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Links to Negatives of Smart boards: Teacher Magazine, Bill Ferriter
The Innovative Educator, Michael Stanton
Links to positives of smart boards: teachers net, Dr. Mary Ann Bell
1. As an occurrence that happens often in any career field, I think that the debate over Smart Boards is one that is distinctly influenced by politics. Certain factions praise and awe them, and others dismiss them as something to show off, not to use. A personal definitive opinion will not be reached until I've had more experience with the tool, but I have some ideas based on what I have read in the links above.
I do see it as a show-off tool. If a school can brag about owning smart boards, it can be "the reason" for any improvement the school is making. My concern is that once the schools get smart boards, they're not training fully, or analyzing the benefits and negatives of the classroom tool. The message seems to be: hey, here's a smart board. It'll make learning better for the kids. stop.
Sure, it may be a slow way to try to pull along technologically illiterate teachers, but there are many other resources available that do not reinforce "teacher-centric" lessons. It CAN be more interactive and collaborative than one-computer classrooms, but only if educators assess the possibilities and MAKE it collaborative. My guess, however, is that teachers are simply using it as a lecture tool, and not as an interactive.
IF the tool can be used as more than a PowerPoint/ overhead projector substitute, there are some perks. Students will be more interested in interacting with this tool than answering worksheets. Color appeals to people, which would probably cause responses to smart board teaching to be above that of traditional lecture. (Side Note: If you're at work and are leaving a note for someone, highlight the most important things/ steps in orange--studies have shown that people respond to this color more than any other).
It minimally helps (again, based on user capability) to better accommodate different learning styles. Tactile learners can benefit from touching and marking at the board, audio learners can have the class discussion, visual learners can see what is taking place as it develops at the board.
2. These were both great videos. Social norms have changed in our generation to an "owe me" attitude. People truthfully think that they're entitled to whatever they want, even if they don't work for it. The "EDM 310 for Dummies" was an excellent YouTube video. I would like to participate in a video dealing with the many ways to implement technology in a history classroom. I believe this is the field that will have the most trouble implementing technology.
Hi Leah
ReplyDeleteWell after me and my friened Kayde finished the podcast we felt quiet proud of ourselves and while we were recording there were visitors watching that put alot of pressure on us.
Well Thanks again
Cruz and Kayde
Hey I really enjoyed reading your post. I agree that teachers have to use smartboards for more than just lectures and overheads. I think that than can be an asset in the classroom but I think that teachers should try and incorporate as much technology as they can.
ReplyDeleteWhat about The Chipper Series? You need to review that as well.
ReplyDeleteRe SMARTBOARDS. I am not sure that it is politics that results in the differing opinions. Rather I would suggest that it is the philosophy of teaching that is most likely the determinant. Personally, I would rather see the money spent to put technology tools in the hands of students (a la the iSchool). But since we have them in Baldwin and Mobiles schools we should learn how teachers and students can use them effectively to further learning.
You really should do a video for history teachers. They are probably the least technologically literate of all the disciplines. But the opportunities are endless. The Library of Congress continues to digitize historical materials including videos, movies, sounds and images, as well as text, at a rapid rate. Dr. Miller has provided us with some good ideas. You probably have other ideas that you can share as well!
Well written, thoughtful, thorough.