The Ten No Nos of Teaching with a Projector or Interactive Whiteboard by Lisa Nielsen
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Click on the link above to read the article. What have you learned from reading this article? What can you do to improve your practice and truly engage your students interactively?
29 comments:
In thought this was a well-written and precise article. Some of the “no-nos” I already knew, some I believe were just common sense (though not for everyone I suppose) and others were very informative to read about. Many of the no-nos pointed out in the article I have seen done on a regular basis by teachers. Mistakes like turning the lights off and “dancing” back and forth between the laptop and computer are really almost instinctual for some teachers and I can understand why. I think just having read about them may help me to be conscious of prohibiting myself from engaging in such behaviors or habits. The section regarding the “sage on the stage” is a philosophy I have already embraced as I am preparing for a career in education. I think it’s very important to allow the students to have just as much time to address their classmates as the teacher does. In lesson plans and demos I have always tried to work in some form of cooperative learning because I believe that allowing the students to teach each other and demonstrate what they have learned in their own and unique way is very important and motivating. I think that the best way to improve my teaching approach and engage the students interactively is to constantly think of new and creative ways to allow the students to work with each other and express to the class the conclusions they’ve drawn. I think the idea of the teacher that stands in front of the class and just lectures or performs reflects a dying breed. Education is changing, especially through the use of smartboards and other technology, to becoming a much more interactive and workshop oriented practice. I like the premise of the “guide on the side” style of teaching and hope to continue to employ it as much as possible throughout my career in education.
#5 In looking at what John conveyed in his blog, I believe that he really has zeroed in on the types of issues and problems that teachers actually create for themselves because 'we' feel that 'we' know technology. In the words of Mark Twain, 'common sense is not so common' and sometimes we teachers need to put ourselves in the students seat to see what they can do with this technology.
I have a drill that I do with my 7th graders. They are to use the SmartBoard (interactive white board) as part of their presentations. I usually sit in the back row center and watch them, taking notes, not only on their content, but also on the way they conduct themselves in relation to this technology. I am usually amazed at some of the presentations that I get and it also gives me the chance to assess my abilities so that I can refine the way I teach in the classroom.
Science is a place where you really can take advantage of this technology, and, as a first year middle school teacher, I am learning what works and what does not work and am aiming to continually improve in what I can bring to the classroom every day.
Ed Wachowicz
M-W
I thought the article was very useful in giving teachers tips on the proper use of white boards and projectors. Although I would like to think that these "no no's" would be common sense to an educator I think could all use little reminders or a checklist to go by especially when some teachers are really just getting familiar with using the technology. This article gives good ideas on how to present lessons using these technologies as well as how to promote students interractions in the lessons which is always helpful. M. Malloy
A teacher should at all times face the class for classroom instruction. Eye contact is important, because it keeps the students interested. Remember when using a whiteboard with a projector, it is necessary to step away and use a pointer to show objects to the students . Lastly, be prepared and have your students ready to learn.
-Jennifer Sandoval
Whiteboards are a great tool to be used in the classroom, however often times they are not use properly. Lisa Nielsen provides the reader with ten easy to implement ideas for teachers using a whiteboard or projector. Ideas such as never teach with your back facing students or never use hard to see graphics are great suggestions. I think that this article is great for all teachers who use such devices, especially those who are new to the technology.
-Thomas Mehldau
After reading the article of “the ten no of teaching with a projector or interactive whiteboards” by Lisa Nielsen, I found this article useful in giving teacher tips of the proper ways of using technology in the classroom. I have to agree with Thomas statement about using whiteboards are great tools but can be used improperly. Teachers need to know that using any technology in the classroom needs to be used properly for the students to have a better understanding of the lesson.
It is important students are involved in the lesson. The article makes a reference that teachers should not waste time getting the materials ready for the lesson instead you should have students get the materials ready. I found that very important also you should have the materials prepared before class, during prep times or during transition of lessons.
I would make sure, when I have my own classroom to use technology properly in my classroom. I would find different techniques to engage my students in my lesson when using the smart board.
Kricel F.
After reading The Ten No Nos of Teaching with a Projector or Interactive Whiteboard, I felt like these are already basic rules that a teacher should already know. “Don’t turn your back to the students, don’t project a small image, don’t waste time setting up the machine”; however, these are all mistakes that teachers are making and will continue to make. When reading these steps to become a successful whiteboard/projector user, you almost want to say “duh, this is common sense”, but when you are in front of the students, these are the little steps that you seem to forget. It’s important to remind yourself before utilizing these types of technology so you won’t make the mistake. I do agree with Kricel that it is helpful to have all the materials ready before the class begins. I learned during my student teaching experience that taking notes and writing down information during the class wastes time and loses the interest and motivation of the students. It only gives them more free time to talk and get lost during the lecture.
I thought this article was great! These tips are definitely simple, little things that you simply forget or overlook when teaching a lesson the whiteboard or a projector. Just reading this article, gave me ideas and certain practices to make sure I am doing and not doing when I'm teaching using these technologies, because they were brought to my attention. I loved that each "No-no" came with a description, and solutions to help you know what to do instead...how to fix the problem easily. I learned a lot of interested and helpful skills from this article about using these technologies. To keep my students alert and engaged during these lessons, I will definitely have everything set up ahead of time and ready to go. I will make sure I am completely familiar with all the technology and material and be ready to move from one thing to the next very quickly and smoothly. I feel that it is very important to keep the lights on during these lessons, because that is when you start to loose kids and they become very tired and unfocused. I also usually call kids up to the board a lot to volunteer to do an interactive lesson, or write in the answers, or even turn the pages for me. Anything to keep them involved and focused. I agree with John S., that standing in front our students and just simply lecturing is definitely causing lack of interesting and loss of attention in our students. Our students definitely do need that interation, movement and collaboration. Working on a computer or with a whiteboard definitely sparks their interest and keeps them going. Computers are the future, and students can never do anything but benefit from using them a few times a week.
-Angela Tornincaso
I thought this was a very usefull article for not only new teachers but veterans as well. The white board has become an integral part of our lessons so it is in our best interest to learn to use it effectively. As a teachers assistant i spend a lot of time in classrooms with whiteboards and i get to watch teachers interact with them. I get to see exactly what works and what doesnt and the importance of having your information organized. The article pinpointed the common errors that some would call common sense. Unfortunately many of our "trained" teachers are making these same mistakes everyday.
Kamaal
I completely agree with these no nos. Many veteran teachers are still unfamiliar with how to use the SMARTBoard and as a result stick to the overhead. I wan to respond to most, if not all, of the points made. Since I never really type on the computer or read from it, I never really sit with my back to the class. However, sometimes I do notice that I used to write on the board with my back to the class. This I quickly learned to change because teaching a class of nine self contained students, having your back to them only leads to disaster. Additionally, I have learned that creating a shadow creates an uproar as well. So, I have learned to do away with that as well. Basically, many of the no no behaviors that were mentioned such as, keeping the lights off, assuming your audience can see what you can see, such as the coloring of text, using small images, and putting the overhead on an angle, have been altered because the students let me know when I’m doing them. I have also learned to get off my high horse, where I talk about how my kids interact with the SMARTBoard and at this point I have my kids interact at least three times a week. I need to have them engaged, but I also need to complete a lesson. What I mean is that when they are engaged they are learning, but at a pace that is much to slow. They take a very long time to write on the board and so I try to make the interacting something like matching or finding things online to show the class. Lastly, because I am a special education teacher, I do not have my own classroom so I need to take three minutes to set up the classroom technology.
j. Dupas
I agree with Thomas. Many teachers don't even realize they are doing any of the no nos mentioned because they haven't been told. This is a great article for teachers to use to check themselves.
J. Dupas
I felt this article was a great reminder and checklist for what not to do when using a projector or white board. I do believe that these tips would be common sense to a teacher, however, in the same note, I realize that when an instructor is in the middle of conducting lessons they can forget to pay attention to the little things that may make it easier for the students to make use of the technology. I especially liked the tip on not wasting the technology in the classroom. By this, I mean an instructor has to be mindful of improper use of the projector or white board when it is not necessary to use them in a lesson.
-Cynthia Q-B.
I think that this article was extremely helpful, especially to myself who is not currently in a classroom. I agree with Kamaal's point that these are things that should be considered common sense but can sometimes be overlooked and under appreciated by some veteran teachers. I believe this article should be read by incoming teachers before they start using this technology in their classrooms.
Nicholas Hablenko
I agree with those who have posted that many of these tips seem to be common sense. Although I do not yet have a classroom of my own, I have seen some of these "no-nos" but have seen those who have learned to dance the IWB dance more effectively.
I found the paragraph about the actual need for IWB to be most interesting: it is something I have pondered myself. In many cases, especially in the upper grades, there seems little reason to foot the expense when a projector may do the same job that teachers are using IWBs for. In the younger grades, however, I have noticed a lot more of the interactive nature of these tools used, with students coming up to the board and dragging words or pictures to the appropriate spot. I also saw a teacher use it to teach cursive writing, which many students find difficult and boring. She allowed students to come up and practice on the board. Of course it could be done on a chalkboard just as easily, but the kids seemed to enjoy the novelty of it.
Oops! Sorry... that last one was mine.
~Cindy A.
As a teacher candidate, I found this article very helpful. As mentioned, common sense is not so common after all, and as someone who is a little intimidated by learning how to use the technology, I feel more comfortable with a list of dos and don’ts. I especially liked the part about putting the students center stage. I think we as teachers (or candidates) sometimes like to hear the sound of our own voice and enjoy performing, so to speak. But the way students solidify their learning is by doing. This was true long before electronics began appearing in classrooms. Doing also engages higher-order thinking. It’s exciting to think of the ways my students, more technology savvy, might regale me (not just help me out).
Natalie J.
This article can be extremely helpful to both new and veteran teachers. New teacher, especially those not yet in a classroom, should be aware of what does not work when teaching with an IWB. Although these no nos do seem like common sense new teachers may not realize they are even doing them. Veteran teachers can also benefit from reading this because it will refresh their memory and help them become more aware of what they are doing when the teach. These veteran teachers may be just as inexperienced at IWB and new teachers because many schools only added IWBs in the last few years.
The no no that I can improve on the most is not teaching in the dark. When I had my leave replacement I shut off the lights most days when using the IWB. I did this because the students always complained about glares and that it was hard to see if it was light in the classroom. I never really thought about the lights making the students sleepy but now i will be more aware of this.
Jamie F
I thought this was very informative and every teacher whether its their first year or 20th year can use this advice. Many teachers share these bad habits that may happen without even thinking about it. I agree with Natalie, that teachers must share the stage with students much more often with students. Especially in the high school age group, many students are capable of presenting a presentation, however they only have that oppurtunity once a year.
tom G
For me, I thought this article was informative but more common sense. I do realize, however, after working as a teacher's aide that it is not that way for everyone. Although I have seen some really good teachers using the interactive whiteboard as they should, there are unfortunately many who don't use it enough or properly. One of the best aspects of it is for the student to use it and I agree with Tom also that I feel not enough teachers are allowing this. I hope to incorporate them in many of my lessons.
Jackie A.
Nicole K.
I think this was a great article in regards to mistakes or "no no's" teachers may do when teaching with a projector. Due to the fact that many teachers may not be accustomed to the technology they may not be sure as to how to interact with technology and the students at the same time.
We have all experienced some of these "no no's" whether personally or as a student, and can become distracting for both the teacher and the student. It was great the the article also provided descriptions, solutions and advantages to each point, because it helps us understand what we mistakes we may make without realizing it and how we can work as educators to fix it.
Although the ten points to some may seem obvious, it is still something that we as teachers need to be aware of and prevent ourselves from doing the same. This article can be used as a great set of reminders for every teacher.
Before I even read this article I could have named a few of the "no-no's". I had some teachers/professors that were great at using the projectors, but I can look back now and be grateful that I also had ones that were not so good. It always amused me when my undergrad professors were surprised that students would fall asleep during a monotonous lesson in a dark classroom.
The one thing that I took away from the article is that it is vital to not only rehearse your projector/IWB lessons, but be prepared for the set-up as well - using tape on the floor, for example. I think it would also be a great idea to have a different student responsible to set up the projector and computer each time it will be used, and maybe keep the most tech-savvy student on hand to supervise and assist as well.
This was a good article for both beginners and veterans of projectors in the classroom. I am pretty experienced with using the projectors and whiteboards, so most of these mistakes I am pretty good at not making but there are a few good ones to always think about. The first is it is always important to test the technology before the lesson. The worst thing you can do is walk up there with the students in the room, ready to teach and you cant get the projector or something to work. Then you have to waste time fixing it and getting the students to pay attention again. Another good thing is to not turn all the lights off in the room because then it is hard to take notes and a lot of students can start to doze off. As always it is important to not be the "Sage on the Stage" because then the students will become bored just staring at the screen, you have to get them involved answering questions and maybe even coming up to use the whiteboard. I agree with Jennifer, it is very important to keep eye contact and face the students, so they understand that it is still a lesson and not some movie they can not pay attention too.
James S.
This article gives a very detailed explanation of what teachers should not do with whiteboards. They were very informative that most people would not even think of. Reading this was extremely helpful for using whiteboards in the future. I will remember not to walk in front of the whiteboard and create shadows on the board. This is a guide for new teachers using this technology for the first time.
-Katie C.
I thought this artcile was good for teachers to read. Although most of the "no nos" in the artcile seemed like common sense i think many teachers who didn't grow up using technology might find the information in this article helpful. Sometimes teachers can be preoccupied with teaching the lesson that they don't realize they make these common mistakes using technology in the classroom. These common mistakes can distract the students and negatively effect the lesson.
-Danielle Cavallo
Having a SmartBoard in my classroom, I enjoyed reading this article. While I agree with Danielle C. about most of the information being common sense, I do think it's important for educators to read through these No-Nos because I have seen them done in the classroom. I believe that in order to use the SmartBoard effectively in the classroom, teachers must be aware of these 'common sense' mistakes in order for students to learn from and being engaed in the containing their learning on the screen.
I believe this article could be used as a good resource for teachers as a reminder of the purpose of our Smart Boards. As previously stated in past blogs, I think SmartBoards provide students with an engaging and meaningful way to learn, however they must be used properly in order to be effective.
-Christina D.
**Correction
I believe that in order to use the SmartBoard effectively in the classroom, teachers must be aware of these 'common sense' mistakes in order for students to learn from and be engaed in the content their learning on the screen.
-Christina D.
I agree with John S. that some of the no-nos can be just common sense. It is important for teachers not to waste the valuable class time to make sure the projector is working. I did like that the author said the interactive whiteboard does not replace the blackboard. Technology is important in a classroom; however, it is important to also realize there is a time when it is not necessary.
Kate M
In this article I felt the ten no-no's were pretty self explanatory and common sense. Although apparently they aren't considering this person has seen numerous educators committing these no-no's. I feel some of them are just bad habits one much kick and I am sure as I further myself in the educational process and come closer to becoming teacher I will fall victim to these. I am sure even in the early stages of being a teacher I will fall victim to some of the bad habits. I think reading this and keeping them in the back of my mind will help me be more conscious of the no-nos and aid me in kicking the bad habits. Many teachers dont realize when you do something to distract a class or certain students or prohibit them from learning in some capacity its very hard to gain back their focus. Use the board to your advantage I know I will in my future and be sure to avoid the no-nos as to not disengage my students.
Justin B.
I thought this article was very practical. Although some of the points may seem redundant, and points that the educated educator is aware of, they are obviously points that constantly need to be reiterated.
For example, all teachers know that learning time is valuable. However, few will take the time before or after class to make themselves familiar with their equipment setup. Constant reminders of how imperative this is--through the publishing of this article even--could make a big difference.
I couldn't agree more with all my peers who have commented that I will make sure to implement technology the proper way within my classroom.
Jackie D.
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