In what learning environments would the technology resource I presented be appropriate?
- SMART Boards and Promethean Boards are appropriate to use in any classroom setting. By utilizing these resources it creates an interactive environment where one might not have existed before. These boards can be used in both whole group and small group settings to engage as many students as possible in any lesson given. SMART Boards and Promethean Boards can be used for direct instruction, guided practice, and assessments as long as the teacher utilizes the correct and appropriate programs and settings during these times.
In what learning environments would the technology resource I presented NOT be appropriate?
- When using SMART Boards and Promethean Boards, this creates a fast paced learning experience that can be difficult for some students such as English Language Learners who may have difficulty keeping up with reading or listening to content in a second language for them. Also, the perks of SMART Boards and Promethean Boards are vast, however, when a teacher desires students to work collaboratively on a personal level with each other, this technology does not allow them to do so. Finally, this technology can be deemed inappropriate when a teacher is not adequately trained on how to use these boards. When one is not knowledgeable about how to use this technology it could pose as a distraction from actual learning that should be taking place.
How might it be modified to be appropriate?
- To make the use of both SMART Boards and Promethean Boards appropriate it would require a thorough amount of professional development regarding the use, correct implementation, and upkeep of these technologies. By educating teachers and administrators of these tools, it will allow students to fully benefit from the many advantages these boards have to offer. Teachers who have these boards in their classrooms must be aware and understand that becoming knowledgeable about these technologies is both time consuming and requires contuious learning, but the benefits their students will receive will outweigh the negatives.
What do you now know that needs to be considered when using technology in the classroom?
- I have learned that there are many factors that must be considered when implementing technology into a classroom. Firstly, safety is the most important factor, making sure students are safe both when using the technology and the sites they visit is something all teachers must always take into consideration. It is important that teachers thoroughly know and understand the technology they are using and research websites they plan on using in the classroom. Another aspect is knowing your students and their needs, making sure the technology a teacher uses in their classroom should always benefit the students and facilitate learning. Teachers must also educate themselves on the technologies they will be implementing in their classrooms and must have an understanding of continuing their education regarding these tools. The different technologies teachers are using in their classrooms are changing rapidly and effective teachers will always continue to use the best technology for their classrooms.
Stephanie,
ReplyDeleteThere truly isn't much to comment on because we have the same views on SMART boards. (Since we did the same implementation of technology.) Along with being able to use SMART boards in whole group and small group instruction I believe you can use them for one-on-one instruction as well. For all students with different learning styles SMART boards are definitely beneficial for optimal student learning. Great reflection and good luck on student teaching, you'll do amazing!
Steph, I have to agree with you on the use of Smart-boards as a great method of integrated technology in our classrooms. I enjoy that you mentioned the necessity of being educated in the use of the smart-boards. I have witnessed many teachers not using them to their full potential simply because they are afraid to "look dumb" by asking. In my opinion, Smart-Boards 101 should be a required class in all education programs such as our cohort. Keep up the amazing work Stephanie, we are almost there!
ReplyDeleteStephanie,
ReplyDeleteI agree with Robb that there should be a SMART board 101 class for all schools that have the technology. It is disappointing when schools have the technology available and do not use it for the benefit of their students. I like how you mentioned collaboration between teachers. That is a wonderful idea to help build knowledge and understanding of the tool and share with the lesson planning. I am a firm believer that the use of technology in the classroom is only as good as the teacher. I believe that your students will have amazing access to technology. Thank you so much for sharing!
"...[E]ffective teachers will always continue to use the best technology for their classrooms." No truer words have been said, Stephanie! I agree with you that integrating a SMART board or a PROMETHEAN board effectively by teachers whom are adequately trained will turn classrooms into interactive environments.
ReplyDeleteIt wasn't until your presentation, that I learned this kind of technology integration is difficult for English Language Learners due to all the reading and listening in a different language. For some reason, I thought that because SMART boards provide visuals, that using them during lessons and activities would benefit second language student learners. I believe this website will be beneficial for those of us who are fortunate enough to have this technology in our classrooms (http://vault.smarttech.com/stimulus/k-12-ell.asp) Smarttech.com offers some vital information that will better support our future ELL students while using SMART boards in the classroom.
Stephanie,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, Robb, and Taryn! I have seen many classrooms implement this technology but there is a vast difference in the ways in which each teacher incorporates it in the classroom. I have seen teachers use it to simply project materials and other who used it to assess student knowledge and engage them in visual and hands-on learning. As you state, technology changes so rapidly and it is vital to continue learning to best help and address students' needs. THanks for sharing!
Stephanie,
ReplyDeleteYour presentation was not even similar to the other SMART board presentation, so I was able to learn a lot from both. I agree with you that maybe English Language Learners might not be able to keep up, however maybe you can provide a modified version of your technology with something more easier for them to follow.Lastly I believe that safety is number one when you implement technology within the classroom. I cant stress it enough that anything can happen! That is why I don't allow my daughter to play on my phone without me sitting right next to her. You can always depend on technology 100% of the time.
Gilby,
ReplyDeleteI stated over in Audrey's blog, your presentation twin, about the benefits of having multiple examples of a single technology resource. Your depth of knowledge on promethean boards will produce ample opportunities to educate educators. Your reflection regarding acquiring background knowledge being the responsibility of those implementing such technologies is a great point. Also in regards to ELL and other learners requiring multiple learning strategies. Excellent presentation and useful research materials. Good job by you.
I think it is important that you continually mentioned the time and effort it would take, on the teachers part, to master the SMART and Promethean Boards; I do not think that very many people take this into consideration when using these things but think they can just "learn as they go," which is not always the best option since this can cause hiccups during a lesson. As you stated though, the benefits it can provide to the students will outweigh this.
ReplyDeleteStephanie,
ReplyDeleteI agree 100% with your use of technology in the classroom. I believe that a SmartBoard in any classroom is appropriate. I love the fact that it helps all the students to be interactive in your lesson as well as, especially for the younger ones, helps to work with motor skills! Professional development is a HUGE MUST HAVE to make these technologies work in the classroom. I know that within our district, there are professional development classes offered at least twice a month for our teachers because the systems are always coming out with something new.
I absolutely love interactive white board systems. I agree that they belong in every classroom, but not in every activity. My favorite point that you raised is in the teacher's ability to use the technology. I have previously witnessed what an immense waste they can be if there is no training provided on how to use them. I am glad that the local districts offered such training at PD.
ReplyDelete