Identify a current technology that has emerged in the last
few years that shapes learning or productivity in your industry.
SMARTboards or interactive white
boards have been around for many years, but schools are just reaching the point
that some can afford them. I teach in a K-5 building that in the last few years
my building has been able to purchase a SMARTboard for every teacher (grade
level, special needs, art, music, library, etc) in the building. This has
allowed us to be able to model interactive text materials that the district has
purchased, we can have small group instruction where the students can touch the
screen and make it interactive, and students are more engaged in the
lessons. Lessons for the SMARTboard are
easily found on the internet.
What problems or challenges have been associated with this
technology?
The cost is a huge problem. The
SMARTboards and projectors can cost approximately $3900 each. For the small building I teach at this was
close to a $33,000 expense. Through
school fundraisers and grants we were able to complete this in 3 years.
Another challenge is getting some
teachers away from just using it as a big movie screen. Our technology specialist in the building
works with teachers frequently to show them the many benefits. There is also technology professional
development offered through our district during the school year and
summer. We have a requirement of
obtaining 24 hours of professional development outside of the school day each
contract year.
The following blog discusses why she doesn’t feel like having SMARTboards in the classroom is that
great.
What societal need does it meet, and what are its benefits?
SMARTboards allow teachers to be
able to model interactive text materials that the district has purchased,
teachers can have small group (can be whole group) instruction where the
students can touch the screen and make it interactive and students are more
engaged in the lessons. Students,
especially at the elementary age, are used to seeing animation from PBS kids
shows/cartoons, learning websites, and their toys. To keep them engaged in the classroom having
something that is interactive and moving is Lessons for the SMARTboard are
easily found on the internet. One of the
best teacher created SMARTboard lesson sites used is Smarttech . It is free for teachers to sign up and use.
What would make this technology even better, avoiding the
pitfalls you identified?
If a school wants to purchase
SMARTboards or interactive whiteboards they need to think ahead the
professional development aspect. Have a
technology team of teachers willing to provide some sort of professional development
to unsure teachers is a great start.
The cost is a huge problem, but not
sure how that can be fixed. There is a
school discount already in place from majority if not all companies that sell
SMARTboards.
