Recorded Welcome Message

Interactive White Boards in the Classroom

I came across an article on edweek.org that I thought really related to what we have been discussing in my ETAP 526 course. It can be found here. I thought that it was interesting because it talks about how when schools decide to include interactive white boards into their classrooms, sometimes there is not thought about the fact that the teachers may not know how to use the technology to its full extent or as more than a "glorified chalkboard".  I think that it is important for schools to provide the training and education necessary for the teachers when they decide to spend a great deal of money upgrading classrooms in this way. In the article, they talk about the school where teachers must apply for an interactive white board and if/when their application is accepted, they must agree to follow a rigorous training process. I think that this is a great idea. If teachers don't want or need it, they are not going to put in the time trying to learn how to use it properly and it will end up being a waste of money. 

An example of an interactive white board:

Students lined up to try an interactive white board: