One of my technology goals this year is to work on using the SMART Board the smart way. Currently I am using it mainly to view PowerPoint presentations, show websites, and/or show VHS/DVD videos, to name a few. I mainly use it as I would a projector. I have been using some of the tools such as the slides, pens, and highlighter. I also have had the students brainstorming or writing on the board. Although I feel that this is a good start to using the SMART Board, I would rather find ways to use in as an interactive tool.
I have begun to research how to use the SMART Board as an interactive tool within the secondary level. The activities that I have come across have been mainly for elementary level students.
I watched this video to get more information on how to use the SMART Board on an advanced level. The video gives some great ways to use the tools as long as you have the activity tool kit.
How have you been using your SMART Board in your class? What tools have you been using? What interactive activities have you created? What have you noticed about the engagement of students in the classroom?
If you have not used the SMART board, what other technology have you been using? If you do not have a SMART Board do you think you would or would not use one in your classroom? How would you see yourself using it.
Looking forward to hearing your answers and learning from each other.
I used SMARTBOARD when I was student teaching and let me tell you I wasn't very "smart" with it. I wasn't used to working with it and often found myself asking students to help me calibrate the board, re-size images, and go back! SUPER EMBARRASSING. But as I used it more often, I got used to it. It takes time to get to know all the features. By the end I was using SMART Notebook and showing Prezi Presentations on it. So I guess it takes time.
ReplyDeleteKate, I think it is great that you are not afraid to branch away from whiteboards or chalk! (unlike some teachers that I know) I can not imagine teaching without my SmartBoard! Sometimes I use my SmartBoard as an expensive overhead but most of the time I am using it for manipulatives. For example having base ten blocks on the board when discussing place value or fraction tiles to compute with fractions. Students can come up to the board and play with manipulatives just like they would with real ones on their desk.
ReplyDeleteVisit SmartExchange:
http://exchange.smarttech.com/#tab=0
On this site you'll find TONS of already pre-made lesson plans. For example I found the game sorry for the SmartBoard and all I did was download the file and then alter it to fit my needs, by changing the questions into math questions! The kids loved it and I saved SO much time not having to re-invent the wheel! Check it out and let me know what you think!