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The Instructional Technology Journal of Volume 2, Number 11 December
1, 2006 |
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Interactive Whiteboards 12/1/06 Technically, an Interactive Whiteboard is
an electronic dry-erase board with a touch-sensitive projection screen that allows you to
control a computer directly by touching the board rather than using a
keyboard or mouse (although these can still be used.) This technology
requires a computer, a projector and the whiteboard itself. The computer is
connected to the projector and whiteboard, and the projector displays the
computer screen image on the board. As you point at active elements on the
board, using your finger or the electronic 'pen' as a mouse, the action is
sent to the computer. Interactive whiteboards can be used for many
purposes: to capture notes written on its surface; to click, drag and/or
annotate an image on the touch surface; to operate any software loaded onto
the connected PC, as well as access the internet; to show students material
on the computer & allow them to interact; to facilitate interactive
puzzle and problem solving with the whole class or an individual student; and
to enable teachers to record their instruction for viewing by students at a
later time (for students who: were absent, need repetition, or review.) Interactive whiteboards can provide simple, effective ways
of teaching software applications to a group of students. For example, it is
easy to demonstrate a specific function, such as highlighting, cutting and
pasting a paragraph of text.
Information can
be presented in exciting and engaging ways, creating more motivating
outcomes. Interactive whiteboards make possible whole class engagement and
learning at greater depth. They encourage creative and seamless use of
technology. Effective use of the
interactive whiteboard incorporates a variety of teaching techniques that
address a range of preferred learning styles, and can also support visual,
auditory and kinesthetic learning. The use of the technology can undoubtedly
increase learning opportunities; however, technology does not replace effective teaching – quite
the opposite – technology enhances
teaching and learning. |
Technical Updates Problems
with Projectors Several teachers have sent projectors to OCS,
indicating that the projector would not work.
We found that, in every case so far, the projector has been OK. The most common problems we found are
listed here: 1. The cable from the computer or laptop was plugged
into the Monitor Out 2. The Video button on the top of the projector has been
selected; with your computer, you must press select the Computer button. (The Video button is used when you attach a
VCR or other video device.) 3. The projector menu has several options for the input
source device; be sure to use RGB for your computer. Logging
Into the Network and Workstation Beginning December 1, all staff and student network
accounts at the middle and high schools will be set to allow only one
concurrent login. (Elementary schools
do not require student accounts for network access.) If you are logged into one computer, you
will not be able to log into another computer with the same user name. This is being done so that middle and high
school students are required to log into computers they use. Currently, some teachers are logging into
more than one computer in their classrooms and then letting students use one
of those computers – instead of requiring the student to login with the
student’s user ID. This practice
creates several problems: (1) Students using computers under a teacher login
have access to resources and information on the network to which they are not
entitled; this is a violation of Board policy as well as several state and
federal laws; (2) when problems arise about access to inappropriate sites,
the district cannot determine who was actually using the computer at which
the problem occurred; (3) teachers who permit students to have network access
under the teachers’ accounts have potential liability for what happens while
those students are using those accounts; and (4) students who may not have
parental permission to use network resources may gain access to the Internet
through a teacher’s account. All are
serious issues and must be managed according to policy and law. |
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Important Teacher Notes Ways to Use Interactive Whiteboards
· Save lessons for students who were
absent · Create video files for teaching
(save in server folder!) · Use built in maps to teach history
& geography · Give presentations created by
student or teacher · Have students create narrated ePortfolios
· Digital storytelling · Teach whole group computer skills · Brainstorm using Inspiration or
Excel charts & graphs · Take notes directly into PowerPoint
presentations · Reinforce skills with on-line
interactive web sites · Teach editing skills using editing
marks · Use highlighter tool to highlight
nouns, verbs, etc. · Teach students how to navigate the
Internet · Illustrate, write, & narrate a
book as a class. · Teach steps to a math problem. · Have students share projects with
parents & students · Electronic Word Wall |
Site Survey: Websites that Educate,
Enlighten, Entertain, and Engage ·
High School Ace · Internet Public Library Youth
Division ·
Instructional Technology Coach |
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The Laptop-and-Projector Project
Website Tech Project:
http://www2.gwd50.org/TechPlans/TechPlan2006.htm Instr. Resources:
http://www2.gwd50.org/TechPlans/StaffDevResources.htm
Previous TWTW Issues: http://www2.gwd50.org/techplans/TWTW-Index.htm |
