EdCompass and Flipping

This month's issue of EDCompass Magazine (SMART Technologies) features an article on Flipping the Classroom. In addition to a discussion of what Flipped Learning means, there are also features of success stories, SMART Resources related to flipping, and examples of how to use SMART Tools to create your own one-take videos. Check out the latest edition here.

You can also sign up to receive EDCompass Magazine by visiting their blog.

SMARTBoards for the First Time User

In teaching SMARTBoard classes to teachers, I often run into teachers who have no idea what to do with their board right out of the box. Many say they don't want to use it as a backdrop for movies because they don't want to feel as if they are misusing costly technology. They also complain that the kids know more than they do about the boards, and that is the very reason they are enrolled in the class. I recently ran across this article from Julie LaChance. Julie won the award for 2010 ISTE Young Educator. She has posted a Learning Progression chart for using Interactive Whiteboards (IWBs). With her permission, I have posted it here.

I'll often tell teachers in my class that you don't have to feel as if you should know how to do everything all at once; start out slowly and add something new to your arsenal of IWB know-how each week or each month.  Subscribe to blogs with tips and tricks to learn more as you go.  After all, learning is a life-long process and it never stops for anyone regardless of age.

What are your thoughts on using IWBs? As the chart shows, learning and use should not stop with the teacher. The kids should have a chance get interactive with the lesson and eventually create lessons of their own. Take a look at the chart and use it as a tool to grade yourself, then read Julie's article. When finished, post your thoughts here.

Interactive Whiteboards - Good or Evil?

There has been a lot of talk on the blogosphere lately about Interactive Whiteboards (IWBs).  As a teaching/learning tool, IWBs (sounds like a nuclear delivery device when you say it that way) have gotten a bad rap.  Many arguments on the web discuss the idea that IWBs have no relevant value in education.  One thing that bothers me in most of these posts is that the basis for bashing IWBs is that the companies are selling them to schools when they can do the same thing with other tools.

Now I have to admit, there are other tools out there that can do some pretty neat things - for free too.  There are many interactive sites out on the net that can be used whether you have an interactive whiteboard or not - check out our Wiki to see.  However, that doesn't necessarily mean that IWBs can't be effective in the right hands.

One one hand, companies do a pretty good job of pushing their wares - but what company doesn't.   Let's say you're teaching writing to students.  In an article on IWBs, "The Innovative Educator" contends that the task of presenting and discussing writing is hard to do on an IWB without a keyboard.  My argument to this would be that 1.) IWBs have a virtual on-screen keyboard and 2.) you don't have to do the writing on the board to discuss it.  Teachers can use an IWB to present examples of student or other writing to the class.  Teachers and Students can then use the tools in the software to markup and change examples so students can see writing mistakes and mishaps.

But beyond this, not every teacher is an English teacher.  IWBs can be used for so much more.  You can present material in a more rich and dynamic platform with stunning interactive visuals and flash files.  Videos can be embedded and introduced without having to stop a presentation and go to the web.  Most IWB software enables you to create links or insert material in a single presentation file.

I can honestly say that student involvement in my classroom increased dramatically when and IWB was introduced.  IWBs allow students to come to the board and get more of a hands-on approach to an activity.  Prior to the use of IWBs, many students were apprehensive about approaching the blackboard in front of the class.  But with IWBs, I have noticed that even the most shy student feels no apprehension.

In her defense, "The Innovative Educator" does a great job of addressing arguments for and against her position.  One blogger that stands out is Peter Kent.  Whether you are a supporter or detractor when it comes to their use, you have to see both sides of the argument.  I believe wholeheartedly that you cannot argue a point without seeing both sides of the argument.

Read the posts from each of the links above and make a decision of your own.  Also, check out Betchablog.  Tell me your thoughts on this issue.  Post a comment below.  I'd like to hear from you.

Long time no blog. . .

Well, I haven't been here in a while. I haven't posted lately because blogger is blocked by our school system. Hard to reach people when they can't see you. Hopefully I can get this blog kickstarted again and get some info out to people. I've been working a lot with SmartBoards over the past few years and have found some wonderful resources. As many of you may know, I get many of my tips from a guy named James Hollis. He has a website called Teachers Love Smartboards! You have to check it out. He passes on tons of internet resources for use with Interactive Whiteboards and there's something for nearly every subject area. Check out his site.

SmartBoards

Ever wanted a SmartBoard? Don't know what one is? Ever wanted to know what you could do with one? Here is a list of links that either provide lessons for SmartBoards or show you what you can do with one. Check out the GE link.