(2010, June 14). Smartboards enhancing education. The Trinidad and Tobago Newsday .Section C.p.7
Smartboards
I first saw a smartborad in the computer lab at the School of Education’s orientation session conducted by Mrs. Woods-Jackson’s tutorial on myelearning.
To borrow her favourite word it was awesome, I’d never seen technology like that before.
The article states that,” Research has shown that these interactive whiteboards benefit student engagement, learner motivation and knowledge retention. It is also beneficial in teaching a variety of learning styles (Multiple Intelligences) and those with special needs.
What are smartboards? The author states that a smartboard is a chalkboard, Power Point Presentation, overhead projector, notebook and computer all in one tool. It is useful before, during and even after in lesson planning and development. The article states that students love the technology but first teachers must go through SMARTboard training.
In the Yankton School District in the United States smartboards are installed for core curriculum grades, junior-kindergarten through eight grades.
How useful this technology could be in our educational system at the primary and secondary level. What a possibility if our Prime Minister had promised one to each school instead of laptops to SEA children. Don’t we seem very ancient when in the primary school we are still transitioning from blackboards to white boards. Don’t forget the Ministry of Education does not supply schools with whiteboard markers. If they do those sent don’t filter down to the classroom teacher.
What a coincidence for me to come upon this blog! Just last week my neighbour’s son was telling me about this special board being used in his class ( he attends one of the more prestigious secondary schools in San Fernando). He is really fascinated by it!
ReplyDeleteI looked it up on the Web, it really does have a lot of features that reading specialists can use. I can see children in the classroom being motivated by this. It is highly interactive so the students would be engaged and it caters to all types of learners through its multimedia effects.
Reading specialists can use it in many ways: for direct instruction, to review, assess students, reinforce, plan their work and so on. They can show e-books, use Web 2.0 tools, go to different websites or even display students’ work.It is great for whole class instruction.
Every teacher needs a smart board! It would certainly enhance learning in the classroom.