paul | 2011/12/30

wut school do you teach at because i use to go to franklend and your name rings a bell.

paul | 2011/12/30

wut school do you teach at

paul | 2011/12/30

wut school do you teach at

paul | 2011/12/30

nice picture you singleband want to mingle

JoAnna Riesand | 2011/12/30

Hi mrs. force i miss being your student it sucks that i moved i go to wakanda my email is janna.riesland@yahoo.com

Omar Gutoff | 2011/08/20

Hi my name is Omar Gutoff, I am a math teacher at Tabiona High (Duchesne County School District), Utah and I am a doctoral student at USU (Utah State University). I am working in my dissertation and some of my finding goes alone with the "Do Smartboards Make Smart Students" article published at the "nea.org/techtalk" I am looking for 3 to 5 teachers at various grade levels (preferred High School Math) to participate in my study and conduct an investigation of the technologies they use or do not use, teachers who are known for their use. Would you let me know if you would like to participate, I think your contribution could be really important, Thanks, Omar.

Omar Gutoff | 2011/08/20

Hi my name is Omar Gutoff, I am a math teacher at Tabiona High (Duchesne County School District), Utah and I am a doctoral student at USU (Utah State University). I am working in my dissertation and some of my finding goes alone with the "Do Smartboards Make Smart Students" article published at the "nea.org/techtalk" I am looking for 3 to 5 teachers at various grade levels (preferred High School Math) to participate in my study and conduct an investigation of the technologies they use or do not use, teachers who are known for their use. Would you let me know if you would like to participate, I think your contribution could be really important, Thanks, Omar.

Steve | 2010/09/14

Faith said: "...Give us more teachers and much fewer students for real results." A principal told me that when he was a teacher many many years ago, he had about 53 kids in his class. He said he had far fewer problems with those 53 than teachers do now. Technology in the classroom these days reminds me of technology used by rock n'roll bands when I was young. Amateur musicians were often more "into" the technology of huge amplifiers and electric guitar-related "stuff" than practicing to become expert in their performance and creating a quality unique sound.

dawna | 2010/09/07

I for one wish we'd had the internet when I was a kid! But let's never get so dependent on our tech that we can't do without it. I've been in too many classrooms (and boardrooms, and...) where everything came to a standstill because of "technical difficulties," and kids ended up with busy work or play time. A good teacher makes good use of the tools available-- then teaches in the janitor's closet when it all breaks down!

Becky | 2010/09/06

A SMARTBoard is an amazing teaching tool! Whether you use advanced technology, chalk boards, or simply paper and pencil, it is a teacher?s job to provide rich, engaging and meaningful lessons for kids. Teachers preach life-long learning. They should be willing to participate in SMARTBoard training so that they are using the boards to provide meaningful interactive lessons to enhance learning. I have been teaching a long time and creating and implementing SMARTBoard lessons have reenergized me! My students have benefited greatly from the lessons that I have created. If used properly students should be the ones running the board. Presenting good curricular content with shared, highly engaging activity is the key.

Shelia | 2010/09/01

I have a mimio in my classroom and love it! I still use other things: overhead projector, cd player, white boards (large and individual sizes), pencils, paper, crayons, markers, glue, scissors, computers, whatever I can find to keep things interesting and keep students engaged. I agree that too many teachers are using the smartboards as large TV screens too often. I went to CEU classes and learned how to use the mimio system. It is amazing what we can do with technology! We need to remember that we have to teach the students and engage them. There are many ways to do this.

Mary | 2010/09/01

While I enjoy using technology in my classroom and adore it when I can get it, I also know that an effective teacher can teach in a janitor closet with only chalk and a chalk board. I think its important to be able to teach effectively with whatever you are given. If the electricity were ever eliminated in this country, we'd be in a lot of trouble (and it could happen easier and quicker than we think). I think we should prepare our students for any event and not be too dependant or ignorant of any method of communication and computation.

Terri | 2010/08/26

Right tool for the right job. That's still true. I use everything in my classroom--from electronic technology to "old-fashioned" technology like---pencils! Technology is anything that's applied equipment. We've begun to apply the word to only electronics, but it's not. We need to stay current as teachers, but we need to remember we're teaching students, not computers, not SmartBoards, not iPads. Electronic technology is changing DAILY. I think a good teacher is flexible and teaches thinking skills--use whatever tools work!!

Roberta | 2010/08/25

?

susu | 2010/08/24

Technology is here to stay! Teaching students to use technology responsibly, effectively and efficiently is the key. Teachers need effective training in how to use technology wisely in the classroom.

Chuck | 2010/08/22

?

Stefanie | 2010/08/22

I have been teaching for 6 years. I have had a smartboard for the last two. This year I do not have one in my room. It's a major difference. With a SB I am able to run my classroom more efficiently. I use it for interactive lessons and student engagement. I also have an ELMO which I supplement into the lessons when needed. For any teacher who says a SB is not efficient I would suggest taking a prfessional development class to further your education on it's applications. They are amazing tools and not only make the lesson more efficient, but they also engage the students for longer periods of time. As far as the "...Socrates, Aristotle, and Einstein ..." comment, they were in the process of developing things to make their societies run smoother. They were using the highest levels of technology for their times. If they had smartboards I would bet they would be using them too.

Faith | 2010/08/21

My comment disappeared...reiterating, Aristotle, Socrates and Einstein got to pick a handful of students to teach. Give us more teachers and much fewer students for real results.

Faith | 2010/08/21

?

Dee | 2010/08/21

Smartboards should not be used for everything, it is one more tool on our education tool belt to engage students in learning and critical thinking. I have used an ELMO and saw first hand how it helped engage students to follow lessons and participate in learning. I teach students who have learning disabilities. Many of my students speak other languages at home and are learning English as a second language. In the last three years many of my students have learned to read through the use of technology. I am excited about adding smartboard lessons to our classroom when I want students to practice skills. I have already created 3 interactive lessons hat will allow me to face students, while bringing them up to problem solve using the smartboard. Our principal is providing on-going training so that we understand how to use this new technology.

Dee | 2010/08/21

Smartboards should not be used for everything, it is one more tool on our education tool belt to engage students in learning and critical thinking. I have used an ELMO and saw first hand how it helped engage students to follow lessons and participate in learning. I teach students who have learning disabilities. Many of my students speak other languages at home and are learning English as a second language. In the last three years many of my students have learned to read through the use of technology. I am excited about adding smartboard lessons to our classroom when I want students to practice skills. I have already created 3 interactive lessons hat will allow me to face students, while bringing them up to problem solve using the smartboard. Our principal is providing on-going training so that we understand how to use this new technology.

Bill | 2010/08/21

My high school social sciences classsroom has a video projector and laptop. I have used a Bluetooth (wireless) keyboard to to enable students to participate from their desks by adding content to on-screen documents. Interest and engagement go up. Although the projector was expensive, it's flexible. And the wireless keyboard is cheap.

Damon | 2010/08/21

I did not write an Explicit in my comment - I just misspelled a word [Explicit] .

Damon | 2010/08/21

I teach math. For 2 years I asked about a smart board because I heard all the stories of how wonderful they are. No smart board - just white boards and markers. This year - my [Explicit] changes along with my room and guess what - I get a smart board (no white board or chalkboard in the room at all. Also no mention of training - I have to try to track down peers who are trying to set up their own classes to help me figure out how to use the equipment. Can anyone say "STRESS!"?

Rick Kravitz | 2010/08/21

The more layers you put between the teacher and student, the less effective the communication is. Just like the further food gets from the sun, the more processed it is, the less nourishing it becomes. Technology is just a gimmick when it comes to teaching, furthers our economy and our TSA's if were invested in them, but they don't really make for better teaching or learning.

Rick | 2010/08/21

The more layers you put between the teacher and student, the less effective the communication is. Just like the further food gets from the sun, the more processed it is, the less nourishing it becomes. Technology is just a gimmick when it comes to teaching, furthers our economy and our TSA's if were invested in them, but they don't really make for better teaching or learning.

Jenny | 2010/08/21

I've been teaching primary grades for 30yrs. Most teachers at my school have Smart Boards, but don't like them. 1st, our curr. is so impacted I/we don't have time to use them. 2nd, I can use my laptop, projector and white board and get better results quicker, 3rd I hate the time it takes, always having to reorient it, and having my back to the kids. I wish money would be spent on document cameras!!! They save soooo much time and the students really benefit from seeing exactly what you're teaching and not my attempt at drawing itself or taking the time to make a transparency. I teach at a low performing school and these kids need a lot of help, seeing what they have in front of them or projecting real money for example so they all can see what you're teaching is more important and beneficial in my opinion.

Jwill | 2010/08/21

I am a teacher just learning to use a smart board. Some of my fellow teachers do incredible lessons with them. I have been very impressed. Especially with math lessons. It takes lots of prep time however...I do still love a good chalkboard also.

Ann | 2010/08/21

It is like having the most expensive ingredients in the kitchen, but not knowing how to combine them. None of my elementary teachers had MSc's or Smart Boards. They simply had common sense, and patience. Could politicians please allow teachers to be creative, and educate our children? Strangely, I have not heard of any of the people who are promoting the use of Smart Boards in the classroom, voluteering to teach for a few weeks. What a shame.

Ann | 2010/08/21

It is like having the most expensive ingredients in the kitchen, but not knowing how to combine them. None of my elementary teachers had MSc's or Smart Boards. They simply had common sense, and patience. Could politicians please allow teachers to be creative, and educate our children? Strangely, I have not heard of any of the people who are promoting the use of Smart Boards in the classroom, voluteering to teach for a few weeks. What a shame.

08/20/10-Laurie | 2010/08/20

I agree that a smart board can be a great tool especially for certain types of learners. However students also need to know how to rely on old fashioned hard copies of learning materials. Can a student be self motivated without all the bells and whistles? What if you have a substitute or the system is down? You don't want the students to loose confidence in ones ability to teach a lesson not invoving the smart board. I would rather go to a spring training game and smell real grass. The hoopla of the great BOB ball park is less of a memory in my mind.

Shar | 2010/08/20

I think all should go back to a good blackboard and chalk. As a sub, I do not like to be in a classroom where the air has been polluted with markers. Think of the air pollution caused by mfg, distribution and disposal of all the plastic marker cases. Reflect on what worked to make this country great; stop the throw-away culture. There is much discussion of this fast becoming a 'Third World Country.'

Jack | 2010/08/20

It would seem that many treat technology as the next savior of education, however if the meta-analysis of the available research is to be believed education is NOT better served by spending enormous amounts of resources on integrating the latest, greatest gadgets into the classroom. We should be spending the vast majority of these resources on investing in quality teachers, teacher training, and more conventional classroom resources. This would enable the educational community to spend more effort setting high standards and holding students accountable for attaining them which would definitely raise student achievement, self-esteem, and interest in learning.

Christine | 2010/08/20

I'm with Sue, Little training, no matter how much you report yours isn't working, no one really seems to care, you are just suppose to use it!!!!!!!!!!! Mine sound hasn't worked since I got it and the smart board only worked one day. I would love to have another computer in my room that really worked.

Dane | 2010/08/20

If a lesson is not well designed where it engages students as active learners, then most anything becomes fruitless- even Smartboards!

Lynda Juencke | 2010/08/20

No, a smart board doesn't make kids smart, BUT it imporves interest in learning. A smartboard shares information with a group, causing interaction and discussion. A smartboard is a motivator. Even my most disinterested students perk up when smartboard lessons are presented and students are allowed to interact with the technology and each other in the learning process. So YES, use of a smartboard does make kids smarter and reaches kids that otherwise are unimpressed with learning.

An | 2010/08/20

I am sure that the technology Einstein used would have been considered magic by Socrates or Aristotle even if it was just a pen.

John | 2010/08/20

I just finished a training on a "smart board" that costs afortune and will be obsolete in 2-3 years. The research seems to support hiring "smart teachers" who never become obsolete, but the are very scarce.

Jay S. | 2010/08/20

I was the technology educator in my school and teaching students hard facts, giving them knowledge, allowed them to then go and solve problems. Learning basic facts and then using them along with technology will move them forward. Teaching students to use another tool does them no good if they do not have a core base of information to draw from. The brain is the first computer we need to energize with information if we are to move forward. The deep thinkers in that changed our lives worked the problem out in their heads first!

Janis | 2010/08/19

I've seen them demonstrated and walked by classes using Smartboards. So far I'm not that impressed. What I see while walking by is a teacher working at the board with her/his back to the class and the typical lack of engagement from the students sitting in the back of the room. I'd rather have a few more computers in my class room, ones that don't run on hamster power.

Jan | 2010/08/19

Smartboards can be a good resource in the classroom. However, many teachers want to use it foreverything and forget about hands-on activities. Students need more activity and interaction with their peers and teachers. They don't need more TV.

Sue | 2010/08/19

The biggest problem comes with poor training. I was trained with a group of six, however, they were asking question way beyond me. I needed to practice turning everything on and off, then adding one new skill at a time. The training I received did nothing to help me. I have one in my room and half the time I can't get it working when I need it. Now I have wasted all that time. Training on my own is the solution but never enough time.

jack | 2010/08/19

I watched many teachers using this device and concluded that when it was turned on, students tuned out... Each and every class was like that. The teachers though well intentioned and spending an inordinate amount of time doing power point etc. were completely focused on the presentations and not the students. Our school didn't have the individual tablets yet and I assume that helps some but again, if the teacher is not scanning the students, he/she has not clue whether or not they are getting it or copying it... Just my opinion...

Carole | 2010/08/19

I agree entirely with Leela

Carole | 2010/08/19

I was not offered a Smart Board but had to write a grant for one. I absolutely love the interaction with my students. They created review games and alter notes right on the board. Then I can print them and we have access to change information in a heartbeat. I also have the interactive slate board and that is awesome also. A good teacher can educated her students without bells and whistles but if it is available, it certainly makes learning fun and easy!! Colleagues also share great sites and materials via the internet.

Carole | 2010/08/19

I was not offered a Smart Board but had to write a grant for one. I absolutely love the interaction with my students. They created review games and alter notes right on the board. Then I can print them and we have access to change information in a heartbeat. I also have the interactive slate board and that is awesome also. A good teacher can educated her students without bells and whistles but if it is available, it certainly makes learning fun and easy!! Colleagues also share great sites and materials via the internet.

Leela | 2010/08/19

An Interactive whiteboard is only as good as the teacher using it. Most who are against it and its cost have never seen a smart school or a teacher using it effectively. Don't be scared. The teacher does the teaching, but the board helps the process. I have been using for over 5 years. With all the demands put on teachers today, the boards help the teachers to organize lessons, get the students out of their seats, etc. Why should a teacher have to start over year after year with putting things together and writing things on the board. We should be adding to our repertoire not being stuck in the little red school house. Some would have us still using a chalk board and overhead projector all the time instead of a document camera.

Nadine Bouler | 2010/08/19

Although I use technology and my projector routinely, what students really seem to crave in my classroom is a round-table discussion of a complex topic. In a world of technology, student-to student conversation is about as student centered as it gets.

Linda W. | 2010/08/19

One of the biggest problems with using Smartboards in the classroom is the lack of training or practice using them provided to teachers in order to be comfortable and competent in their use. Administration spends money on this stuff and then shoves it down the teachers' throats, ready or not. Also in NYC where I teach, it's so overcrowded in the school that I am in multiple classrooms, some with the boards, some witnout. That means planning and prepping for both methods of instruction in the course of one day. Or as some teachers do, pushing around a cart with a laptop and projector device for rooms without a Smartboard. Money is wasted on this technology when it's not able to be fully utilized.

Kim | 2010/08/19

I feel they open a new way of learning,for those students who do better with visual, it is an extreme [Explicit] ...

Kim | 2010/08/19

I feel they open a new way of learning,for those students who do better with visual, it is an extreme [Explicit] ...

Kim | 2010/08/19

I feel they open a new way of learning,for those students who do better with visual, it is an extreme [Explicit] ...

? | 2010/08/19

Hands down - an improvement over a static whiteboard, especially with our students' changing minds. Seamless transitions between lecture notes, webpages, videos, and animated models. As a physics teacher we teach about motion! It has shown me how hard it is to teach this topic from a 2D text. While interactive boards may not be for everyone; however, I would encourage teachers to try one before forming an opinion.

Samantha | 2010/08/19

Ron - I loved your comments. I often feel as if we are simply trying to build a better mousetrap when the one we have been using all these years is working just fine. It is not about the bright, fancy new equipment of the latest new books with cartoon characters on the cover. It's about having smart, highly qualified teachers in the classroom each and every day.

Rosita | 2010/08/18

Hey Wayne, Trust and believe-- I teach TECHNOLOGY. :) Have a great year.

Rosita | 2010/08/18

Hey Wayne, Trust and believe-- I teach TECHNOLOGY. :) Have a great year.

Jim | 2010/08/18

Kris, Haven't you heard, "one size fits all." "You don't need to have basic knowledge such as the product of 7 and 8 at the top of your head." "We only need to know how and where to find the answers. We have calculators and computers." Today we live in a generation that does not value the experience of older employees, who can draw from what they learned through memorization. What is going to happen when the electricity is off? Battery back up only lasts a short time.

Ron M. | 2010/08/18

Having used an overhead projector for most of my 32 years of teaching. I couldn't wait to have a Smartboard in my classroom. In the last three years of using one, it has met and even exceeded my expectations. However, like any tool, (which includes a pen and paper) it is only as effective as I am in designing lessons that use it to its full potential. But when that happens, I know it, because it engages and involves my students more than many of the other tools we have used for so many years. This kind of technology is not just "fun and games", although even they have a place in our classes. But if you think they are just fluff, then you have not seen or used them effectively. I also have one comment for the teacher who longs to return to the rote memorization of 75 years ago, that boat sailed long ago. The students of today are not and never will be the same as those of 75 years ago and that is a blessing. We need to prepare our kids to be the problem-solvers of this century, and not the regurgitators of the last one. One simple fact is that the amount of knowledge one would have to "memorize" has increased to the point that it would be a hopeless undertaking. Besides, why waste time memorizing facts when a Google search can turn up more information in a minute than any of us could have memorized in a lifetime. I dare say that if our students are doing poorly it is because too many teachers are still teaching like we were taught a generation or two or three ago; and we are not meeting the needs of our students for their futures.

Wayne | 2010/08/18

I beg to differ, Rosita, you are NOT a technology teacher! Your heart is in the right place but you need to be careful about your terminology... You are teaching students how to use some tools of instructional technology or educational technology. Technology is "know-how" and includes a huge range of skills and knowledge; it is not limited to computing. Knowing how to use computers, interactive white boards, etc., in the context of teaching and learning is important. But don't confuse that narrow slice of knowledge with being technologically literate.

Tiare Messing | 2010/08/18

As a special education teacher in a poor rural district, I yearn for the access technology and interactive white boards could provide for my students. When you are the child that struggles to learn in the "traditional" way these tools can transform school from a daily litany of failure to "do-able", engaging and even exciting. Can you imagine being the student with ADHD who can now give an immediate response with the Senteo, and get immediate feedback without waiting for the teacher to call on someone to respond? Or the dyslexic who can now access all the aids available on a universally designed digital book? The dysgraphic student who has class notes immediately saved to the computer? The student with dyscalculia who can visually manipulate all manner of mathematical concepts on screen? Granted, it takes a great deal of time and effort on the teacher's part to make all this possible, both in learning to use the technology and preparing the lessons. Once again, it is not the technology which makes the difference- but the teacher who is devoted to creating the environment where the students can learn. Got an unused interactive white board with [Explicit] technology tools that needs a good home? Send it my way!

Ron Kriel | 2010/08/18

My first posting failed to include my comments. Here's trying again. First, when I watch CNN and the reporter is using an interactive screen, it is fine but the same information can be presented in the more traditional way. Second, with education budgets scraping the bottom of the barrel just to keep teachers in the classroom, interactive white boards represent an unnecessary extravagance. Third, I have my doubts about the effectiveness of these boards in improving education. Fourth, the best of our efforts fail to produce graduates who are competitive on a world-wide scale. Fifth, I guess if working at a burger place is our goal for our graduates (if they in fact even graduate) then knowing how to recognize things on a screen will be important. What we have to do is look at how other countries are being so successful in producing smart graduates and then consider revamping our public education system. More toys, experimental teaching methods, etc., are not the solution. I will agree that the simple white board with erasable markers is an improvement over the blackboard and green board systems using chalk. I believe the key is to go back to the more traditional teaching methods and content of 75 years ago. Memorization of basic subject materials provides the rock-solid foundation upon which to build the formal education. Basic subjects like reading, writing, math, phonics, etc. once produced students and graduates who were tops in the world. Educators have given up these effective tools in search of the Holy Grail of automatic education. Teachers no longer have degrees in the subject material they teach. Education degrees usually focus on methods and not content. The human brain has not changed; neither has how it learns. ?Why don?t Students Like School?? by Daniel Willingham examines the learning process in the view of a cognitive psychologist. His book should be required reading for all teachers. As a retired college instructor, I can say that the juniors and seniors I taught in industrial engineering could not think beyond multiple choice and true-false questions. When required to use principles taught in class to solve problems not specifically covered, only a few could actually successfully solve the problems. Finally, there are grammatical errors and spelling errors in both the main article and in the comments. Umm, you guys and gals are teachers, you should do better. I too, make mistakes while typing on my computer, but I also double-check and use tools like a word-processing software (MS Word) to be sure when I stick my neck out to address the whole world, I try to ensure it represents my best effort, although perhaps not perfect. Ron Kriel ronkriel@thechocolatemilkparty.org -- for education reform.

Ron Kriel | 2010/08/18

?

Dismayed | 2010/08/15

?

Kris Kietzman | 2010/08/13

Sometimes teachers are asked "Do you want this new technology in your classroom?" by administration. Without knowing much about it, we are to answer how we would plan to use it, then tell them if we would like it. I think we should be taught and informed about the technology before we make decisions about it. I think not ALL subject areas need these Smart/ Promethian boards, but that they are valuable in some classrooms. Could we do without it since we may have other technology or ways to teach the materials available? Absolutely! I have often remembered "If what you have ain't broke, don't try to fix it!"

Sarah R | 2010/08/13

I have been using an interactive board in my class for over two years now. I find the board has helped me streamline my instruction by consolidating video clips, images and class notes. I also appreciate the ability to change notations on the fly (I like writing directly on the board), go back to link in discussions/notes from other class periods and quickly Google information for a mini lesson when students as a good pondering question. Was I a good teacher before I had the board? Yes, Did the mere presence of the board make me a better teacher? No. I had to reflect on how to use the strengths of the technology to enhance instruction. So just having the boards installed isn't going to instantlly have a positive impact on student learning. I find it is nice to have all the class information kept in one place rather than having taped sheets of notes all over the walls. I often make interactive review acitives with student having to move objects or write things on the board. From a time management point of view through the use of templates I can create three or four mini learning centers with teh board in the same about of time it would take for me to create, printout, photocopy, cut and [Explicit] paper based manipulatives. I expecially like the personal response system because I can require all students to enter a response increasing my access to information for formative [Explicit] , If 80% of my students can submit in the right answer to a problem I know I can move onto different examples rather then going over more of the same. These systems also allow my "fast" students compete with themselves for fastest correct time while I can emphasize the entire class getting correct answers so I can give think time to those who need it. In fact we have a mini-celebration every time the class gets 100% on a clicker question to stress the importance of finding an acceptable answer, not just the first.

Kelly | 2010/08/10

Right on, Rosita!!! Your article, to some, seems to bring out a debate on whether technology is the right or wrong way to go? Your words, to me, seem to speak the message of, ?What skills and successes are we helping our students gain?? Way to encourage some introspection among the educators of the 21st Century! Again, Rosita--- excellent!! ?Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today. Teach a man to fish; and you have fed him for a lifetime?

A. Teacher | 2010/08/10

I am not sure that the use of white boards is an effective use of time. Not all learning has to be fun and games. Students have enoght of the electronic stuff at home and on their own time. They need to learn to focus.The same lessons can be taught with pencil and paper.

A. Teacher | 2010/08/10

I am not sure that the use of white boards is an effective use of time. Not all learning has to be fun and games. Students have enoght of the electronic stuff at home and on their own time. They need to learn to focus.The same lessons can be taught with pencil and paper.

Matthew | 2010/08/05

When an interactive board is referred to as educational "tool" I am curious to know exactly what is being "built". Are we attempting to "build" the education or are we attempting to "build" the child? I would argue that we SHOULD be attempting to "build" an educated child. In my opinion the cost of this particular 21st century technological "tool" is outrageously disproportionate to the value of its worth in the "toolbox". Furthermore, and perhaps more profoundly, I deeply resent the requirement to wrap my entire professional identification around my success punching keys. Lastly, children are thoroughly "engaged" when they play a video game at home. That doesn't mean they have learned anything from it. "Learning" is a desire. I really have a hard time believing that desire can be created and planted to dwell in a child's mind by operating a keypad and tapping a magnetic screen . Madison Avenue has sure sold us a bundle!

? | 2010/08/04

can't access the problem solving site of the bbc - when i type it in the search i get bbc news

David Hochheiser | 2010/08/03

Technology is becoming our issue instead of our [Explicit] . We look to it for things it will never be able to provide and do so without nearly enough training. Technology defines the tool, but the goal still ought to be thinking, reading, writing, discovering. Mind the balance.

John Blaser | 2010/08/01

I am glad Rose brought up the issue, as it is one that should be discussed. However, the article should be titled, "Do Interactive Whiteboards Make Smart Students?" SMART Boards are a brand name, not a product category. That being said, we all know that instruction is a key consideration. As Rose points out, interactive whiteboards are tools that can be used effectively or ineffectively. After a couple of decades working with teachers and technology, I see the critical factors as providing them with the resources, professional development and classroom support - all in a systematic and sustained way. Building and district level administrators need to do their part to encourage and support teachers as they take "risks" to integrate this (and any) technology into their instructional programs.

Betty | 2010/07/30

"Rosie's Discussion Board" link is not working (page can not be found).

Jennifer | 2010/07/29

I can't link to the discussion board for sharing ideas. error when I try to type directly or use the link.

Alice | 2010/07/28

I agree that White Boards or other technology tools are not always the best way to teach. We need to remember that these things are tools and while they can be very useful, we don't always need the fanciest drill to do what a simple hammer could do. The trick is in finding the best tool for the job. I liked the Twitter post from an ISTE attendee mentioned here by Anthony: "If students can't learn the way we teach, then we must teach the way they learn." I have seen some great uses of white boards and some not so great uses. It is truly about the interactive aspect.

Doreen | 2010/07/28

Smart Boards, or interactive whiteboards, are meant to be interactive. Simply using the boards to plaster information will not improve learning. Designing lessons where the students must interact is when I have seen the boards used most effectively. Remember, the boards are just another tool. How you use them makes the difference!

Rosita | 2010/07/27

Here is the direct link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/ks2bitesize/games/questionaut/pop.shtml Thanks for the responses! Even if you disagree with me-- it is so great to create dialogue and isn't that what teaching is all about? :)

Rosita | 2010/07/27

Here is the direct link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/ks2bitesize/games/questionaut/pop.shtml Thanks for the responses! Even if you disagree with me-- it is so great to create dialogue and isn't that what teaching is all about? :)

Anthony | 2010/07/27

As a computer teacher myself I disagree with your point of view. true man teachers use technology gadgets to babysit students but that is just as bad as the teacher who spends little time creating new and exciting lessons. We work in a digital age where students are connected digitally 24/7, and we need a way to tap into this new resource by utilizing technology to enhance lessons. In addition many students have short attention spans and using a smart board has been proven to make them more engaged in what you are teaching them. A SMART BOARD may not make them SMARTER but it will better engage them which could to lead to increased understanding of what is being taught. From a Twitter poster who attended ISTE in Denver "If students can't learn the way we teach, then we must teach the way they learn"

Jenn Mack | 2010/07/27

I cannot find the link to the BBC problem solving either and am interested... any help?

Geffe | 2010/07/27

What a brilliant, beautiful mind you have.

Karen Drahota | 2010/07/26

?

Geri Steinbrink | 2010/07/26

How do I look at nea.org/bbc.? It says server not available.