Return-Path: <nifl-technology@literacy.nifl.gov> Received: from literacy (localhost [127.0.0.1]) by literacy.nifl.gov (8.10.2/8.10.2) with SMTP id iB8LZvU05830; Wed, 8 Dec 2004 16:35:58 -0500 (EST) Date: Wed, 8 Dec 2004 16:35:58 -0500 (EST) Message-Id: <006201c4dd62$b62e07e0$cd0c0a0a@nmic.org> Errors-To: listowner@literacy.nifl.gov Reply-To: nifl-technology@literacy.nifl.gov Originator: nifl-technology@literacy.nifl.gov Sender: nifl-technology@literacy.nifl.gov Precedence: bulk From: "John Lyons" <johnlyons@nmic.org> To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-technology@literacy.nifl.gov> Subject: [NIFL-TECHNOLOGY:3371] RE: Interactive Whiteboards X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0c -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas X-Mailer: Microsoft Outlook, Build 10.0.2627 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Content-Type: text/plain; Status: O Content-Length: 4685 Lines: 108 As a confessed technophile, I have been interested in the "smart" board technology for the past few years. Until recently, I had only seen the technology on television or by visiting the websites of the various retailers. I recently got the chance to use the technology at a local university and it was all I had thought it would be. The boards are available in both front and rear projection and they interact with the computer's software. They can change clear handwriting to a word document--with inaccuracies. They can also just project a computer screen and you can touch the board to click and open programs. You can edit and interact with several programs. I find this sort of technology invaluable in the classroom. As a teacher, I have been using a projector and computers in ESOL the class for several years. Those alone are great tools. The whole class can work on editing a text together or can learn how to use a computer or program while at the same time having the steps projected in front of them. >From a teaching perspective I have found that it moves a student's gaze from down toward his desk or note book to up toward the teacher and board. It helps the class work as a unit rather than as individuals. Also, the teacher can spot those who aren't following more easily and give them extra support. Finally, with the help of a printer, the entire class can get a copy of the work immediately. Interactive white boards take this many steps further by allowing teachers to save what they've written and change what they've written to a more traditional program. Then, a teacher can easily save, review and reuse his or her notes. This, once again, gives the teacher more time to focus on the most important part of the class, the students. I have no experience with using this technology, but imagine that students would love it. It makes learning more fun and therefore helps students remember. Imagine at the most basic level being able to have your class write the answers to a homework assignment on the board, using group correction to verify that the answers are correct and printing a copy for any student who wants or needs one. And, that is only the beginning. You could teach a class and search the web together or visit predetermined sites that are at you students' level. However, working from a community based organization, the cost of these boards is prohibitive. They seem to start around $1500. I can't justify spending the cost of almost 3 computers for one board when many of the computers are outdated and need to be replaced. If your program has the funds, it seems to be a great investment. John Lyons - Director Adult Education Program Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation 76 Wadsworth Avenue New York, NY 10033 TEL: (212) 822-8320 FAX: (212) 568-9169 -----Original Message----- From: nifl-technology@nifl.gov [mailto:nifl-technology@nifl.gov] On Behalf Of Mariann Fedele Sent: Wednesday, December 08, 2004 11:34 AM To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: [NIFL-TECHNOLOGY:3369] Interactive Whiteboards Hello Colleagues, Today's NY Times features an article (see link below) on the growing use of interactive whiteboards in the K-12 classroom. The article features some brief descriptions of how teachers around the country are using them in instruction. Here's an example: It really helps bring the learning to life," Mr. Dakers said, referring to the oversized projection screen that is hooked up to a laptop with access to the Internet. He rearranged the chairs last fall to enable students to see the screen, and has adapted his teaching tactics accordingly. Consider a recent social studies class about ancient Egypt. Instead of handing out test papers for students to complete at their desks, Mr. Dakers used the interactive whiteboard for a collaborative game of hieroglyphic hangman. As students approached the screen, they used a special marker or pressed a finger against the board to scribble a few symbols in colored electronic ink, like John Madden during an N.F.L. broadcast. Is anyone on the list using interactive whiteboards in the classroom? If so please share an example of how you have used it, and how you feel it has impacted your instruction. How have students responded to it? Best regards, Mariann School Blackboards Are Turning White and Interactive http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/08/nyregion/08board.html?oref=login Mariann Fedele Coordinator of Professional Development, Literacy Assistance Center Interim Moderator, NIFL Technology and Literacy Discussion List 32 Broadway 10th Floor New York, New York 10004 212-803-3325 mariannf@lacnyc.org www.lacnyc.org
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