Smart Board Implementation Strategies
Self Evaluation of Integration of Interactive Whiteboards in Lessons
Sep 16, 2009
Smart board implementation in classrooms is increasing in classrooms around the country. The presentation tools connected with these white boards are becoming very popular with teachers who want to integrate the latest educational technologies in their lessons. The number one reason for their popularity is that its interactive applications work well for involving all students in the learning process.
A smart board, often referred to as an interactive white board, is part of a system. This system includes the interactive board, computer with notebook program, and projector. These systems were initially developed for the business world; however, they have found their way into education. This is primarily due to this technology’s advantages for helping students learn in an interactive manner.
Whiteboard Advantages: Benefits for Lesson Integration
Benefits of a white board system include support for differentiated instruction, because it accommodates different learning styles. Tactile learners benefit from touching and marking on the board, audio learners take advantage of videos and podcasts, and visual learners see what is taking place as it develops on the board.
One-computer classrooms maximize the use of limited computer resources by using a smart board. Students’ contribute information, written on the white board, while other students input and save information at the computer.
Even with all the benefits of this system, integration in classrooms is not taking advantage of the full capabilities of the white board system. This is primarily due to available of resources for preparing teachers to use this educational technology system in their classroom. Tight budgets often mean teachers must support and share their knowledge with each other.
Self Assessment: Three Levels for Determining Classroom Integration Strategies
Self evaluation by teachers also leads to improved integration strategies and techniques in lessons. This typically leads to teachers wondering how their teaching practices are, especially when compared with other teachers. The following are three levels of white board integration in classrooms, which teachers can use as a self assessment of their level of integration in lessons.
Beginner – uses the system in very basic ways when teaching, some examples include:
- Displays overhead projector on white board
- Uses dry erase makers when annotating information on the board
- Teacher is the primary user
- Struggles with basic features and is unsure of how to use the features in the notebook computer program for integrating the smart board
- Displays lesson objectives, seat work assignments, and turns it off all other times
- Projector used for primarily showing videos or notes using power point
Adaptive User – uses the system for teaching and manipulating lesson information, some examples include:
- Uses stylus markers for notes and examples using the notebook computer program
- Notebook program galleries are used on a regular basis
- Notebook program is used during lessons to support instruction
- Lesson presentations are primarily limited to notes, study guides, worksheets, or other scanned materials
Advanced User – uses the system for teaching, manipulating lesson information, and involving students in a visually interactive manner. Some examples include:
- Easily integrates must features of the notebook program in lessons such as recording, highlighting, etc.
- Students interact with manipulatives, maps, interactive content programs, etc.
- Students annotate Internet information
- Interactive lessons are developed and used on a regular basis
- Projector is used for visual presentations of maps, images, Internet, and interactive power point presentations displayed on the smart board
- Experiments on a regular basis with using all features of the interactive white board
- Integrates lessons and templates downloaded from the websites
- Knows basic trouble shooting techniques and procedures
Professional Development: Growing from Self Assessment Findings
Once the self assessment is complete and level of integration is determined, the teacher needs to prepare a professional development plan. This plan does not need to be a formal written document, although writing out the plan often helps. The plan needs to address strengths and weaknesses with using the smart board system.
Strategies for addressing weaknesses should include; however, not limited to the following:
- Using strengths to help overcome weak areas
- Seeking help from other teachers who are considered advanced users
- Enrolling in school district training workshops
- Inviting school district technology teacher to assist with lesson preparation and delivery using the smart board system
- Completing continuing education training at a local college or university
- Enrolling in free Internet training provided by interactive white board companies or other interactive white board services
Making Connections: Smart Boards and Implementation
The smart board is an interactive, electronic whiteboard system which enhances teaching and learning. The notebook computer software makes it possible for teachers to create content rich and dynamic lessons, which address specific student skills. The capability of this system takes advantage of the latest Web 2.0 online technologies to engage students in learning.
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