I can give you the text book answer but I am not sure how to get an interactive white board as an online tool to use as 3 D? I am asuming white baords and smart boards are similar but not 100% postive. I have never seen this in action so I am limited to commenting on the subject.
I have heard of Black boards for the online course so student can use to post messages, comments. and even discussions. Please enlighten me on the white board.
I find that students enjoy using this because they become more involved in the process, which gives each student more ownership and control of his/her learning environment. The only time I interject is when the group is getting off topic.
Daniel,
Do you have any specific feedback from your students on the success of this technology?
Dr. Ruth Reynard
The interactive white board allows me to draw and discuss concepts in real-time with my students. We have done simultaneous exercises with group participation which effectively simulates a face to face classroom experience in some cases. My student engagement increases when these tools are used on a regular basis. Other interactive components like polls/surveys and the use of video/audio support also enhances the interactive and community aspects of the class.
It is easier to see and the student gets imediate results.
Duane,
Can you provide specific examples of what you're referring to here?
Dr. Ruth Reynard
We do not have access to this technology here, but I have heard that the smart boards can increase student participation and that data can be captured and transmitted to students wirelessly. This sounds as though it can be a win/win.
Like any tool, it's effectiveness is dependant on how you use it. As long as students are using the board, and not just the instructor, then interaction increases dramatically. If it remains teacher-led only, then it is just a slick presentation aid.
Joel,
...yes, and depends on the design of the instruction.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Interactive Whiteboards are phenomenal tools. SMART Board, ActivBoard, eBeam, Mimio, and Webster are some of the most widely used at this time. Interactive whiteboards are used in many schools as replacements for traditional whiteboards or flipcharts. They provide ways to show students anything which can be presented on a computer's desktop (educational software, web sites, and others). In addition, interactive whiteboards allow teachers to record their instruction and post the material for review by students at a later time. This can be a very effective instructional strategy for students who benefit from repetition, who need to see the material presented again, for students who are absent from school, for struggling learners, and for review for examinations. Brief instructional blocks can be recorded for review by students—they will see the exact presentation that occurred in the classroom with the teacher's audio input. This can help transform learning and instruction. They can be used to save lessons to present to students who were absent, create video files to teach a software application, use the built in maps to teach continents, oceans, countries, or states and capitals, present presentations created by student or teacher, have students create e-folios including samples of their work and narration, digital storytelling, teach whole group computer or keyboarding skills, brainstorming, take notes directly into PowerPoint presentations, reinforce skills by using on-line interactive web sites, creating a project calendar, teach editing skills using editing marks, teaching students how to navigate the Internet, etc.
When utilizing a white board class participation soars to high levels. Students are able to better relate when actually visualizing what content is covered. I also use polls to ask students questions.
Hi John,
I see how the whiteboard may assist in student comprehension of the math equations. It is always nice to be able to participate and ask questions, while an equation is being discussed.
Best,
Andrea
Hi Jason,
I agree Tablets would be nice to add into the technology mix. I have yet to purchase one, however I can see it in my near future.
Best,
Andrea
Andrea,
Do you use clickers as well?
Dr. Ruth Reynard
The student will be able to see the work or problems being present when using a white board. They will have the chance to mimic sitting in a classroom and answer question while taking notes actively. This allows the student to become more engaged in the topic being presented.
amanda,
Yes, the interactive white board can be used in a F2F setting or online - the benefits are many in terms of enagaging students - do you have any specific examples that you have experienced?
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Interactive whiteboards increase the interactivity between students and teachers; students and students. Compared to the traditional classroom lecture hall, interactive whiteboards allow students to easily give their input of during a certain topic of the lecture.
The use of the White Board during Live Chats has proven very effective because the students become more part of the topic discussed. It is a real time tool also found in the real working world and promotes critical thinking, problem solving, and analytical thought. The use of the White board can really get the thoughts going among students. I use it to introduce a historical topic such as "Evaluate to what extent the Articles of Confederation proved a workable government?" From here, students can begin to brainstorm and diagram on the white board their input to the topic.
BRIGITTE ,
Great example...thank you for sharing.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
I have used an interactive white board a couple of times, but not consistently. If students know how to use the technology, it can definitely improve collaboration. I have had students post their outlines or parts of their writing to the white board and then had their fellow students provide advice and feedback. Students can make corrections in real time so that everyone can see. I am also able to interact with my own feedback and demonstrations through the white board. I have had limited use of it, however, because 1) many students do not know how to use it and 2) most students do not attend my live sessions. I can't teach students how to use the white board if they don't show up. :)
