As I share with colleagues and teacher-friends that I'm working towards my Masters in Educational Technology the first response is often, "Wow, what a useful degree to have under your belt," followed by the question, "So what do you think about SMARTBoards?" It seems as if there is now a natural association between technology in education and IBWs (Interactive Whiteboards). You can't mention technology in schools without thinking IBWs. So what is all the craze with them?
You'd think I could answer that question, but surprisingly and unfortunately, I'm ashamed to admit I don't have any experience with them. Sure, I've seen them used in videos before and read about them, but have I ever used one myself? Nope. So really, there's not much I can tell you about their "increase in student participation" or "added support for visual learners" or "ability to save what is written." I wish knew more about them and had the accessibility to one on a regular basis. I'd love to see a teacher in action using one.
Conversely, I have the district I previously taught in for six years which just installed SMARTBoards in every elementary classroom in the entire district. Were the teachers asked if they wanted them? Nope. Is everyone required to receive training in them? Nope. Will everyone use theirs? Nope. It's an unfortunate situation that all this money was spent on this technology, and some boards will sit there, untouched. Yes, it's sounds cool to say, "Every classroom in our school has SMARTBoards," but not if they aren't being utilized. I believe for technology to be implemented correctly, the first thing you need is to educate and train teachers. There needs to be support in place to ensure the boards are used to their maximum potential. Some of the teachers feel so intimidated by this new piece of equipment and aren't sure where to begin. We need to make this as least overwhelming as possible. While I'm proud of my former district for making attempts at integrating a new technology, I'm ashamed that they went about it in the manner they did.
Perhaps in the near future I'll be able to witness first-hand all that IBWs have to offer! Or better yet, willingly have one in my classroom that I'm prepared and trained to use.
Mackenzie:
ReplyDeleteI myself always associate technology in education with SMARTBoards. It was mainly because of my experience with IBWs that peaked my interest in this program here at Pace. During my student teaching placement in first grade I had access to a SMARTBoard daily in my classroom. As I took on more responsibilities as my placement progressed, I utilized the SMARTBoard more and more. I can confidently say that it definitely increases student participation because students respond well to active engagement/interactive learning. Specifically, it also affords differentiation in an inclusion classroom, in subtle yet effective ways. For example, while I could have printed out leveled math worksheets for students to complete, I was able to create one (interactive) lesson on the SMARTBoard, while also addressing students’ needs. Knowing the ability levels of my students while creating SMARTBoard lessons, they all benefited academically because I directed certain students towards certain aspects within the lesson. This way, all students were all participating in one lesson, while addressing concepts specific to their needs. The SMARTBoard facilitated learning in a variety of ways. All students took part in an interactive lesson. With an inclusion class, it was awesome to see everyone participating.
I CANNOT believe that your previous district installed SMARTBoards in every classroom and teachers neither had training in them or asked for them, inevitably leaving them untouched. That’s a valuable resource being completely wasted in today’s educational setting, especially in a district that can afford this new and expensive technology. While I understand that teachers may have been apprehensive to use SMARTBoards because they truly didn’t know how to, it boggles my mind. My mother’s district is slowly getting them installed in every classroom, starting with kindergarten. Being that she is a fifth grade teacher, she would not get one right away unless applying for a grant, which she did (which was approved yay!). And as she expresses her growing interest in all that SMARTBoards have to offer, she continues to learn while utilizing it. I see her constantly revamping and tweaking lessons to better meet student needs and I am amazed by the results.