Smartboard debate

This past week, I read two interesting articles that pertain to a modern electronic tool used in most classrooms today: the Smartboard. I read “Educating the Digital Tribe” and “The Art and Science of Teaching: Teaching with Interactive Whiteboards”.  I learned that although Smartboards are useful and popular, there are other cheaper methods that are actually cheaper and user-friendly. Other technological innovations are replacing this interactive white board. I also learned that teachers are being more successful when teaching the traditional way without the Smartboard.  Many times teachers flip through their slides too quickly and miss information or are distracted by the graphics. Also, it is hard to discern what is important in the powerpoints unless the teacher specifically points out the key points. Teachers must use certain methods to be affective with these interactive whiteboards. They should be VERY organized and go through their powerpoints slowly, showing why every illustration is important.

                I personally think that interactive white boards are becoming a distraction in the classroom. Teachers who use them should do it carefully and ALWAYS make the information on the smartboard accessible at home. I personally may put a Smartboard in my classroom, but I would want to be educated on the most effective and efficient way to teach this way. I think the technology itself is not bad but the user may not be properly equipped with the proper teaching methods.

                Smartboards  can enhance collaboration and cooperation. Students can get into teams and collaborate for games that can be played on the Smartboard and can discuss questions that teachers propose by using the Smartboard. Also with the interactive tools (compass, dreieck, etc.), teachers can let students teach the rest of the class how to do math problems-teaching in the language of the students. However, defects of the smartboard include confussion and technological difficulties. If something happens to the Smartboard, will the teacher still be able to teach the class? Will he/she be hopeless? I think Smartboards should not be relied on as the primary teaching method which can be very dangerous and often occurs within the classroom! Smartboards should be used as a tool and should not be depended on.

                I definitely changed my mind about Smartboards by reading these articles. I think teachers should be more creative themselves and not rely on the creativity that the smartboard offers. Schools should spend their money on more effective tools and programs.