Over the last few weeks I have been working hard curating research on Interactive Whiteboards into my Flipboard magazine.I have researched the pros and cons of implementing interactive whiteboards in an the educational setting. Be sure to flip through my magazine below.
I worked hard this week compiling all of my research into a 20-slide Power Point presentation, which I then used Screencastify to turn it into a YouTube video. (Can I just tell you how crazy I would have told you that you were if you told me 7 short weeks ago that I would be capable of such a feat?) I am proud to report that I have successfully completed the task- take a look at my presentation below!
Before you get into the "what's up with the volume?" I have some explaining to do- I only have one device at home with me in the summer and that is my Surface Pro. It has a terrible echo-sound that the audio makes when I am recording- the echo-sound is a result of the device cooling down.. which, if you ask me, this device does WAY TOO much. I tried recording multiple times- 16 to be exact, and at no time did my audio quality ever improve- not even in the least bit or when I practically "yelled". I don't have access to a fancy microphone here at home, and so, this is the best that I could do. I am proud of it, nonetheless. But I do apologize if you had to turn your volume up to the highest notch- it sure doesn't help that I am a quiet-speaking person to begin with!
You also may have noticed that I used the words "interactive whiteboard" and "smart board" interchangeably, which, at no time in the presentation did I ever make the connection verbally because I was so concerned with not going over my time limit. (Oops, I did that, too!) So, I do apologize for this- the two are one in the same.. at least from my standpoint. Here is a good read I found comparing the two buzz words.
Getting back to my project- Completing the research on Flipboard was interesting. It was a great app for me to keep track of my research in a logical manner, as well as allow me to annotate each article in my own words. I had used Flipboard before this course leisurely, but I can't wait to implement it into my own classroom when I return in just a few short weeks!
I think my video speaks of my findings fairly well, but just to give you an idea.. here are my beliefs on utilizing interactive whiteboards into the classroom:
- Interactive whiteboards can be very beneficial IF implemented correctly
- Teachers need on-going professional development specific to THEIR needs
- Increase student achievement
- Increase student engagement
- Worth a try to better my students learning
- Balance with inquiry learning
Implementing new technologies can be frustrating for many- teachers and students included.
Here are a few things administration can do to ease the transition when implementing new technologies:
- Start slow
- Professional development should be periodic and throughout the year or term until fully developed
- Establish a "help desk" (online or in-person) with tutorial options
- Establish "school leaders"
- Celebrate teacher successes
Final thoughts-
I REALLY enjoyed this course. I am not sugarcoating anything when I say that it was one of the most-challenging EDIM courses that I have taken to date. I don't mean that in a bad way, either, it just challenged me more than any other- and I like a good challenge. I feel so proud of where I am now after these short 7 weeks. I understand new technology lingo and the importance of sustaining digital literacy. I will take what I learned back to my colleagues and district in hopes of inspiring them to continue their endeavors as lifelong educators. Implementing web 2.0 technologies is important, both for our students and also their future. I'm glad I stumbled upon the EDIM program and Wilkes University because it has allowed me to embrace technology in the field of education- two of my biggest passions mixed into one!
I always leave you with a food for thought and so...
You also may have noticed that I used the words "interactive whiteboard" and "smart board" interchangeably, which, at no time in the presentation did I ever make the connection verbally because I was so concerned with not going over my time limit. (Oops, I did that, too!) So, I do apologize for this- the two are one in the same.. at least from my standpoint. Here is a good read I found comparing the two buzz words.
Getting back to my project- Completing the research on Flipboard was interesting. It was a great app for me to keep track of my research in a logical manner, as well as allow me to annotate each article in my own words. I had used Flipboard before this course leisurely, but I can't wait to implement it into my own classroom when I return in just a few short weeks!
I think my video speaks of my findings fairly well, but just to give you an idea.. here are my beliefs on utilizing interactive whiteboards into the classroom:
- Interactive whiteboards can be very beneficial IF implemented correctly
- Teachers need on-going professional development specific to THEIR needs
- Increase student achievement
- Increase student engagement
- Worth a try to better my students learning
- Balance with inquiry learning
Implementing new technologies can be frustrating for many- teachers and students included.
Here are a few things administration can do to ease the transition when implementing new technologies:
- Start slow
- Professional development should be periodic and throughout the year or term until fully developed
- Establish a "help desk" (online or in-person) with tutorial options
- Establish "school leaders"
- Celebrate teacher successes
Final thoughts-
I REALLY enjoyed this course. I am not sugarcoating anything when I say that it was one of the most-challenging EDIM courses that I have taken to date. I don't mean that in a bad way, either, it just challenged me more than any other- and I like a good challenge. I feel so proud of where I am now after these short 7 weeks. I understand new technology lingo and the importance of sustaining digital literacy. I will take what I learned back to my colleagues and district in hopes of inspiring them to continue their endeavors as lifelong educators. Implementing web 2.0 technologies is important, both for our students and also their future. I'm glad I stumbled upon the EDIM program and Wilkes University because it has allowed me to embrace technology in the field of education- two of my biggest passions mixed into one!
I always leave you with a food for thought and so...