Week 12 Interactive White Boards

I like the IWB for classroom instruction.  It is a great tool, with nice software functions as well as the ability to link to your pc so you can utilize other software and online supplements to your lesson.  I've had the opportunity to observe a 4th grade teacher tap into the potential of the IWB in her classroom.  She utilized the capabilities so effortlessly, it truely looked like an extension of her and the focus was on what she was teaching, not this cool board in front of the class.  The students used the IWB with ease as well.  The students really enjoyed going to the IWB and participating.  After seeing this, I was surprised that my first encounter did not go as easily as I had expected it to.  There is a learning curve and I will definitely need to practice so that the focus is on my content, not on the IWB. 

I don't like the set up in our classroom, the projector can be blinding and I was surprised how differently the screen looked when I was using it as a teacher versus viewing it as a student.  I liked having the screens that I planned visible, it helped me as a teacher to make sure I was covering what I had planned.  I felt a bit anxious moving around between screens and links to videos and songs however.  I imagine that with practice this feeling will subside and I'll be able to tap into more of what the IWB has to offer. 

I would definitely welcome one in my future classroom. I believe it provides one more tool in my tool belt to help my students learn and excel.  I like the interactive functions. I see the IWB making classroom functions more efficient.  For example, as a class, we could take notes or complete a diagram and then take a picture of it and print it out for later reference.  The IWB is a tool and if used when appropriate, I believe students will benefit as well.   I would not solely use the IWB, like many great tools, it has its place and it should be used to complement instruction.  I believe students will be more engaged.  There are many interactive possibilities that I don't see how a student wouldn't be more engaged.    It's new and exciting, kids love that.