Interactive white boards are simply white boards that are connected to a computer, essentially creating a large computer screen. It is touchable and 100% interactive. Two companies are currently the leaders in this technology. They are SMART and Promethean. Each company put a twist onto the board itself and how it is able to be used, but these are the companies that are most often found in classrooms. When I was in high school, we had a SMART/Promethean board in every classroom. Some classrooms never used them, but in my freshman English class, my teacher created games and we played the games to review the material. It was always a lot of fun and we were able to learn and make sure we knew the material. It was really helpful for everyone.
Personally, I believe that these are great tools to use in a classroom. They are interactive and kids love interaction. It isn't necessarily a hands on type of deal, but it has enough of an interactive appeal to act as hands on as possible. Teachers have done dissections using the boards, word games, presentations, math activities, and many other activities. The boards can be very useful when it comes to creating a differentiated classroom. Every single student is very different from the next student you will teach. Whether they are visual or a kinetic learner or anything else, the boards can be set up to play to everyone's strengths. The visual learners see it, the auditory learners hear it, and the kinesthetic learners do it.
I agree that they can be a great tool for the kids, but many teachers don't use it to the best of their abilities In that case I feel that the money should go to a different place. They shouldn't have them just for the sake of having them.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I don't completely agree with your views on the Interactive Whiteboards and incorporating them into the classroom, you still made really solid points on how beneficial they can be.
ReplyDeleteVery well done. I agree with you that the boards are a great thing to have in each classroom and they are very interactive in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteI like that you want to have these in a classroom, and you gave good examples as to why you wanted them in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteI love your intro paragraph, it really draws a reader in. You are so positive with the use of technology and give valid points to back up everything you have said. I know I have a hard time with IWB's myself because I like paper and pen, it is more personal. :) But you are so ready to try technology and make that leap.
ReplyDeleteYou have good examples of how white boards are imporant for classrooms. I agree with what you said about how beneficial they are for the class and are very interactive for the classroom.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your post, I really like the idea of using interactive whiteboard in the classroom. I believe that this is a way that keeps the children’s attention.
ReplyDeleteI like your reference to the terminator and meet the robinsons about the future. I want to use the interactive whiteboard in the classroom I think it's a great way to engage all students.
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