Yesterday I was given the opportunity to lead a section of the professional development at my school. Obviously, I was very excited as I enjoy working with teachers to help them understand the newest technologies and make it easier for them to do great work.
One of the most important things I brought up was what I call the "$200 teacher-centered Smartboard." A picture of it is here (with a link to amazon.com where you can purchase one) but I will elaborate.
While I was student-teaching in 2009 my classroom mentor was lucky enough to be selected as a member of the Classrooms for the Future grant that was expanded around that time. Ostensibly, the grant was meant to innovate the classroom and provide new tools for educators to teach our students better. I was super excited to take advantage of this - it meant we would get a Smartboard; and when I began teaching in my own classroom the next year, I breathed a sigh of relief that I had one to my own in my first full year of teaching.
It took me two years of fulltime teaching to realize two of the major downfalls of this technology:
1) they are incredibly expensive to purchase, install, and maintain - sometimes to the tune of $6,000 (even today).
2) They do not help promote a student-centered classroom.
Instead of working around and near students, the Smartboard keeps every teacher close to the center of attention. Of course you can bring students up to the board to oogle and oggle, but how does this board add value to the classroom? It definitely makes it easier for teachers to prepare - but that can be accomplished with a projector anyway.
Enter: the wireless tablet. Two years ago I purchased one and am so thankful I did. This device (costing around $200 including wireless adapter) allows me to control my computer and draw on programs like ActivInspire and Smart Notebook from around my room. It allows me to work directly with students and even have them write as well. If a student does not feel comfortable walking up to a board to write, they can do it from their seat. That adds value.
If schools started investing and training teachers to use these devices, that $6000 price tag would be able to provide 30 tablets to staff - a great value if you ask me.
In case anyone reading this would like to see one in action, just come to my classroom any day - I am happy to share.
One of the most important things I brought up was what I call the "$200 teacher-centered Smartboard." A picture of it is here (with a link to amazon.com where you can purchase one) but I will elaborate.
While I was student-teaching in 2009 my classroom mentor was lucky enough to be selected as a member of the Classrooms for the Future grant that was expanded around that time. Ostensibly, the grant was meant to innovate the classroom and provide new tools for educators to teach our students better. I was super excited to take advantage of this - it meant we would get a Smartboard; and when I began teaching in my own classroom the next year, I breathed a sigh of relief that I had one to my own in my first full year of teaching.
It took me two years of fulltime teaching to realize two of the major downfalls of this technology:
1) they are incredibly expensive to purchase, install, and maintain - sometimes to the tune of $6,000 (even today).
2) They do not help promote a student-centered classroom.
Instead of working around and near students, the Smartboard keeps every teacher close to the center of attention. Of course you can bring students up to the board to oogle and oggle, but how does this board add value to the classroom? It definitely makes it easier for teachers to prepare - but that can be accomplished with a projector anyway.
Enter: the wireless tablet. Two years ago I purchased one and am so thankful I did. This device (costing around $200 including wireless adapter) allows me to control my computer and draw on programs like ActivInspire and Smart Notebook from around my room. It allows me to work directly with students and even have them write as well. If a student does not feel comfortable walking up to a board to write, they can do it from their seat. That adds value.
If schools started investing and training teachers to use these devices, that $6000 price tag would be able to provide 30 tablets to staff - a great value if you ask me.
In case anyone reading this would like to see one in action, just come to my classroom any day - I am happy to share.
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