Article Review #1 EDU 6215

Bauer, S.  Fuller, W. Gray, L. Levin, H. Poole, B. Wagner, J. (July. 18, 2011). Education World: The Best Tech Tools For Teachers. Retrieved from: http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech234.shtml

Caron, S. (Nov. 21, 2015). Education World: Smart Teaching with Interactive Whiteboards. Retrieved from:

http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/smart_teaching_with_interactive_whiteboards.shtml

Using Tech in the Classroom

Summary:

I read two articles that both talked about the benefits of using Interactive Whiteboards in the classroom. Both articles praised the interactive whiteboards and the benefits that they added to the classrooms but stressed that teachers needed to be trained in using them. The boards do add in the presentation of a teacher’s lesson, but when used properly can engage more students by involving them in the lesson itself. Students can come up to the board to manipulate images/information. Parts of the previous day’s lesson can be recalled since work can be saved and not erased like on a traditional whiteboard. Teachers can print the work screens as notes for students that are absent. One teacher sent home the software with her students on a USB bracelet so that they could design lessons for their project assignments for the class. She said that it gave the class the ability to add their own personalities to the lessons pages.

Reflection:

I agree that there are many benefits to using Interactive Whiteboards, but the teacher does need proper training to go with the device. If the teacher does not have the training, then you have a very expensive projector. The students do enjoy using the technology in my classroom, especially because not all of the teachers use the device. There are so many different uses to the boards where it simply allows for a touchable large sized computer screen. It makes it possible for the teacher to come out from behind the desk and be able to move to the front of the room or have the students do the teaching.

I could also easily see how districts may not want to spend money on Interactive Whiteboards. They could be a passing trend that teachers may not want to invest their time in learning. Teachers may be perfectly happy with the way they present their lessons to their students, which may or may not involve the use of projected technology. With some of the devices costing over $2400 each, districts may not be willing to purchase these for their classrooms and opt for other types of technologies instead.