Journal Article Entry #1

Journal Article #1: Interactive Whiteboards

          Wirth, P. (2015, 25 June). 5 Ways To Enhance Your Online Science Course Using Interactive Whiteboards, eLearning industry. Retrieved from      http://elearningindustry.com/5-ways-    enhance-online-science-course-using-interactive-whiteboards

Summary

In 5 Ways To Enhance Your Online Science Course Using Interactive Whiteboards, Wirth talks about the traditional ways that interactive whiteboards are typically used in the classroom. Many classrooms in a traditional setting have interactive whiteboards but have not proved their value for the cost or the student outcome.  Online classes can easily use the systems for much less money, if not for free. The teachers can easily instruct students to use the system through tutorials to either enhance their existing lessons or create new lesson modules.

The traditional classroom uses the interactive whiteboard to make the learning experience more interactive. This article discusses ways to use the same technology for online science classes. The software can give a variety of experiences such as interactive activities, practice exercises, virtual field trips and real-time teacher feedback.

 Wirth then went on to list and explain 5 ways to integrate interactive whiteboards into online science classes.

1. Demonstrate A Laboratory Procedure. 

Teachers can use this option with uploading a video of laboratory procedures and pausing at certain talking points. The teacher can use the whiteboard itself to illustrate the important parts in the video. This would also be a great way to assess students on the steps of the procedures.

2. Go On Virtual Field Trips

Wirth listed Arizona State University as having virtual field trips for science content with interactive components with a lot of variety.

3.Capture Lessons Using The Screen Recording Option

Screen capture and voice recording can be used together to help students navigate the learning management system.

4. Include Interactive Exercises To Supplement Lectures

Teachers can embed a variety of information from The National Stem Centre such as video, quizzes, textbooks, case studies, and  articles to further enhance their lesson.

5.Share and Exchange Whiteboard Lessons

One of the most popular resource sites for sharing and searching lessons is SMART exchange.

Reflection

    What is the best way to use an interactive whiteboard? How would I even go about using one for online teaching? So many questions, and how do I make this all work?

    I was drawn to this article for a few reasons: I am a science teacher, I use interactive whiteboards, and I am interested in online curriculum writing. I was surprised that an interactive whiteboard could be used for an online class. The experience for the students would definitely be enhanced by adding video clips of laboratory procedures or a virtual field trip. I would imagine this would also make the class more interesting too for the students. As an instructor, I find it helpful having sites listed as references where information can be found. I feel it is often difficult to locate reliable sources for content links, especially for science. 

    Technology does not need to have so many questions, but rather solutions for the classroom. Teachers can search out existing lessons or even use their own traditional classroom laboratory experiences to enhance online learners.