Evaluate and reflect on Classroom 2.0 technology tool
Definition: from U.S. Department of Education
"Interactive whiteboards are used in many schools as replacements for traditional whiteboards or flipcharts. They provide ways to show students anything which can be presented on a computer's desktop (educational software, web sites, and others). In addition, interactivewhiteboards allow teachers to record their instruction and post the material for review by students at a later time. This can be a very effective instructional strategy for students who benefit from repetition, who need to see the material presented again, for students who are absent from school, for struggling learners, and for review for examinations. Brief instructional blocks can be recorded for review by students—they will see the exact presentation that occurred in the classroom with the teacher's audio input. This can help transform learning and instruction."
SmartBoard or Promethean
In this discussion Leigh Newton seeks information about competing whiteboard products SmartBoard or Promethean. I learned from this discussion that there are many things to consider when deciding on which Interactive White Board (IWB) to purchase; like, price, features, ease of learning, ease of use, portability, compatibility, hardware and software, and quality. When it comes to price the SmartBoard is very expensive compared to other brands like Interwrite Pad. The Promethean and SmartBoard have more or less the same features. Most of the comments favor the Promethean when it comes to ease of use and ease of learning. The Promethean is also more portable because only hardware that is needed is the projector and laptop; evidently, the SmartBoard projector should be mounted on the ceiling to cut down on shadowing. The Promethean has issues with their pen, which is not easily replaced if it cracks. One comment alluded that Promethean is compatible with other IWB files, but others suggested that a school should stick with one or the other. Although it does sound like Smarboard and Promethean are the leaders in the IWB market, there are many others that should be considered before purchasing; like, Polyvision (Eno), eBeam, Mimeo,Starboard, Interwrite, and Numonics to name a few. When it comes to buying electronics one must often do much research.
Interactive Whiteboards vs. Wireless Slates
In this discussion Michelle Nebel is weighing the pro and cons between a projector and an interactive whiteboard or just a projector and wireless slate. From what I gathered the interactive whiteboard is more collaborative, and would require students to leave their seats. The wireless tablets could be use for collaborative projects as well but one cursor on the main screen would have to be managed. The price on the wireless tablets is less by about 80%. If you are teaching a class and collaboration is not such an issue, then the wireless tablets can help manage the classroom because the teacher could instruct from different places in the room, like next to the talkative pupil.
I like the recording feature of the IWBs. Repetition and review of the recorded material and instruction would be extremely helpful. I have seen a Smartboard in action in a 2nd grade classroom, and it was very impressive. The interactive element of students using it in front of the class has many benefits. I hope I am lucky enough to teach in a classroom that has an IWB. Thanks for the information.
ReplyDeleteNice investigation! It was really hard to learn become and "expert" on something which you didn't know existed, but you did a great job! I this would be an awesome tool in class, I would love to talk to a teacher that's been using one for a few years.
ReplyDeleteIn a couple of my classroom room observation the teachers were using these.. I thought they we really neat. more interactive and much less messy than the old chalkboards.. :)
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