You Tube- Smartboard Demo

This video was very interesting and was informative about all the different ways the Smartboard can be used. This demo could be used during an inservice day for teachers to view the different aspects and all the uses of the Smartboard. I personally did not know that a keyboard could be pulled up and handwriting could be translated into text. All the Smartboard demo videos could be very helpful for teachers who are unfamiliar with the usages of the Smartboard. I really appreciate people who take the time to make the videos for others who do not know how to use the Smartboard to their full advantage.

Interactive Whiteboards: Boone or Bandwagon

I think that since this article was critical review of literature that the authors need to show both the positive and the negative aspects of using the interactive whiteboards. The positive aspects are endless and there are so many interesting and educational ways that a interactive whiteboard can be used. They can be used in any subject area as well as integrating different subjects with each other. However, this article exposed some of the negative aspects of using the whiteboards. One of the negative claims adequate training for the teachers. I think that training the teachers to use the whiteboard can benefit the teachers as well as the students. Training the teachers using the whiteboard is the same as training them on new curriculum. However, the training for the whiteboard may be more interesting. All school districts need to do is, have an inservice day and inform teachers of the usage of the whiteboards as well as allow them to be interactive with them. Another problem that the authors noted was where the IWB would be placed. For students in the lower elementary levels, the IWB may be placed too high for them to reach. I think the the positive aspects can outweigh the negative aspects.

Interactive Whiteboards in math

This article talks about the different roles that the teacher and student need to play when using the interactive whiteboard. Obviously, teachers will need to know how to use and manipulate the whiteboard before allowing students to use it. I really like how the teachers had students working in groups with the whiteboard. This grouping will give each student the opportunity to work with the whiteboard. I think that all classrooms should be eqipped with a whiteboard, especially math classrooms. Some students need to see the problem as well as be able to manipulate something to get the answer, such as taking away apples when completing a subtraction problem. I think that the interactive whiteboards is not only beneifical for the teacher but the students as well.

MacWorld - The digitial classroom

After reading this article, I was amazed at all the things the Smartboard is capable of. I also did not know that more than one company is producing interactive whiteboards. I really liked the idea from the GTCO Calcomp. Giving students the wireless keyboard for answering questions and playing games can allow teachers to make sure that all students are participating as well as making sure that the students are understanding the information. The price of the interactive whiteboards also suprised me. I thought that the prices were going to be much higher than 2,000. Having an interactive smartboard in a classroom is such an advantage not only for the teachers but for the students.

The Wonder of Interactive Whiteboards

This article is really informative and can provide teachers who are scared to use smartboards confidence. The disruptive student's in Hazzard's classroom were amazed when the IT tech introduced the Smartboard. I also really like that Hazzard said that he could share his Smartboard lessons with other teachers by using podcasts. If teachers are apprehensive about using the Smartboard, and seeing other teachers using it in their classrooms, then maybe they try to use it. Using Smartboards in the classroom will allow students to actively participate and learn using their own learning skills. Dunn said, " its how we teach, not what we teach". This statement is very true. If someone is standing up in front of the classroom just reading and lecturing to the class, the students are not going to pay attention or retain the information. Allowing the students to be hands on and actually learn for themselves can help them store the information.

Video Skills

Tonight's class was very interesting! I learned so many different ideas for the classroom. Using the programs for the music was so cool. I could totally use that program to put different music together for the students for different centers as well as for their entertainment. Being able to add sound effects was really cool too. This would be great for a music class to hear the different instruments and different tempos that were used. I also really liked using the video programs. To be able to add and delete scenes as well as cut and paste different parts was awesome. Students could really use these programs to create their own videos and be able to add music and words to their video. This would be great for projects. It is crazy how much technology can do these days.

You Tube- Smartboard Basics

I LOVE smartboards. The smartboard gives teachers as well as students a variety of possibilites to create and interact with lessons. What used to be a hassle and a time consuming activity for teachers can now be done with a touch of a finger. I also really like how students and teachers can write on the board and bring up links and pictures. The smartboard is very technologcially advanced but should be learned by everyone. If all teachers watched a 2 or 3 minute video of smartboard basics, they could learn how to interact not only with their students but enage their students in the learning process. I also feel that students could incorpate their own knowledge and experience with the smartboard to create presentations.