they asked me was how familiar I am with technology in the classroom- this just goes to show how important it really is today! This article emphasizes many of the positive aspects of using a whiteboard in the classroom- I think having the ability to save projects or lessons for reuse or to share with other teachers creates endless possibilities. This is just another way that we can collaborate with other teachers to expand our knowledge of the content we are teaching and also to perfect our lessons. Just as the article stated, we need to realize that technology is not replacing us as teachers and it really is going to enhance our methods of teaching, student-teacher interaction and student learning in the classroom.
-Kristen Ford
I agree with the general consensus that whiteboards have become a standard staple in the classroom. In addition,teachers need to become proficient in the whiteboard technology so class lessons are more engaging and interesting; both teacher and student confidence levels in the whiteboard technology continues to increase.
Elizabeth C.
I believe that all schools should slowly intergrate whiteboards into their classrooms.
Not only will students be constantly stimulated by the new technology, it is easier for teachers to save information (if they teach more than one section of a class.)
My school just installed smartboards and I cannot wait to use them next year.
First, I am a huge advocate of an interactive whiteboard. Last year the fourth grade class in which I assisted was taught at least one lesson every day on the SMART board. They were constantly engaged and ready to learn.
I love the way these whiteboards bring graphic organizers to life and promote tactile, visual, auditory, and kinistetic learning all in one lesson.
If I had an interactive whiteboard in my classroom I would use it to interactively explore different worlds with my students, and use the jeoporady game on it as a unit review and assessment.
I am not as knowledgable with the board as I would like to be but I can't wait to learn more about its features and uses.
I think that most teachers are fearful of using a tool in which they are not familar with so they don't always take advantage of the modern technology their school has to offer. I can't wait to embrace this wonderful learning tool.
The school that I teach in has white boards but not interactive ones. Although there are maybe 4 smart boards in the school, the first graders that I teach do not get a chance to use them often. I agree with Dominque that students and teachers will find using the boards easier. It engages all students and keeps them intersted in the lesson. Technology is only increasing with time, so teachers, administration, parents, and students need to learn to grow with it.
-Kristina T
I was first introduced to whiteboards in my first semester of Graduate School and I was completely blown away by what an incredible device it is. I can only imagine how much better my educational experience would have been had my teachers had access to interactive whiteboards.
These devices assist in a number of ways. Obviously, the differentiation in instruction is a major positive to using this device. It keeps students involved and even allows them to come up to the boards to get a more "hands on" experience.
I can imagine that using these devices can be difficult for teachers who have been in the educational field long before the use of such advanced technology. Whiteboards are a far leap from the chalkboard or television/VCR devices. Whiteboards assist in enhancing the educational experience of both the students and the teachers.
From my own experience, observing the use of whiteboards has been a positive experience for the students and the teachers. I look foward to having access to one of these in my own classroom.
Melanie W.
Josh G says...
I am highly intrigued by the interactive whiteboard technology, excited to use it in 521 and thrilled to see that it is being adopted more and more in public schools.
Some of the things in the article that speak to me about the potential benefits of this interactive technology include:
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-“I use the clickers to get instant feedback on my students’ understanding of a concept,” says Melissa Gosche, a third-grade teacher in Schiller Park, Illinois. “The kids enjoy the game aspect, and it helps get a quick sense of which students need additional review.”
-With an interactive whiteboard were on task 81 percent of the time—compared to 58 percent for students in a regular classroom.
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If this technology can help us to help our students increase time on task and engaged behavior patterns that is great. If the software and hardware can combine to lead to new ways of learning and effective means of assessment, that is great too.
It seems that both of these are not only possibilities but already realities in classrooms where interactive white boards are used effectively.
How do we help those that are resistant or struggling to adopt?
According to the article put one in their classroom and watch:
"Time and space to experiment and collaborate is crucial to making a whiteboard a valuable tool in your classroom."
After having read the article and reflecting upon the comments of Adam, Maryanne, Josh and Kristina, I have to say that this type of technology is amazing. It is far different then the world of chalk and talk that I grew up with.
The technology advantages that we are offered in society today, such as the use of interactive whiteboards (SMART Boards), does make our lessons more engaging for our students. The 8th Grade Self-Contained classroom that I work in has a Smart Board and throughout the curriculum that we teach we try to incorporate the Smart Board into every lesson. The teachers try to allow the students to use the board as often as possible by answering problems on the board or accessing websites for a lesson. I think that I would as a potential ELA/Special Education teacher try to allow for the technology advantages as often as possible.
While the article speaks of the all the positives of having an interactive board, we must remember that this does not substitute for good teaching and well thought out lesson plans. It is still the responsibility of the teacher to be a tremendous factor of the motivation that our students look to. If we solely rely on all the different types of technology, they are missing a crucial part of the education process, the human factor.
Also, while technology is an incredible thing to have and know to use and incorporate into our lessons, we must remember that not all districts have access to it or have the funds to pay for it. This is something that we must keep in mind that we also need to be able to engage our students without the use of this technology.
I believe many of the things that were stated in the article to be true. Having an interactive whiteboard in your classroom can certainly hype up a lesson. Students do tend to be more interested in a lesson, depending on the topic. I do however feel that the content and delivery of the lesson without an interactive whiteboard could still be outstanding given the teacher ans the students. In the article it gives an example of a fifth grade teacher who was doing a lesson in geometry and stated that his students were really able to manipulate the shapes and undstand the material using the interactive whiteboard. In this situation, I feel that the whiteboard definetely enhanced his lesson and engaged the students in the material. I am all for interactive whiteboards and I think that they are the waive of today and the future.
Samantha C.
I found the article on interactive whiteboards enlightening. They are definitely here to stay and they should be. The technology has the ability to "touch" a wider range of learning styles and the improvement in engaging students in on task behavior is measurable. The article stated that it takes 3 to 5 years to become proficient in the use of whiteboards and I question why established teachers would incorporate it in their lessons. In addition to providing the hardware to teachers they must also be provided ample training and support in its use.
Patricia G.
I found Marissa's comments interesting. She gave results of using whiteboard technology based upon her observations of its use in her classroom. I also agree with Maryann and Jackie that students with disabilities can benefit greatly from this technology.
Patricia G.
The Whiteboard is an incredible addition to the classroom. Not only can it make lessons more fun, engaging and interactive, but it is excellent for targeting all of the different modalities such as visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and tactual.
I really thought this was a very interesting article, and I really hope my future classroom has this. I will surely utilize this technology if given the opportunity.
Rick Wolfsdorf
I agree with the classmates below me. I think the white board is a very successful tool that is used in most classrooms. I think if the school is able to afford one for every classroom they should include that in the budget. The school I work at the teacher has one in her room but she doesn't use it cause she doesn't know how. I've been able to play around with it a little but I would definitely want to take a workshop on how to use it and create lessons using it. I think it makes learning more fun and interesting for students and I would definitely use it when I'm a teacher.
-Michele D.
This article is a great piece it has a lot of useful in formation.
I have worked with the interactive white board during my student teaching. The students loved when i used it as it was fun and allowed for great interaction. Aside from it being good for the students it benefits the teacher as well. It allows the teacher to present the material in a neater more organized manner. It also adds a fun factor when you use powerpoint slide shows.
The big downside is that they are costly and require a semi computer savvy person to operate. In the end they are a great teaching tool and are great ways of incorporating technology into the math classroom.
- Kimberly K.
“First, they appeal to kids’ multiple intelligences, providing opportunities for visual-spatial and bodily-kinesthetic learners that can be hard to accommodate in the print-based classroom.”
This clip from the article sums up how most of my students in first grade learn. Having the access to an IWB daily have changes my way of whole class instruction. I believe that these interactive tools help teachers to keep students focused. In first grade the students are already technology savvy and really enjoy being able to use the IWB for all curriculum areas. There are many great websites that teachers post lesson plans, presentations, and recommend websites to use for specific grades. I hope that all classrooms will have a IWB.
Erin M.
I agree with Rick, that the whiteboards make lessons more fun, engaging, and interactive. It is an excellent way to intergrade different learning styles into daily lessons. I really enjoyed this article and hope that teachers who do not support technology in the classroom have a change of mind.
Erin M.
This was a very informative article for me since I have only been exposed to this revolutionary technology in the in the last couple of months. I am not a teacher yet,so I have not had the privilege of working with a whiteboard. This article answered most of the questions I had concerning the functions of a whiteboard in a classroom. I understand why so many educators are enthusiastic about them. And I am very sorry others feel intimidated by them.
I am looking forward to learning how to manaipulate the whiteboard to assist me as I create a lesson that will hopefully engage the children and make learning fun. (the movable slate andthe clickers sound like marvelous assests) I can definitely see the positive role whiteboards have in a classroom especially for those students that may learn more through visual and /or auditory components.
I agree with Jenn, who states that the whiteboard as great as it may be, should not be seen as a substitute for the relationship of good and knowledgeable educators and their students. A great educator is not the one who manipulates technology but rather the one who delivers the content with passion and power,and captivates the students with and without the use of innovative technology.
It is sad to know that many districts do not have the funds to buy an IWB for each classroom, but it is even sadder to know of a school that does have one in each classroom and few if any of the teachers are utilizing it. Such is the case of a private school I know. What a waste of money and time. As usual, the victims of their ignorance are the children.
I enjoyed this article because I feel that it shows the positive side not only to whiteboards in the classroom but technology over all. It gives specific examples of how effective the whiteboards are when included in the lesson. I feel that through the whiteboards we can get up to speed with the students, they are already using all types of technology for non-school related activities so relating to them opens a new door: Class is no longer a boring ancient lecture or listening period. The article stated that the whiteboards also appeal to all students, all included, all engaged and this finally made me feel better about something all my co-operating teachers told me, they said “you teach to the middle, they will never all be at the same level.” I felt somewhat hopeless but the whiteboards are designed to help all students in one way or another but always all engaged. I understand how the whiteboards can be intimidating to teachers that have been teaching one way for 10 years or more, but there is always room to learn, and we are not good teachers unless we acknowledge that we are still humans that do not know everything regardless of the years in the field.I also agree with Erin, being able to access the Internet and give the students the opportunity to explore is great. Also the stats are amazing in regards to the number of students paying attention to the lesson.
Danyi T
This article was good and important since technology has become a big part of the classroom. The article provides a clear explanation of what a whiteboard is and how it’s used in a classroom. I have never used a whiteboard, therefore the article helped me get a better understanding of how to use it and make the most of it. If I have the opportunity I would use a whiteboard in a classroom, because it’s a great tool to help keep students engaged and interested in a lesson.
I like that the article stated that the whiteboard is a tool and should not be used to replace a teacher. I feel that some teachers may depend too much on technology and forget to use it as a tool.
-Saira U.
I hope that when I have my own classroom I will have access to an interactive whiteboard. I have had the opportunity to work in classrooms with and without SMART boards. It is interesting to observe the level of student engagement in a lesson that utilizes interactive whiteboard technology. I have also noticed the teacher's who use SMART boards seem to be more interested in what they are teaching and seem to feed off of their students' excitement.
One feature of interactive whiteboard, mentioned in the article, is the use of clickers to assess student knowledge. Clickers are an excellent way to determine if students are comprehending a particular lesson or objective. I took a bio course where at the end of each class the professor would post about 10 multiple choice questions on the whiteboard and the students were asked to "click" in their answers. Based on the answers the professor was able to determine if we understood all parts of the lesson. The professor used this information to decide if it was necessary to review some or all of the lesson at the next class meeting.
After reading this article, I find myself even more aware of the fact that once I become a full time teacher, I will need to know the ins and outs of the Interactive White board.
During my observation hours this past spring I came in contact with the white board only during the class' computer period, and this was the only room in the school that had one. I never got the chance to use it and have never to this day had any hands on experience with one. I think it is important for me that I gain some experience with this technology before I graduate. I would hate to miss out on a job opportunity because I am not up to snuff with the latest technology.
That being said, I think that Interactive White Boards can definately revolutionize the way we teach. The article mentions how whiteboards are helpful to both stronger and weaker students. It also talks about how they help keep students more on-task than traditional teaching methods. The amount of time that the typical child is spending on the computer is definately on the rise. Children today feel comfortable with the technology and will therefore be more engaged and attentive when learning from it in the classroom.
Jeff K.
I enjoyed reading this article. I totally agree that smart boards increase student motivation. I have had experience using them student teaching and I have never seen my students more excited to do math before! I also see it a lot subbing. All the classrooms where I sub have them and I am usually asked if we will be using them that day as one of the first questions when they see their teacher is absent. Although it is a learning experience for teachers and students I think it's extremely worth it. This article stated many positive aspects of this technology and I am sure there are many more.
I agree with Bridget about using the smart boards for assessment. It benefits the teacher by giving instant informal assessments, and the kids feel like they are on a game show so they are excited about being questioned!
I, too, think that SMART boards are an exellent addition to the classroom environment. In many of my observation hours, I have seen teachers use the whiteboards to review science lessons, teach cursive and share and review students e-journal entries. It is amazing what the whiteboard can do and I would certainly integrate it into my lessons. I would completely agree from my own experiences that not only do whiteboards increase student participation, but students also remain on-task for longer periods of time.
Colleen F.
Before reading this article I did not know much about SMART boards. I found the article very informative and am excited about gaining experience using this new technology. It seems as if many other people agree. I agree with Colleen that SMART Boards will increase student participation and sustain their interest through interactivity. In our current era which is so focused on technology from video games to blogs to TV and internet it is important for educators to promote the use of technology and to engage students in it. I would definitely consider using the SMART boards from instant assessment like a game show for the students. While it is an effective way for me to determine if they are understanding the content it is still a fun activity for the student. I also think it is a great way to create interactive and differentiated lessons for example if I were teaching students about dinosaurs we could then visit the Museum of Natural History's website and show them virtual tours of the exhibits. I also like the idea of videotaping and saving lessons to post to our class' website - this would allow parents and other faculty members to see what we are doing and benefit from it. Overall I think the SMART Board would be a great addition to any classroom at any level.
-Jessica W
This article was very intersting to read because interactive white boards are very popular in classroom instruction these days. I agree that interactive boards increase the student's interests to learn, it makes class more interesting for both the students and the teachers. The interactive boards allow topics to become real life and interesting to learn about. These boards help students in all classes with all different learning styles and make class more enjoyable.
-Deanna C
I agree that the SMART boards are very essential in the classroom. It keeps the students on track because it is interactive and allows the children to be apart of the lesson. In a few years, mostly every classroom will have a white board which is great.It is easier for the teacher to teacher their lessons, and engage their students. I believe that the white board is a great tool that each classroom should have.
Jaime R
I agree with Deanna, this ariticle was very interesting because of the increasing popularity of the I.W.B. From the article and personal experience with the SMART board technology I believe there are many excellent benefits to using the SMART boards. They easily increase student participation and engagement throughout lessons and appeal to many different types of intelligences.
As a future teacher I would absolutely use the SMART board and I would hope to have access to the basic clickers as tool to incorporate into lessons. The basic clickers are fun for the students to use because the students percieve they are playing a game but at the same time allows the teacher to perform a quick, easy, instant assessment of student understanding.
One interesting idea addressed is the article is the idea of having individual I.W.B.s in every classroom vs. the sharing of I.W.B.s in different classrooms. From my experience this has been an issue in the building I work in. Teachers constantly arguing over who's turn it is to use the SMART board was a major issue but I also observed teachers using instructional time to move and set up the SMART board for student use. In addition, only a handful of teachers were willing to sign-up to use the SMART board. I believe if each classroom had thier own individual boards more teachers would use them and it would not effect students instructional time.
Kristina B.
I have always thought that interactive whiteboards are a great resource for teachers to have in the classroom. This article definitely strengthened my beliefs that interactive whiteboards are a great tool. I have used a SMART board in the past and I noticed that my students were more engaged and excited to learn during those lessons. I agree with the article that it would be great for each class to have an interactive whiteboard so it could become second nature to teachers. However, the school I am teaching in now does not have any interactive whiteboards and I would love to have access to one, even once a month!
Also, being that interactive whiteboards allow teachers to post the lessons on the web; for homework I would have my students review lessons at home and write something new they learned at home by reviewing the lesson.
*Jenny C
In response to Jenny, I think that's a great idea to have students respond to the lesson by posting the lesson online and having the students write one thing they learned. This is a good way to findout if your students are grasping the concepts.
The article is a good way to show how the interactive whiteboards are very helpful in the classroom. I have used a whiteboard during student teaching to teach a few lessons and the students were always engaged and interested. I have also observed teachers playing games like jeopardy and bingo. The students are involved and usually get excited by the games.
This technology definetly enhances teaching!
*Jeanine T.
I think smart boards are awesome. classroom teaching is all about efficiency. you are only given forty minutes to try and convey a message to students who at varying levels of intelligence. the smart board allows you to teach to multiple intelligences w/out constantly changing what you are doing. it is a dryeraseboard, a tv, a computer, a ditto, an overhead. it is every teaching tool put into one. I thought the idea of the quick test was ingenious. it gives you instant results on who needs more work with a specific topic. efficiency is always a top priority in the classroom and the white board will go a long way in helping teachers be more organized in their lessons.
"This being said, school administration must be supportive and effective in providing teachers with quality training in the whiteboard technology, assure that equipment is functional and consistently working in the classroom." - Elizabeth C.
-Mike T
Interactive White Boards are a a great way to integrate technology into the classroom. As far as I have seen, they drastically increase student participation and involvement. Students are always asking to use the interactive whiteboards. I think the most revolutionary development with these boards is the ability of the teacher to control the board wirelessly, walking around the room. That way, a teacher can be at the desk of a troubled student while drawing on the board.
I agree with many peoples' concerns that not all classrooms have these boards and not all schools have support from the administration. I think almost all teachers would agree the use of the interactive white boards greatly improves classroom atmosphere and productivity.
This was a great article highlighting the benefits of interactive whiteboards in the classroom. I am lucky enough to be in a school where I have a SMART board in my own classroom. After teaching with it the entire year last year I can't imagine teaching without it today. There is SO much you can do on the board - i still find myself learning something new to do or use on it. The resources are endless.
Like many other said, these boards make every lesson fun and exciting for the students. The students love when they get to come up and use the board. As a result students are always participating and paying attention. For every lesson you teach there is always at least one way you can incorporate the SMART board (whether it be on the internet, SMART notebook, graphic organizers, videos, etc). As we have learned, students are engaged and motivated by technology. The SMART boards make teaching these students so more exciting and interactive!
-Kathy M
I enjoyed reading this article. When I did my first set of observations, the school was in was a very affluent school district. There were whiteboards in many of the classrooms and the teachers were first learning how to use them. I was so impressed that they had whiteboards and I wondered if this was the future of education. Every teacher would now have to be taught all of the up to date technology. I saw how the students were engaged in the class lesson. An example of a geometry class using the whiteboard is used in the article. Math becomes when you use a whiteboard in the classroom. I can see myself using a whiteboard in math class to not only engage the students but to be able to monitor where they are in the lesson and how much they understand. Although in the article they say good teaching is good teaching, no technology will take the place of a good teacher.
As I read this article, I found myself thinking back to 7th grade science. In this class, we were welcomed every single day with two chalkboards, literally filled with notes written in cursive. As interesting as I found the class, it was absolutely brutal to stare at that chalk board for 40 to 80 minutes a day. Now, it is almost a guarantee that this will never occur again. While it is somewhat necessary to deliver a direct instruction, the manner in which it is delivered is now almost automatically interesting. With interactive whiteboards, photos, data tables, graphs, figures, anything you can imagine incorporating into a lesson is now available at the click of a button. Sadly this is a technology I have not been able to use, however i am very excited to learn about it. Finally, I must agree with Mike S, in that no matter what technology is available, nothing will replace a good teacher. To bring it full circle, my teacher in 7th grade is one I will never forget. Not because of the bombardment of notes, but because he was an amazing teacher. Science class was above all things, fun.
John G
I felt the article touched on many good points and was realistic about how many teachers need time to acclimate to the technology. I was teaching in a Catholic school. We had two Smartboards in the building. It was difficult getting used to the tech.and use it regularly, since it wasn't in our own classrooms. I agree with the author whiteboards need to be in every classroom. Of course budgetary restraints could dictate otherwise but there should be a move in that direction.
Rob S.
I agree wholeheartedly with the tone of the article regarding interactive whiteboards. I was lucky enough to have access to a Smartboard in each one of my student teaching placements and it made my lessons much more engaging for the students. I noticed it had more of an effect on the middle school students than the high school students. I hope as a teacher that interactive whiteboards don't eventually lose their 'luster' and engaging effect on our students like past instruments of technology have.
Tom L.
If I had a whiteboard in my classroom I would put it to great use. I really enjoy the idea of technology making its way into the classroom. I believe the whiteboards make learning interactive. I also agreee with the comment that it appeals to the different learning styles of students. I agree that it would take time to create the lessons using the whiteboard but once cretaed they can be eassily accessible and easy to change if necessary. I would use the whiteboard during math lessons for students to solve problems, during social studies with interactive maps, and even during science lessons.
I have never used a whiteboard, but it is one of the many things I look forward to learning in my educational career.
The article was a nice read. It sounded redundant. It would be a difficult arguement trying to explain how a SMART Board would be a negative addition to the class. Its been accepted already in the educational community as asset. The article mentioned a quote that I expresses my opinion holeheartedly, "We must remember that this is a tool, how we teach is just as important as what we teach". When used in moderation it can be useful. There is a time a place for everything. Sometimes there are going to be lessons where you will need to stand up and the chalkboard and do a "stand and deliver" type of lesson or "chalk and talk it". The SMART Boards give you thatr extra asset for the difficult lessons which is excellent. I agree with article about how it adds a way to differentiate instruction to the students. Overall it is a very powerful tool to have in class.-David B
After reading this article I cannot understand why teachers would not want smart boards in their classrooms. With lessons that are more interactive, assessment that is more accessible, and teaching that can be more differentiated, smart boards should be a staple used in every classroom environment. I really enjoyed the teacher who used clickers to take polls and answer multiple choice questions during lessons to not only make learning more like a game, but acted as a tool of assessment to see which students understood and which students were struggling with the topic. The geometry teacher who had his students play with shapes on the board was also really cool. In a student teaching placement last year, my cooperating teacher did not know how to use the smart board in the classroom so I never got the opportunity to try it out, let alone learn anything about it, which was super frustrating. Now I cannot wait to be in a classroom with a smart board so I can learn how to use it and implement it in my lessons.
-Jen Spitz
I really enjoyed reading this article. I have also read an article in which the interactive smart board was used with Autistic students and it increased one Childs attention span from 5 minutes to 45 minutes a day. This is great. I agree with Jenn when she says all teachers should have access and use a whiteboard in their classroom. It would also make assessments and learning very accessible.
I will definitely be using the Whiteboard in my classroom, especially if I have students with special needs because it allows for me to engage my students with special needs in a fun educational new way of learning.
-MegaN d
This article about inter active whiteboards was very interesting. I feel that since technology has been taking over classrooms, whiteboards are a great tool to allow for more technology-based lessons in class. As educators we need to become savvy with how to use whiteboards because as stated, whiteboards are already in most classrooms and all schools will likely have them soon. I agree that whiteboards allow for differentiation of instruction and touch on many multiple intelligences to keep students engaged. I like that they appeal to higher and lower level learners and to use it will allow for highly interactive classrooms. Although I feel that schools need to offer time and support with IWB's so that teachers can be successful with using this great technology. As a teacher, I am always looking for ways to keep students engaged and I think IWB's is a greatway to do just that.
Theresa Klee
I am currently a substitute and many of the schools in the district have whiteboards that they use in the classroom. A lot of the classrooms do not allow substitutes to use the whiteboards because you need teacher access to the main computer. However, some days I do have the opportunity to work with them and I feel that this article is helpful for that.
When people are not around certain technology all the time, it can tend to be difficult to understand it, but articles like this do help in that situation.
This article stated the benefits of using a whiteboard in schools. Not only do whiteboards benefit students, but they benefit teachers as well. By using whiteboards, technology is being more incorporated into the classroom than in the past. Since many of the schools now are beginning to use technology in different ways, such as whiteboards, it becomes more important that the teachers and parents understand how to use such technology. With that, it is important that teachers have the proper time to truly understand how to incorporate this technology into their lessons.
Whiteboards can not only be beneficial but they can make the learning environment that much more exciting to the students, thus making them more enthusiastic about learning.
- Jackie C.
The article is very interesting and makes many interesting points. I believe in the use of technology in the classroom and access to the internet so that if a student wants to know about something that the teacher doesn't have the knowledge to it can be looked up while the subject is still an interest. I also believe that technology should not replace the teacher and that inorder to incorporate the different technological tools into the classroom it needs to be used appropriately.
Whiteboard use in the classroom can serve many purposes. It appeals to all the different learning styles and every student can benefit from it if the teacher uses it as a tool and not to teach the lesson.
Jaime S.
I agree with the article when it says interactive whiteboards are engaging to students. it is a new way to visualize information and manipulate learning. I feel these whiteboards keep students interested because it is a more exciting way to learn.
I also agree with the article when it says, "good teaching will still be good teaching, with or without technology." This is a very important point and explains how interactive whiteboards will not make teachers better, but will increase the success of a lesson.
I would hand over the interactive whiteboard to the students as much as possible. I would allow them to present work on it, navigate through the Internet on it, and fully learn its capabilities as I have as a teacher.
-Michelle A
The use of whiteboards in schools has shown great success. Whiteboards are very engaging and are beneficial to students multiple intelligences. I want to learn as much as I can about whiteboards now while I am in school. Whiteboards are only useful if a teacher knows how to use them. Teachers mentioned in the article that students are participating more during lessons. I think whiteboards are great tools for the classroom at all age levels.
I have used whiteboards in the classroom and I agree that they are more than effective in the classroom. They catch the class's attention immediately and are fun to use with the students. One way I liked the way it was used from the "Amazing Whiteboards" article was with Google Earth. That is something i look forward to using in the classroom because it shows the students exactly where a place in the world is and shows you exactly what it looks like in seconds. It is also like a virtual tour of the place you are looking at, which is fun for the students to realize and discover.
I like to play review games on the whiteboard, like jeopardy, wheel of fortune, and who wants to be a millionaire. To do this i download templates from the internet and then put review questions into the template for the contnent we are studying. The kids absolutley love participating in these activities. My college professors even used them with me and my classmates and we had so much fun with it. So whiteboards can be used for students of all ages.
Diana M.
I think that the interactive whiteboards are very useful in classrooms. I think that they are a very effective tool in the classroom. In observations the teachers who used the interactive whiteboards seemed to have a greater effect on their students learning. I agree with the article that the whiteboards should be installed in all classrooms and not just be in shared computer rooms. I think that the whiteboards will help deliver lessons differently and more effectively. I also like the idea of using clickers. I think it definitely would help identify the students who need further help with a topic. In my college chemistry class we used clickers and it definitely helped the professor monitor how we were acquiring the knowledge.
Lauren G
This article was brief and to the point. It contained many important key points, but the most important was that the "Interactive whiteboards certainly aren’t a one-stop solution for raising achievement in your classroom. But under the right conditions, they can help promote student engagement and foster content area learning in a constructivist, learner-centered classroom.” I do have an interactive board in my classroom; however I feel that it would be even more beneficial for the students if I had a wireless slate. A wireless slate allows the teachers to move freely about the room while having access to the board, and therefore it would allow me to be walking around to ensure that every student is participating in the lesson.
The whiteboards have proven to be beneficial for many reasons. As Theresa stated the whiteboards are a great tool that allows for incorporation of technology into the classroom for our students. The students of today are highly engaged and interested when technology is incorporated into the daily lessons. Jamie also stated that the whiteboards are highly beneficial because they appeal to all the different learning styles and these whiteboards provide individual benefits for the students. However, the only way for the whiteboards to be beneficial is for the teachers to have daily and consistent use. When teachers are provided time and space to experiment and collaborate the whiteboard becomes a highly valuable tool inside the classroom.
Jen Curwood said it best: “Good teaching will still be good teaching, with or without technology. But new and veteran teachers alike will have the opportunity to introduce a highly interactive and visual medium to their students—a medium that has the power to transform learning.”
-- Bethany Hahl
I enjoyed reading this article very much. I could relate to it 100% since I have use of a whiteboard on a daily basis. I agree that it stimulates learning for a child. The fact that all materials are larger, easy to see and interactive makes it such a plus for a classroom. I work with special ed. children. The whiteboard to me has been a real gift. They love using it as often as possible. Whether I am showing a brain pop or doing a writing lesson they enjoy the fun involved with learning this way. The article mentions reaching all learning levels with the use of the whiteboard. I agree completely. For the child with fine motor skills they can use the whiteboard with ease. For the child who needs to be challenged he/she can use Google EArth to research an area and share with the class. The whiteboard is a technology tool that is amazing for all.
Lisa C.
I enjoyed reading this article because all of it is true from my experience. I am happy that in Molloy Colleges undergrad program we learned about the smartboard and how to use it in the classroom. I am sure there are still a lot of different ways of using the smartboard, and I hope to be able to learn these different ways. As a sub I have used the smartboard more and more because there are so many lessons and interactive games to play using the smartboard. I agreed with the article when it said that students at a particular school were even able to review what was done in class to prepare for tests etc. I think smartboard lessons keep studnets engaged and on task. I believe it does reach many different intelligences. Also differentiation of instruction can sometimes be difficult and I think using this can help.
Christina A
As a teacher in training, I find the Whiteboards are an excellent asset to the classroom. Both for teachers and students. When educators and students embrace technology and use it to create new and exciting ways to learn everybody wins. I was doing my 60 hour in class observations when I first worked with a Smartboard and while it was intimidating at first, it was easy to use and I was able to familiarize myself with it in a short period of time. The class paid more attention to work done on the smartboard than during a regular lesson. The students want to use it and it makes learning fun.
Nick Maggio
I would definitely use this technology in my classroom. In my own experiences, it is sometimes much easier to understand a topic when I can see it in different ways, and manipulate it in different ways, and with this technology, those things can easily be accomplished. Students also tend to be more engaged when the use of technology is involved in the classroom, and by having students use the technology themselves, a teacher is able to teach both the topic and how to use different types of technology, which also keeps students interested and is an important lesson.
A whiteboard is beneficial to have within the classroom to help promote student engagement and encourage content area learning in a constructivist, learner-centered classroom. Becoming a future teacher not only is it important to keep your students engaged in the lesson, but it is important to keep up with technology. I believe that using a white board could be beneficial to students with learning disabilities because this is a great way to get them interacted with the lesson. White boards could have the opportunity to get the students engaged in a positive way.
Kim F
After reading the article I feel that interactive whiteboards are a great idea and further enhance the idea of effectively incorporating technology into the classroom. I personally have never seen one but from the article it seems that users are pleased with the product. As a future teacher I would hope to have a interactive whiteboard in my classroom to reach a variety of learning styles and multiple intelligences.
Kristen
t/th
Like Kristen, I have never seen an interactive whiteboard, unless that's what they call a smartboard. However, I find the concept fascinating, especially the idea that it can be used interactively with students to play games and do class polls. I find it interesting that statistics show it helps keep children on task- I would have thought the opposite- but perhaps it keeps them so engaged as to succeed in this area. Since children do more learning through technological resources than any other kind at this point, by bringing this into the classroom we help enhance our lessons, engage our students and grow with them.
Marina M.
White boards are beneficial to have in the classroom to promote student engagement. They offer an interactive and engaging way to spice up your lessons. They give students a hands-on understanding of the material. They appeal to students multiple intelligences, and provide opportunities for the visual and kinesthetic learners. White boards allow teachers with a unique opportunity to vary their instructional methods. Furthermore, the article mentions many ways to use the white board that I will use in my classroom such as; taking your children on virtual field trips, incorporating Google earth with a geography lesson, and making a geometry lesson come alive. When I am in the classroom I will use the whiteboard to enhance my lessons wherever possible.
I also agree with Kim and believe that white boards are an excellent way to integrate technology into the classroom.
Lauren T
Tu/Th
"Interactive whiteboards can be a helpful tool for differentiating learning, especially for students who may struggle in a more traditional classroom. “Our research found that when teachers used an interactive whiteboard, it helped students to attend to stimuli,” says Philip Nordness, a professor of special education at the University of Nebraska–Omaha. “It’s large, easy to see, and interactive. For students who struggle with vision issues or fine motor skills, the interactive whiteboard allows them to more fully engage with the lesson.”"
This aspect is why I think the whiteboard is invaluable in the 21st century classroom. By having an interactive, and visually stimulating board, it can reach the attention span of what was once called the video game and MTV generation, or now, the computer-centric world.
Although I have no clue how to work one, I'm looking forward to learning!
- Amy E.
I will definitely be an effective whiteboard user in the classroom. This is a useful tool for differentiation of instruction and it helps students who struggle in a traditional classroom setting become more involved in the classroom. I would definitely use it to increase, motivate, and stimulate student participation in my math class.
Moreover, I believe this tool definitely appeals to higher -level and lower-level learners. I agree with Kristen in that I would use this tool to reach a variety of learning styles and multiple intelligences in my classroom as well.
Lastly, one thing to keep in mind is that although this kind of technology is not replacing the teacher in the classroom, it is enhancing the way we teach the students who will be the leaders of our country.
Sonia Montalvo, T/TH, 6p-9p
I really enjoyed this article. I liekd how the main points of the article focused on how whiteboards can be useds a very effective form of differentiation of instruction, a way to engage students in subjects that may have otherwise been very distracted, it a very hands on approach to seemingly abstract concetps, it can be used a a type of intructional maniputlatives, and its a new age way for teacher instruction for all content areas. As a preservice teacher I hope to utilize many of these suggestions in the classroom to help meet the diverse needs and learning styles of my students and the classroom.
I very much agree with Amy E's comment. I appreciate how whiteboards serve as a very convientent and easy (once I learn how to work them better) way to differentiate instruction. I totally agree with Amy's statement that whiteboards serve as a nice bridge for students who are so accustomed and farmilair with a high-technological world. By utilizing whiteboards and technology, students may be more eager to learn about something-especially when they are so technologically savy.
The integration of interactive whiteboards into the classroom has been an incredible addition, not only for the students, but for the teachers. The ability to make your lessons more creative and appealing to the students has just increased exponentially. There is so much information out there to assist in the use of these interactive whiteboards as well.
However, many teachers, especially those who have become comfortable teaching without the interactive technology may be hesitant to take the time to learn how to use one, and to incorporate them into daily lessons. Man teachers who are not comfortable with technology have begun to use them as just a glorified white board—a board they do not have to erase, but simply pull up a blank page. This kind of use defeats the purpose of the interactive part, and is a waste of money.
I would definitely love to learn how to use and integrate these interactive whiteboards into my classroom. Especially in mathematics, it would be wonderful to be able to show shapes moving and transforming around. Imagine the students being able to truly and accurately graph their findings. This is so essential in all of the different topics in mathematics. Mathematics has just become much more accessible to all students, no matter what their learning style is.
I agree with Sonia; "one thing to keep in mind is that although this kind of technology is not replacing the teacher in the classroom, it is enhancing the way we teach the students who will be the leaders of our country."
The Amazing WhiteBoards or SmartBoards definitely appeal to students from all multiple intelligences much more frequently than "chalk & blackboard" teaching. I am fortunate enough to use one a few times per week now. The students are always much more engaging when I have the SmartBoard. Although I'm slowly learning how to use it, I can not imagine going back to "cave man" tactics to teach with chalk.
-Will S M/W 6-9pm
I really enjoyed this informative article on "Amazing WhiteBoards". I find the technology incredible and truly inspiring. I have no experience with the WhiteBoard and have yet to observe a lesson being taught with the WhiteBoard but I am open to learning and eager to participate. The opportunities seem endless and I look forward to incorporating the SB into my classroom.
Rachel K.
I certainly hope to be an effective whiteboard user in my classroom. Although, thus far I have very little experience with using it. As a matter of fact, this class is the first time I have really even had to use it at all. We have Smartboards where I work; however, the teachers primarily use them and the T.A.s (such as myself) work more closely with the students, sitting and working with them rather than teaching a lesson. I’m not sure how much we are expected to learn about using whiteboards in this class, but I hope one way or another Molloy plans on fully preparing me for proficient use of one. If a whiteboard is so fully integrated into the classroom that in the future every class will have one then I expect that it will be a big part of my degree in education and not just a brief workshop on a Thursday afternoon. I liked all of the ways mentioned in the article, as far as using the whiteboards. I’d like to learn as many ways as possible and I have seen some teachers that are so effective with their whiteboard that it is almost an extension of themselves in the classroom. I’d like to achieve that sort of cohesion when using them. I think the best way to engage and enrich the learning experience in a classroom using a whiteboard would be to have the students use it as much as possible. It is obviously a huge motivational factor in the classroom and I am not the kind of person that plans to stand and dictate or perform for a classroom. I am excited for the turn that education is taking; one that will allow the students to become much bigger fixtures in their own learning process, while allowing the teacher more time to concentrate on the fluidity of the class as a whole.
In agreement with both the article and what a lot of commentors are saying on here, the most important aspect of the whiteboards to me is the way in which they can act as a multifaceted solution to teaching to all of the multiple intelligences, simultaneously.
I really liked the "Amazing White Board" article and feel that smart boards and white boards are great to have in the classroom for both students and teachers. White Boards allow all students to be exposed to different ways of learning material.
This is the first year that my students and I have used the white board and we have had much use of it. The students use it for presentations and enjoy learning all about it and new things that can be done on it.
I look forward to learning more about white boards and different ways to use it in the future in my classroom.
Nicole
M/W
I agree with Nicole. This article was interesting and makes valid points on the benefits of these new technology in the classrooms. SMARTboard and white boards are great to have in class. The students pay so much attention on a white board, than on a black board. The teachers are offered with so many options to teach a lesson and that's what kids need. They need diverse ways of learning. Also the kids in this generation are being raised with technology in their daily lives, why not include it a classroom.
M.Abreu
T/TH
SmartBoards -- and any other technological tool -- are only as good as the user allows them to be. Technology won't replace strong teaching, but it will enable a more engaging instrument to apply that lesson.
I have seen firsthand what the article and other posters have stated: SmartBoards are worthwhile. My children's school has a community SmartBoard and the kids love to use it and show genuine enthusiasm when recounting lessons learned via the SmartBoard. They enjoy the interaction, the graphics, and the instantaneous information the SmartBoard provides.
During my observation at a high school recently, each classroom was equipped with its own SmartBoard. Some teachers used the device expertly and efficiently, and complemented their lessons. Again, it all comes down to the teacher, his/her knowledge of the device's capabilities, and a willingness to incorporate it.
I agree with Meg. I love this part of your comment. "The SmartBoards and other technologies are only as good as the user allows them to be. Technology won't replace strong teaching, but it will enable a more engaging instrument to apply that lesson." I feel that its a clear point and very strong statement. SMARTboards are very useful, but its all up to the teacher to know how to use it and make it work within their lesson plan. Thats why it's important for all teachers to become well educated in using all the technology available to them so they can apply it the correct way in their classroom and give their students different ways of learning.
M.Abreu
T/Th
Working in a third grade inclusion class I have had the opportunity to use the Interactive Whiteboard on a daily basic. I agree with what Maryann R. Said how the WhiteBoards help students with disabilities maintain their attention in class. The use of technology brings more interaction and engagement into the lessons. The idea for the article that I like is the use of the
One feature that I like to use when starting of a new unit/ and then at the conclusion is the use of the Smart response interactive system, as a way to assess student knowledge. The Clickers are an excellent way to determine students prior knowledge, and then to see if they are comprehending a particular lesson or objective.
KatieG
I agree with all the comments about how the use of White Boards in the classroom further enhances classroom teaching methods. Students can apply varies forms of learning styles when working with the White Boards. I hope that when I finally get my own classroom I am given the opportunity to work in a classroom with a White Board to further enhance my teaching.
The last comment was left by Kristen T/TH.
I feel the use of interactive white boards will propel the students into being more interested in the classroom. Students get bored in classrooms because they are always sitting the entire period and the only time they get up is to leave the class. I feel like if we encourage the students to move around during class and be involved in the classroom discussions then they can be interested and not fall asleep in class. Not only will the whiteboards be a very good thing for students but also the smart board because students love new toys and although teachers will not want their students to use them as "toys" they will be overwhelmed to use they and will pay attention and behave in order to be called on to use the boards.
As a current teacher I am aware of the whiteboard movement. A few classrooms in my school are equipped with whiteboards but not enough. I wish I had a whiteboard in my classroom. There are about one to two whiteboards in each classroom on each grade level in my school. As the student grade increases the number of whiteboards increase. I agree with other classmates as they say many teachers went to ask administrators about receiving a whiteboard in their classroom, because I sure was part of that trend. I do see the students’ engagement and focus on the lesson when it is delivered through a whiteboard. Even though my students do not have the daily experience of a whiteboard many colleagues are cooperative in sharing the technological device with others. I agree with the article that whiteboards enhance our teaching, appeals to children and adapts our lessons. Children from all learning styles are able to actively participate in the learning experience whether visual and spacial or bodily and kinesthetic.
Danielle S.
As a second grade teacher in a private school, we do not have the resources available to have interactive white boards, so I have not had much access to them. However, from what I have seen and read from this class I completely understand how beneficial implementing an interactive white board into a classroom can be. It can make your lessons more engaging and much more interactive, which as the article said is a great way to motivate your high and low level learners. Although we do not have them at my school, I am very aware of the fact that they are being used in many other schools, and hope to learn as much as possible without actually having one. It is crucial for teachers to at least be familiar with them, and this article reiterates the fact that interactive white boards are here to stay and are an extremely beneficial tool in the classroom.
Allison P. EDU521.03
I agree with Rick in that White Boards are an excellent addition to the classroom in that they engage the "visual, auditory, and kinesthetic" learner. Kelly also mentioned that all teachers will have to be able to use these technologies effectively and efficiently. This may be a challenge, though because according to the article it takes three to five years before educators are usually able to integrate it completely into the curriculum. However, it is important that educators learn to do this because it is estimated that the student interest rate increases 30% when some sort of technological white board is utilized during the lesson. I hope to use these technologies in my own classroom one day.
Katharine F. Tues/Thurs EDU 521
It has been pretty much voiced that the instruction is only as good as the teacher.
Yes, the whiteboard is a wonderful, technological tool that can only add to the enhancement of the teaching/learning process.
However, I must point out that the two issuses at hand, are that either a district has enough money, or does not have enough money to strategically place these "amazing White Boards" in each and every classroom. In addition to that, because this is a fairly new technology, it is bound to be met with the same fear that crippled people with the use of electonic cash registers, back in the 70's.
The hurdle that is to be met at the beginning of the race is that teachers need to be educated on how to utilize this new technology.
It is only then, that the educator can take a step back and fully contemplate how they can more effectively reach each and every student in their classroom.
The teacher can then focus on the lesson plan and add content that will totally immerse ther student in the subject content.
I look forward to the day that I can be an effective teacher, and utilize this technology to engage all of my students.
Elizaebth G. EDU 521.03
This article is a great way to introduce whiteboards and their positive aspects. As a teacher in training I find that interactive whiteboards are very powerful tools. They really help keep students engaged and motivated. They appeal to different senses and really help bring things to life. The classroom becomes more exciting. Looking back on my school days I wish I had the opportunity to have a interactive white board in my classrooms. It would have really helped me to stay interested. I feel this may be one of the best technology based tools brought into the classroom.
- N. Menuau
After reading this article, I find myself wanting to utilize the whiteboard in my lessons. Not only can it be easier and useful for teachers to deliver a lesson, but also for students to better understand the what is being taught. It can increaes motivation and participation amoung students by making learning more fun and engaging for them.
The article also mentioned that teachers now become like students as well because they are learning how to use whiteboards as well. Educators need to become familiar with the technology for lessons to be taught efficiantly.
I also have to ageree with Will S. and Sonia M. because educators have to have in mind that our students will be our future, and white boards are an essential way to enhace diverse ways of learning.
The article was very entertaining and interesting. I think the idea of whiteboards is awesome.
Kristal C.
It’s very true, what Meg said, “…only as good at the user allows them to be.” I’m up for learning all about interactive white boards and using them to their full potential, but I think, for a lot of veteran teachers, it’s going to be an “old dog – new tricks” issue. I work with some teachers who have specifically stated, they have no interest in getting an IWB. I think they feel this way because they like the way things are now (strictly chalk boards and overhead projectors) and they don’t like change. Our district is always looking for funding to get more IWBs in our classrooms. Eventually, they’ll reach their goal of one in every classroom, but it will be years more to weed out the teachers who won’t make the effort to properly use them. They may use an IWB in their rooms, but not to its full potential.
To answer the original question…
There was one chapter, in particular, with which I needed some help because my students could not understand what they were supposed to be doing from my demonstrations on the board. It was the Locus chapter. I kept saying, “OK, imagine you’re up in an airplane looking down at a tree.” Many of them had a hard time imagining that and it would have made a lot more sense to everyone if I had been able to use Google Earth and demonstrate what I was talking about as we were all looking down from the clouds.
Also, there are so many great websites for students to access now. I would spend more time getting them comfortable with using them.
Once again this article has expounded upon the various benefits of using technology such as Smart Boards in the classroom. They can be incredibly versatile and useful in classrooms of all disciplines and for students of all ages and all types of learning styles. As a teacher in training, and someone who is not the quickest to pick up new kinds of technology, my only concern is whether or not I will be able to learn how to use the Smart Boards to their full potential. i hope that I am able to have plenty of time to experiment with the Smart Board so that I can learn how to use all of its feature so that I can begin to implement it in my lesson planning. However, I do think that it is important for everyone to keep in mind that the use of these new technologies is not a "cure-all" for teaching. Bringing Smart Boards and other innovative technologies into classrooms all over the country will not eradicate poor teaching nor will it substitute good teacher preparation. We must still ensure that we have excellent teachers and good teacher practices being carried out within our classrooms. If teachers rely too heavily on fancy technologies we might be losing some of the content that is supposed to be behind the technology that is there to merely help get that information across to our students.
The WhiteBoard is a very convenient resource. I think the chance to improve knowledge through the use of the internet,like the virtual field trips, and google earth, is a great way to keep the attention of all students.It is not always easy to keep the students focused and in this age of technology, the WhiteBoard is very useful.I agree with the article that the WhiteBoard is suitable for learners of all ages and allows them to work collaboratively in groups.
I agree with Jackie R,because I would also use a smart board in the classroom to reach all children with different learning preferences. The article discusses multiple intelligences and how each child can benefit from the use of a smart board. All the intelligences can be used during various lessons throughout the day while using a smart board. It is definately a great advantage in the classrooms today.
Will I be an effective whiteboard user in my classroom? I certainly hope so! Interactive whiteboards are truly revolutionizing the way we teach, and I fully intend to make use of them in my classroom. Interactive whiteboards are a very useful tool for the "guide on the side" approach to teaching, and as I mentioned in a previous post, this approach is something I embrace.
I definitely echo Carina's statements about using interactive whiteboards to differentiate instruction and reach students with different learning styles. Whiteboards offer many features that cater to auditory and visual learners, and they can also be helpful for tactile/kinesthetic learners in that they allow students to move and manipulate on-screen objects.
Unfortunately I cannot comment more specifically on how I might use a whiteboard to enhance learning. I have only seen these whiteboards in use on a limited number of occasions, and as such I am not fully aware of all their capabilities. (I know that I'm not alone in this, as I know several teachers who even have SMARTBoards in their classrooms but don't know how to use them.) I hope that this course provides me with more knowledge in this area, and I look forward to utilizing this exciting technology.
After reading this article, I definitely think that whiteboards are great additions to classrooms. I have not had much experience in a classroom yet, but once I do, I plan to utilize and incorporate the whiteboard into many lessons because I feel that it is extremely engaging and motivating for students. I think that using the whiteboard for things like virtual field trips and having the students use a clicker for feedback and different activities will increase participation and engage students in a fun, yet beneficial way.
I agree with both Carina and Max that using the whiteboard will help to reach the many learning styles students have. All children learn differently, therefore, it is important to differentiate teaching to better fit the needs of all types of learners.
Gone are the days of staring at the teacher's back as she wrote on the chalkboard. Students have the benefit of interactive learning with the use of a whiteboard. I find it, especially appealing for the use of multiple intelligences. Students will be engaged and stimulated by what it has to offer and where it can take you to. The use of whiteboards in the classroom is a necessity for all learners.
This comment is in response to Elizabeth G. who said, "Either a school district has enough money to purchase white boards for all the classes, or they do not". I know where my children go to school - every class has a white board - at that is parochial school. If we can raise money to put them in the classrooms, parents of public school children can demand that this is what they want their tax dollars being spent on. There is no time to think about technology, it's just a matter of keeping up.
I thought it was interesting that the teacher who had taught the same students the previous year found that they became more engaged and remained more on-task once the whiteboards were introduced. Just in terms of logistics, use of whiteboards frees teachers from the issues(as Terry noted) having their backs to the students, illegible handwriting, and the sometimes time consuming distribution of materials.
I think a challenge at least for me would be effectively using it in the ELA content area. I have seen several applications of its use in math, but far fewer in other subjects.
To add to my above comment, I think that it is important for school districts to make training sessions available to instructors so their investment in technology pays dividends. I know that SMART has programs which are geared around particular content areas.
Dan M.
As someone with a Smartboard in my classroom, I find that I am often asking myself, “Am I using this to its full potential?” Unfortunately, I know that the answer is no, but I am continually trying to find new ways to incorporate the board into my lessons. Although I do use the board daily, sometimes only certain portions of a lesson or certain activities will be on the interactive whiteboard.
One of my goals for the upcoming school year is to create entirely interactive lessons using the Smartboard, and I found that the article “Amazing Whiteboards” provided teachers with some excellent suggestions on how to do so. As an inclusion teacher, I frequently use the board to pull up notes or activities that were completed in the large group class for reteaching with my small support group. Like the article mentions, the board makes saving projects or lessons for reuse very easy. As a math/social studies teacher, I found that the article provided two more suggestions that I plan on incorporating into my teaching whenever possible. The first is to draw shapes on the board and allow the students to manipulate them during math activities. This is a highly interactive way to allow students to discover and create their own knowledge. The second is to use Google Earth during social studies lessons to provide students with a better perspective of what regions or countries the activities are referring to.
Another way I like to use the whiteboard to help engage and enrich the learning experience for my students is by posting interactive practice activities on quia.com or flashcardmachine.com, and allowing students to carry out the activities during a stations lesson. This allows the students to work independently at a station, but still receive automated feedback from the websites. I have found that my students really enjoy the opportunity to go up to the whiteboard and interact with it.
I also strongly agree with the previously posted comments addressing the need for school districts to provide their teachers with appropriate training in order for them to effectively use the new technologies.
Sarah Jane M.
I have seen demo lessons done on the Smartboard at my children's school. Most, if not all classes in their elementary school have one in the classroom. However, I do not think they are utilized enough and to their potential. In their school, I believe they are on the third year or so of adoption so maybe in the next year or two the school will be using it more. (The article mentioned a 3-5 yr adoption rate.)
When I begin teaching, hopefully I will have a Smartboard to use! And if I do, I plan to create lessons on it to foster student engagement and to better cater to students' multiple intelligences.
I admire Sarah Jane's goal of creating entire lessons using the Smartboard. I also admire her comment that she does use the Smartboard daily. I think that is the first crucial step towards fully integrating it in the classroom.
Finally, when I observed in the Freeport district, they only had 1 Smartboard for the large early childhood center (prek through k)and it was centrally located in the basement computer room. Therefore, it was difficult, cumbersome and rarely used.
Sarah S.
When I become a classroom teacher, I will be an effective whiteboard user in my classroom, provided the technology is in place for me to do so. I would employ several of the Whiteboard uses mentioned in the Scholastic Instructor article “Amazing Whiteboards” by Jen Scott Curwood.
Specifically, I would use the whiteboard’s flip chart and traditional whiteboard functions as well as its capacity as a DVD player. I think it’s important to maintain traditional teaching mediums that have consistently worked for learners while incorporating new technological functions. Flip charts and traditional whiteboards have proven to be effective learning tools for decades; traditional should not equal defunct in a classroom learning environment. Also, I think the utilization of educational DVDs is an excellent learning mechanism. The right choice of DVD can make for a visually pleasing, exciting lesson. The projection of the DVD onto the large, easy to see interactive whiteboard, furthermore, can simulate the experience of watching the film in a movie theater- an engaging option for students.
To engage and enrich the learning experience in my classroom for students, I would also use the interactive whiteboard to incorporate applicable photos and historical documents from the Internet into my lesson plans. The Internet is easily accessible through an interactive whiteboard, and displaying accompanying photos and documents onto the large whiteboard during a lesson can cut down on time spent on traditionally passing photos around a classroom.
-Jen Meliambro
I agree with Carina and Max’s assertions on the importance of using interactive whiteboards to differentiate instruction and to appeal to multiple intelligences. Max has a terrific observation that interactive whiteboards have capabilities that appeal to auditory and visual learners as well as tactile/kinesthetic learners; I believe it’s important to utilize whiteboards to accommodate all learning styles. After all, the main point of the advancement of technology is to move further toward our goal of equalizing learning opportunities for all.
-Jen Meliambro
I truly love the idea of using Google Earth on the interactive whiteboard. This program would be great not only to incorporate into social studies lessons, but also science lessons. Specifically I think it would be a great enhancement to lessons about different ecosystems. I would also use the whiteboard to take pen pals to the next level! I would try to do a weekly Skype with a corresponding class. I have a friend who teaches in a school in Hawaii and hopefully in September we will be able to do this!
What stood out to me the most in this article was that “with an interactive whiteboard students were on task 81 percent of the time—compared to 58 percent for students in a regular classroom.” This is astounding to me. I think if we are able to stimulate almost 30% more students than there is nothing that should stand in our way as educators.
I think Terry brought up a great point about public schools. We should be making sure that our tax dollars go towards things that will improve our children’s academic performance. If a parochial school is capable of fundraising the money, or applying for various grants, I am sure that there is more that a public school can do. I don’t think the should settle at the fact "Either a school district has enough money to purchase white boards for all the classes, or they do not"
Bianca Todd
I would use the white board for PowerPoint displays that have videos integrated into the lessons. This would be my main mode of delivery. I would also utilize the fact that it could display DVDs on a large screen for the children. There has been many times that I would have loved to go online to show the students pictures or diagrams on the topic, including the organ systems that are labeled. The children could also come up to the board to write answers to questions already present in a PowerPoint. I would also be able to model a computer activity before bringing the students into a computer lab for an assignment. All of these things could better support students understanding of a topic.
Brian Gladstone
The article on white boards was very informative. I completely agree with MaryAnne's statement on the importance that white boards have in the classroom when addressing the needs of students with disabilities. Students with learning difficulties often need larger visiual aides, and even sound to assist them with learning. And this can be received through the use of a whiteboard, rather than traditional devices thats been used in the past. Innovation of the class room chalk board has definitly taken a new form.
Brenda K
This article served as a great resource to teachers who use whiteboards in their classrooms. This articles speaks about the appeal of whiteboards to multiple intelligences, providing opportunities for visual-spatial and bodily -kinesthetic learners an easiler tool for learner. It also accomodates the students who find the print based learning difficult. The statistics have shown that 81% of students are on task with whiteboards compared to 58% in a regular classroom without. The whitboards can be used for the SmartBoards, projet images, and to even videos. The whiteboard have not replaced the educator but enhanced what was already there.
-Jennifer Sandoval
While reading this article I found myself constantly nodding. Everything that was noted I completely agreed with. As a special education teacher I need to work twice as hard, if not more, to keep my students engaged. The whiteboard in my classroom definitely gets its use, and I have fully taken advantage of its dynamic usability. My lessons are interactive, and as noted, I have found many games and interactive tools to use for my lessons. What I find to be great is the fact that no matter how much I know or learn about the whiteboard I can always learn more. This is great because everything I learn, I share with my kids, keeping their interests peaked.
J. Dupas
The article just reinforce why I enjoy using the whiteboard when I am in a classroom. The first time learning about the whiteboard was last year, and when I was in a classroom observing I saw exactly how the whiteboard has great advantages when teaching students. In the article, they mention a few ways that using the whiteboard is beneficial; one that I appreciate is the appeal to kids for multiple intelligences, providing opportunities for visual and kinesthetic learners. I also adore the fact that I can use Google Earth and plan a virtual tour that would be great advantage to show my students before I teach a lesson to get them motivated to learn. I would use the whiteboard to play review games like jeopardy. The use of whiteboard is a great technology that should be in the classroom, to enhance learning for students. I must agree with what Jennifer said “The whiteboard have not replaced the educator but enhanced what was already there”. That is so true.
Kricel F.
In response to the post made by an anonymous person on May 20, 2009 about the loss of time spent teaching reading, writing, and arithmetic, I agree. However, we still teach these ideas and skills in classes today. When it’s time to teach beyond the basics though, this is a great way to keep all students engaged and differentiate instruction. While technology is great and, I believe, will improve student learning, the basics need to be taught as much, if not more than they have always been.
J. Dupas
Interactive whiteboards are a wonderful addition to classrooms. They allow teachers to easily integrate interactive programs and videos into their lessons. Whiteboards are especially useful in the field of special education as it gives the teacher new ways to connect with and teach the students. I agree with Dan M. that training sessions should be made available to teachers, so that they can gain the most from their whiteboards. Having seen and used whiteboards in classrooms I have firsthand knowledge of how great of a tool they can be.
-Thomas Mehldau
I feel that this article was a great and useful introduction to Whiteboards and the world of technology they possess. I think it touched on all the different aspects of a whiteboard and how they can enrich and improve students attention and learning capabilities. Although I am not one for major technology in my classroom, I do make great use of my whiteboard. I do agree that it makes for very fun and interesting lessons and it keeps the kids focused and interactive. I feel that the students get a lot more out of lessons when they are done on my whiteboard, because they do apeal to all learning demographics, and the lessons are very interactive. Having the students motivated and excited is the key to a successful lesson and that is exactly what a whiteboard does for me. So yes I am and will be an advid whiteboard user in my classroom. I truly believe the technology is beneficial and successful to my goals as a teacher and to the goals of my students. I agree 100% with "J. Dupas" in that being a special education teacher, your students with LD's need the motivation more and need to be refocused more than any students. These whiteboard lessons have a better chance at keeping them alert and focused on the task and lesson at hand. I think it is truly beneficial for students of all academic levels as well as new and veteran teachers alike.
-Angela Tornincaso
As a avid user of the "white board" in my classrooms I can say that "white boards" are one of the best things to happen to the classrooms. Before i even get to the effect on the children i can talk about the effect it has on the teachers and the classroom environment. As teachers it is natural to become unmotivated or a little bored after teaching the same lessons over and over. The use of the this technology adds something fresh to the class and keeps everyone involved and active. For the students, especially those with learning dissabilities the "white board" can be the difference between engaging a student and losing a student. In my school district there a currently only a few classes without "white boards", so that should let you know how important they are and how important they will be in the near future.
-Kamaal. H
I think this was a great article to introduce the whiteboard. The whiteboard is so beneficial in the classroom. It is great for differentiated instruction and a perfect way to enhance any lesson. However, the author keeps stating that it is SO engaging. From my experience student teaching I learned that at this point in time, students are so used to the whiteboards. They are used to playing the “dice game”, they are used to going up to the board and using the markers to write their answers, and used to the interactive review sheets. I feel it is our job to be creative and think of different ways to utilize the programs the whiteboard offers.
It is a wonderful technology, however, after incorporating it in daily lessons, the students adjust and the thrill of it begins to fade. Teachers need to make sure they understand how to fully manipulate the software so they can make use of all the wonderful and resourceful things it has.
In an earlier post by Jen Meliambro, she states that it is important to maintain some traditional teaching mediums that have consistently worked for learners while incorporating new technological functions. I agree with her. I think that technology is a great addition to the classroom; however, I do not think that we should become so reliant on it.
I feel this article was very good. It makes a valid poiint that teachers will have to begin incorporating White Board technology into their lessons. I agree with the article in that the white board appeals to different learning styles and a higher percentage of students will be able to absorb the teachings. Last semester, during my classroom observations, I was lucky enough to be in both a special education and a general education classroom where they used SmartBoard technology and I witnessed myself how useful it can be in lessons and how appreciative the students are for it. For myself, I like the white board technology and in the future will make an effort, as an instructor, to include white board activities into lessons and my students' daily academic life.
-Cynthia Q-B.
I agree with Angela T. who said that interactive whiteboards can make lessons fun and interesting and help keep students motivated. I am not trained to work on an interactive whiteboard but have done a little work on it in the school I am working in now. Unfortunately, only the computer lab and 1 classroom has them as of right now. I see how the students are engaged in the lessons when they are done on the boards. The school is a Special Education middle school and have a lot of students who can be very distracted. These boards help them to stay focused. Having the students motivated and engaged is very important and the interactive whiteboards help to do this. I would like to use them more and learn how to enhance my lessons with them. I am hoping other classes will be getting them soon.
I agree with Jackie and Angela's comments that interactive whiteboards keep students engaged. I think they are a great tool to use, especailly when working in special education. Teachers can create background knowledge for students who may be lacking such understanding of content. The hands-on component and interactiveness appeals to multiple intelligences as well as different learning styles.
I have seen the clickers being used and they offer teachers immediate feedback. Students' responses are confidential between teacher and student, and can assist teachers in modifying intstruction.
I also love that the combination of technologies that can be accessed through these interactive boards and the variety of mediums through which instruction can be generated means that additional components will no doubt be created in the future which might insure that the boards will not become obsolete too quickley.
~Cindy
This article was good as well as a well-rounded introduction to the uses and benefits of Whiteboards in school classrooms. I am now looking forward even more to the day when I have a class and to use the Whiteboard technology when teaching to students and inspiring them to be great students. I also believe the use of a whiteboard can increase motivation and stamina in all children but especially children with special needs.
Stephanie
The interactive WhiteBoard is definitely an excellent tool to have in the classroom. This article points out the many benefits of using the whiteboard to engage student learning. I currently use a whiteboard in my classroom everyday to display notes and practice problems. Students are extremely eager to come up to the board and show their solutions. I never really thought about how much more I could do with the whiteboard until reading this article. I was intrigued by the portable slate they were talking about so the teacher can walk around the room while teacher. The whiteboard I use now does not have that feature and sometimes I feel limited when standing at the board. Another part of the article that stuck out to me was that the whiteboard can help reach students of all learning styles as well as higher and lower level learners. I think all teachers will eventually have to become familiar with interactive whiteboards.
Jamie F
The Whiteboard is definitely a huge advantage for all teachers that have access to one, and is the future of all classrooms for all ages and styles of learning. I feel that alot of these lessons that are used on the whiteboard are also on the internet is a huge advantage for both students and teachers. I wouldnt use the texting feedback in the classroom, because that it seems like a distraction and just another excuse for students to have there phones out. I agree with Kamal that the used of interactive whitboards is another advantage when teaching students with disabilities and the hands on learning can be helpful.
-Tom G
“In the end, we need to remember that this is a tool—and how we teach is just as important as what we teach". In this quote alone, we can see the significance as well as the need for an interactive white board in every classroom. The greates impact that this tool has is it's ability to tend to every students learning style preference. I am a huge advicant for the idea that ever student is different and with a smart board the teacher is able to disign lessons that fit the need of every child. Whether the student is a kinesthetic learner or whether a student is visual or hearing impaired the smart board is able to help these students be having them get out of their seats and interact or make the writing larger fir those who need the extra visual aid.
I have had the opportunity during my student teaching to create and teach lessons using a SmartBoard. Not only were these lessons more creative and informative with the shirt to instantly connect to the Internet and other effective traits, but more importantly the students were all engaged and were motivated to learn. During my student teaching I found that my greatest weakness was behavioral management and I had many discussions with my mentor teacher about ways that I can critique my behavioral management techniques. The best advice that I received was that I should utilize the SmartBoard inorder to creat more engaging lessons because when students are enjoying the lesson and are participating they most likely to behave because they are actually distracted by thier learning to goof around in clas. This was only one of the many positive experiences that I had with the interactive white board. It has honestly changed the way that i create lessons and has open up new insight when it comes to teaching towards your students.
Mary V.
Whiteboards are certainly a great asset to any classroom. From general education elementary classes to special education and self-contained classrooms across all grades, these revolutionary whiteboards make learning possible in ways that students and teachers alike never could have imagined. Unfortunately, there are teachers today that may use the whiteboard, but do not utilize all that it has to offer - functioning as a "high-tech blackboard"... this is a waste. There are thousands of possible interactive options that can be used throughout lessons - classes can skype and chat with classrooms overseas, they can literally spin, touch, and create objects on the board with their hands, teachers can pull up video, audio, images, live feed, etc.. for the students so that they can experience current events first hand. The possibilities are endless - and with the help of websites, like the ones mentioned in the article, teachers and educators are able to share their information, lesson plan ideas, etc.. with each other with the click of a mouse. I think it is great & I know that in my f uture classroom, I will take the time to learn all the tricks, twists, and fancy turns so that I can use the board to the fullest.
Nicole K
I Hope that I will be an effective whiteboard user in my own classroom, especially as mentioned in the article that the whiteboard help promote student engagement as well as content learning. As well as the fact that the whiteboards appeal to kids with multiple intelligences, therefore allowing teachers to teach to all intelligences and easily differentiate instruction
The techniques I would use as mentioned in the article would be the use of google earth to project a country, in order to familiarize students with the landscapes and geography of a country which we are studying. I am going to be a social studies teacher and had never thought of using google earth as a means of introduction to a topic in class. And it would allow the students to see places first hand without having to leave the classroom.
Another way in which I would use the white board in my classroom would be to engage student interaction, by allowing the students to come to the board and write their answers. One way this could be done would be during a geography review and I would place a blank map on the board and students would take turns filling in countries.
The Whiteboard offers a limitless amount of learning experiences in the classroom. When I was observing, I found that every classroom was equipped with a smartboard and the students interaction with the subject was incredible and enjoyable to watch
Whiteboards are great; however, the major problem facing American schools (and I assume most other countries as well) is that teachers who are not properly trained to effectively utilize these boards are wasting their time using them.
Currently, I work in a classroom where the teachers are more than happy to use the IWB, but they only use the basic elements (MS Word & occasionally a video or two). Personally, I think it's a waste - either the teachers need to learn how to use the various technologies so that they kids are engaged, or the school should save their money and put it towards something that will promote student learning in a more effective way.
Furthermore, it is the job of the school to ensure that every teacher who has a IWB also has the proper training. It is not enough to simply buy them - this is the root of all the problems in American education - Educators & administrators spend too much money on students, but they do not spend enough time learning, understanding, and preparing to teach each student.
IWBs are great, but just like anything, educators, teachers, and even students must learn how to use them properly.
- Lauren Bonanno
As a pre-K teacher with a Smart Board I agree with the author about how great Smart Boards are. I used mine to enhance lessons and found that my students were very engaged. I also agreed with the authors when they stated that "students with an interactive whiteboard were on task 81 percent of the time—compared to 58 percent for students in a regular classroom." Whenever we used the Smart Board my students were engaged and on task. I was one of a few Pre-K teachers who had a Smart Board and I found my students to be very comfortable with the technology as well as with the terminology. I also found that it allowed my visual learners to learn better. For example, I could put up pictures and play short video clips. I believe that my Smart Board made my students have a more positive learning experience and will be prepared for their future classroom experiences where there is a Smart Board.
-Elizabeth B.
The use of whiteboards is something the newer generations of teachers should be very thankful for. Once I am out in the teaching world, I plan on using whiteboards to their fullest ability. I remember as a student, the process of watching a teacher write on a chalkboard was very tedious and often caused me to lose focus on the lesson at hand. Whiteboards can help make lessons more interactive, and get students more involved. What is great about them too is that it can easily in some ways deceive students into believing that they are playing a game more than they are learning, when in reality its just as effective as prior methods.
The one use of whiteboards that I really liked was the use of google earth and virtual field trips. As a social studies teacher, it will be important that my students are able to get good visual insight into what different areas of the country and world look like when we are having discussion of past events. With this tool, it would be almost as good as actually taking them to these locations.
Reed C.
Interactive white board technology has become increasingly prevalent within educational settings and classrooms since its creation. This article discusses the positive impacts in which the proper implementation and incorporation of this technology has on the learning process and motivation of one's students. I have been fortunate enough to have a SMARTboard in my classroom for the past year. I use it constantly and the children love to interact with it. The level of excitement and motivation is directly correlated to the usage of technology as an enhancer; especially in comparison to the vintage "chalk and talk" methodologies. We are within the age of technology and should utilize every effective measure that will enable an educator to successfully reach and encourage each and every student. The presence of technological aids and accompaniments to lessons is almost commonplace now and is a prerequisite for getting a teaching job. I am a strong supporter of the implementation of technology in the classroom and I am very curious to see the layout of a lesson/classroom twenty years in the future with advancements in technology being made everyday.
I agree with both Elizabeth and the author of this article on the fact that the use of the interactive whiteboard definitely increases the engagement of the students within the given lesson. By the numbers, 81% of students are engaged when technology is incorporated as opposed to the 58% that are in its absence. The students are excited and thoroughly engaged when I use the SMARTboard technolgy in my class. They absolutely love it; some see it in the same light as video games.
I use my SMARTboard and a daily basis with my students and see many benefits of using. It is important, as this author states, to know how to effectively use this technology. Our school gave professional development on using SMARTboards during our team period which was very helpful. We were allowed to explore helpful websites as well as collaborate with other teachers to learn different techniques and functions of the interactive whiteboard. I think that I am an effective interactive whiteboard user because I create activities that engage and promote higher level thinking skills.
I agree with Reed that one of the best parts of interactive whiteboards is being connected to the internet. Using Google Earth and other websites to take virtual field trips in the classroom to enhance a lesson would not be possible without my SMARTboard. These virtual field trips are crucial in promoting diversity and global thinking in our students.
In the article "Amazing Whiteboards" by Jen Scott Curwood, she talks about the introduction of interactive whiteboards or smart-boards into the classroom. As the technology in our daily lives rapidly changes, our classrooms should follow suite.
The smart-board offers another opportunity to educators to differentiate their lessons while encouraging an interactive learning environment. While many classrooms have the smart-board, it is essential that the teachers are properly trained in its use.
As Elisabeth B. stated her students were far more engaged in the lesson when she used the smart-board as opposed to a traditional lesson.
-Thomas V
I have had limited opportunities to use a whiteboard as an educator. However, when I was in High school many of the classrooms began to get Smart boards in the classrooms. Teachers in some of my classes (mostly math) began using the Smart board throughout the whole lesson. It helped engage students throughout the lesson as well as provided modeling for many topics. One part of the article that stood out to me was how the whiteboards provide opportunities for visual-spatial and bodily-kinesthetic learners. This helps all students stay on task throughout the day. It is also becomes easier to show videos, you-tube links, or any other web links to the classroom. During one of my prior placements there was a Smart board in a first grade classroom. In the classroom students would use the board to discuss their morning routine activities (i.e lunch count, weather, day of the week, month, and other events.) I was amazing how first grade students were able to use this type of technology independently.
One idea that Reed mentioned was the use of the whiteboards for visual fieldtrips. I feel that tool can be extremely beneficial for students who have never been able to leave their town. For example, I taught a lesson about landforms to second grade students who live in the city of Syracuse. When I mentioned the word Island and peninsula they became clueless. The use of the whiteboard would have been a beneficial visual tool to help students explore these terms.
-Naomi R
Andrew F.
For a guy who grew up in what my students now consider the "Dark Ages" this is truly high tech. The teaching possibilities are enormous! The teacher and students both will have fun and learning will increase,I believe, tremendously.I will likely have to work harder than my colleagues in learning this technology, but in the end I believe I'll be very effective! This isn't work - it's fun and rewarding being able to have so many ways to reach our students. The hand held clickers is something the students will love and will respond to - and learn at the same time! So interactive! Google Earth will fascinate students (it certainly fascinates me) and is a wonderful adjunct to teaching. Of course TV/DVD, LCD projectors, and wireless slates are all great.
We can reach both high and low level learners (terms used in this article).
Interactive learning is the "hot topic" and for good reason. It gets students involved and I believe it helps them learn. When I was their age, learning was virtually all straight lecture - very little if any interaction. For me, it worked. But for so many of my classmates, this was a disaster! If they had opportunities such as this, who knows how much better their performance would have been in school?
I would allow students to create their own short mini-lessons and lead the class using this technology and interact with the class. This would be exciting for them and I think would be a welcomed change for them.
Of course as the article states, we still need to utilize good teaching skills and along with this technology the future looks bright for education!
Growing up, I did not have the opportunity to learn with a SMART board, but as a future teacher I hope that I am able to provide the opportunity to my students. I love the fact that the SMART board appeals to both high and low-level learners. When it comes to differentation in the classroom, I think it is important to utilize every tool. It seems that the SMART board, is a great tool to appeal to the different learners within the class. I do feel that if teh teacher has a SMART board in their class room that they should be required to complete a training seminair or to read instructional material on the SMART board. The technology in the classroom is beneficial only if the teacher knows how to fully utilize the technology.
Michelle B
I agree with Reed that the black board could cause children to lose focus on the actual lesson. I especially hated when the teachers would leave writings on the board from a nother lesson. I found it distracting and confusing. The smart board can help alleviate some of these issues.
SMART boards are a wonderful example of how technology can truly enrich our students' experience in the classroom. Teachers can appeal to the audio-visual an kinesthetic learners all at once by using the different features of this interactive technology. I think it is wonderful that we are finally using the presence of technology in our culture to the classroom's advantage. I like how the article confirmed that it was so much easier for kids to pay attention and stay with the class when the SMART Board was used. Have you ever noticed the effect of a TV on a child? When it's on, you can't get them to pay attention to anything but what's happening on the screen!!
As Dena and others mentioned, however, it is important that districts teach their educators to effectively use this new technology. It is wonderful to hear that these suggestions are followed through, and I'm sure it makes it a lot easier and enjoyable for Dena to teach her kids with a powerful tool like the SMART Board!
I personally would love to try the interactive testing and poll-taking features of the SMART Board. I believe students would be so much more motivated to get the right answer when they are immediately given feedback!
Since I have experience using interactive whiteboards, I do believe I will be an effective user. One idea mentioned by the article that I really like is pulling up Google Earth to give students background knowledge of the world and different terrains. This is especially important because students often have a poor concept of geography. Looking at pictures in a textbook isn't enough for our students--we need to provide them with enriching experiences. Since we can not go on field trips all over the world, providing them this experience on the interactive whiteboard will be extremely effective. In addition to the ways mentioned in the article, I would use it as a tactile experience for the students and as a manipulative. Although students are engaged by watching a teacher use the whiteboard, they will learn through experience and by doing.
-Marisa G.
As a young professional entering any field of work you hope to be up to date with all technologies in that given field. As a young aspiring teacher I hope to be equipped with all the necessary tools and skills to better myself in the classroom. Becoming a 21st century teacher is crucial these days and being familiar with Smart boards could prove to be a great skill to have. Technologies in the classroom are quickly replacing the old ways of teaching. Smart boards combine the old "black board" with the technologies of the 21st century. They're a great way to get students involved in your classroom as well as a way to differentiate instruction to your students.
-Keith Galante
I think Interactive white boards can definately benefit students and the learning experience. White boards can offer interaction in the classsroom such as anonymous polls, interactive activities, and virtual field trips. It is also something that appeals to both higher and lower level learners which is extermely important being that inclusion is being implemented in many schoools. The Interactive White boards also appeal to both visual learners and kinesthetic learners. I have not yet learned how to use the interactive white boards but know that i will definately have to become familiar with the technology.
-Danielle C.
I loved reading this article and the information it provided. Having an interactive whiteboard in my classroom has allowed the students and myself to learn on a whole new level. In the past, I have used whiteboards for all of my lessons and have noticed the rise in participation among all of the students. The tool that allows you to check for understanding is extremely helpful because it can graph the students understanding anonymously or individually in order to determine if re-teaching is necessary. I really believe that using the whiteboards allows teachers and students to enhance learning. I agree with many posts below and definitely believe that "the use of these Whiteboards help students with disabilities maintain their attention in class Students with disabilities are often turned off by traditional teaching methods, therefore they are engaged when interacting with the Whiteboard." Overall, I think that whiteboards are and should be seen as a great addition to the classroom!
Christina D.
The Amazing Whiteboard is a great article about the use of technology in the classroom. I have personally seen the advances of this whiteboard used in the classroom and it really helps with involving and engaging every student in the lesson.
This particular technology is a great tool in education. There is great interaction on that can be used on the board and it is effective in the quality in which teachers teach.
I am really looking forward to the day where I get to learn how to use and operate the white board effectively in my classroom.
-Katie C
I have not had the pleasure of using a whiteboard ini a classroom. However, I know how useful they are. As the article mentions "they appeal to both higher-level learners and lower-level learners" (p.3). The whiteboard (SMART) interacts student and enhances many learning styles and concentrated on student's multiple intelligences. As Adam states, I agree that teacher can use interactive whiteboards to engage students focus back to the lesson.
Kate M.
The article talked about white boards and how to use them in classes. I have had the opportunity to use a whiteboard. most of the students are so used to and comfortable with Powerpoint they have become bored with it. By using the whiteboard they become more interested because it is something that they haven't seen before. Also if used the right way students have the chance to come up and use it or show the class something on it as they would on the computer. I am a fan of the whiteboard but believe that more teachers need to use it the way it was meant to be, because most of them just use it for PowerPoint and touch the screen to move to the next slide. I agree with mary ann, the use of whiteboards increases students motivation and the learning process because they don't see it as work anymore but rather a fun time playing games and learning comes naturally. James S.
I wish to be an effective white board user in my classrooms. I feel they are there for a reason and good money is being spent on them so we as teachers should be motivated to learn about them and use then to our advantage. I really enjoy the game aspect to gage the understanding and retaining of information for the students. This gives teachers a good idea about which students are getting it and which ones may need extra assistance. It is also a good way to make lesson plans more entertaining through videos, games, timers, and many other uses you could find with it. Engaging students in one of the hardest things for a teacher to do and anything that helps is a plus in my eyes.
Justin B.
This article is concise and to the point. Students truly do benefit from having an interactive whiteboard in the classroom. Because it appeals to kids' multiple intelligences, and gives ample attention to both the visual-spatial and bodily-kinesthetic learners, maximum learning is taking place.
As an experienced whiteboard user, I can agree with what Jeff K. fears--losing out on a job opportunity because I'm not up to date with the latest technology. Because my teaching career began in a very low-income area, I had not been privy to the benefits of a Smartboard. However, I recently completed a short-term leave replacement position that required me to use the whiteboard daily. What a sigh of relief I felt in the few interviews I had this past summer when I was asked: "Are you comfortable using a whiteboard in a classroom?" And I was eagerly, and legitimately able to answer "Yes."
So truly incorporating this major piece of technology into the classroom is overwhelmingly beneficial--not only for students, but also for teachers.
Jackie D.
I really enjoyed this article. I feel that technology is so important in classrooms that all teachers she be aware of how to use the tools that have.
I feel that the article was right to the point and discusses the important parts of the technology.
I unfortunatley do not have any technology in my classroom so the use of the board is something I cannot experience.
I really enjoyed this article. I feel that technology is so important in classrooms that all teachers she be aware of how to use the tools that have.
I feel that the article was right to the point and discusses the important parts of the technology.
I unfortunatley do not have any technology in my classroom so the use of the board is something I cannot experience.
Technology has been and still continues to be a major aspect of the educational field. Not only teachers but students as well are able to connect with one another in a engaging environment. IWB's allows teachers to move more freely throughout the classroom in a more effective way.
I hope to be able to use IWB's in a more beneficial way to enable my students be more understanding and productive in a technological classroom. It's not that I want to rely on technology all the time, but I want to know and understand technology to help me teach effectively to my students who have grown up in a "technology boom".
Technology doesn't mean anything if the teacher cannot use it in an effective and meaningful way. I want to understand it and use it to the best of that technologies ability and therefore I need to be up to date with technology in order to survive in this technological society we are living in.
I agree with this Kasey that this was a great article. This was a comprehensive introduction about important points pertaining to interactive white boards (IWB’s). I am not currently in a classroom and often feel that I am at a disadvantage because I do not have access to practice lessons or learn how to use IWB’s with meaningful purpose by observing teachers regularly. I also agree with Jenna that technology is a major aspect of the educational field. In today’s classroom it is evident that technology is an integral part of the curriculum and classroom instruction. Every classroom that I have observed in has interactive whiteboards, computers, laptops, and/or iPads. This article emphasized not only using the IWB but using it in a meaningful way so that your students are actively engaged in the lesson and the materials being taught. I am firm believer in the multiple intelligences and learning styles theories. This article demonstrated how all these various types of students can learn by using IWB’s. It’s our job as educators to provide meaningful and differentiated instruction for all of our students. Interactive Whiteboards are just one of the many pieces of technology that allows us to do that.
I agree with Kasey about this being a great article. I think the article is a great introduction for the use of a whiteboard. I think they make great assets in a classroom. I am currently a TA in a school for children with Autism and we have one classroom with an interactive whiteboard. I think that the children I work with would totally benefit by having something like this in the classroom. I think that they would make a great addition to any classroom. It makes the children more active and hopefully encourage more participation in the classroom.
I also feel that I would need to take some sort of class or participate in a seminar that would teach me how to use one properly. I would want to make sure that i fully understand how to use one before i prepare any lessons involving one.
I agree with Jenna in that technology means nothing unless a teacher knows how to employ it in his or her classroom. The ability of the teacher to use technology effectively in the classroom will have a positive influence on student learning. Therefore, I am a firm believer in the use of IWB's in the classroom as an additional tool for instruction. Currently I work as a TA in a kindergarten and first grade classroom with special education students. They feel such pride when they are invited to come use the SmartBoard. We use it in our morning routine, for math lessons, and for additional activities throughout the day. Our district offers courses for teachers to become more "SmartBoard savvy." I consider myself very knowledgeable in using them, but I am always interested in learning more and using it in different ways in my lessons. SmartBoards are the "in" thing now, and I can't wait to see what emerges in the next few years as the new technological tool in classrooms.
I agree that the use of interactive whiteboards in the classroom is wonderful. I have had the opportunity to work in different classrooms, some with whiteboards and others without. It is amazing to be able compare and see the difference in the classroom atmospheres. When the whiteboard is present, I have been able to see such a huge positive difference. The students are so much more motivated to participate and also extremely engaged in the lessons. Children see using the whiteboard as a privilege; something that they have to work towards. To children, the whiteboard is like a game that they want to be able to participate in. It encourages all children, even those who typically wouldn't participate, to want to raise their hand and get involved. It welcomes students to come to the front of the room and become directly engaged. I also agree that it is so important that teachers have the appropriate knowledge and resources to implement the whiteboard effectively. It would be a shame to have a whiteboard in a classroom and not utilize it to the fullest extent. Knowing the expanses of what a whiteboard could do, I definitely plan on using it to its fullest potential.
I think that Jenna makes a great point. IWBs are engaging and make for great connections. I also think that her point about the need for teachers to be up to date and know how to use the technology in their classroom.
IWBs give us amazing opportunities and enrich learning in such an interactive and effective way. These "revolutionary" methods have brought us so far in our classrooms. While I do not have my own classroom yet, I find that in the ones I have visited or student taught in, the Smart Board is the central feature of the room. It used for anything and everything! It is disappointing, however, that some professionals have not received adequate training and miss out on fun features. I think it's really important that technology training be offered constantly--it can only benefit!
This article regarding whiteboards was very informative. It gave me an understanding of how teachers and students can enhance learning by using whiteboard technology. I am not teaching right now but I do know that I will have to be able to use these whiteboards as they are becoming more prevelant in the classroom.
I am not very familiar with how to use a whiteboard correctly, so I know that I will have to learn how to properly use this technology and implement it in my lessons. When used properly Whiteboards can be an essential asset to the classroom. It supports different learning stlyes and encourages teachers to think outside the box.
This article was definitely an interesting read that serves to promote increased numbers of whiteboards in all classrooms. With all the different functions it serves, it’s hard to find any flaws with the "Amazing Whiteboards". I have used smart boards before but I have yet to use the "clicker" function. I believe that function to be an extremely important option that allows educators to receive immediate feedback. Along with the clicker option these whiteboards offer students the chance to get out of their seat more and become more engaged. I also believe that to be extremely important in student development.
It is unfortunate that many schools in the U.S still do not have these whiteboards because I do feel they can make a major difference both inside and outside the classroom.
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