"The SMART Board interactive whiteboard is a product of Smart Technologies. It is a large, touch-controlled screen that works with a projector and a computer. The projector throws the computer’s desktop image onto the interactive whiteboard, which acts as both a monitor and an input device. Users can write on the interactive whiteboard in digital ink or use a finger to control computer applications by pointing, clicking and dragging, just as with a desktop mouse. Buttons launch a popup keyboard and a right-mouse-click menu for more input options. The interactive whiteboard is usually mounted on a wall or a floor stand and is used in face-to-face or virtual settings in education, business and government."
Although I had received training in the use of the Smart Board last summer, I was a wee bit apprehensive about introducing it in the classroom. As luck would have it, my son Zach had the day off from work and so I enlisted his expertise. Zach spent the morning "circle time" instructing the children. Although they were excited by this "big computer screen at circle that they could touch", they were more excited with the patient young man that was their teacher.
As you can see, all the children are involved and are anticipating their turn "to touch" the whiteboard.
"Adding and subtracting" on the whiteboard.
At times, Zach had to give a little bit of help. And really, that's the thing about technolgy in the classrom. It enhances the program....it's another tool, but it can never take the place of a live, human being. Kindergarten classrooms still need teachers to interact with them on a personal level.
Children need to listen to stories and have discussions about why a character did what they did. They need to talk about details in stories and be able to sequence the actions in the stories. One can't have a discussion with a computer!
Technology is wonderful in a kindergarten class....a wonderful tool to enhance the program. But that is all it is....a tool. Five year olds still need to interact with adults and manipulate real objects.
Notice the little one still napping on the rug.
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Comments: 74
I have to challenge you though on the statement "One can't have a discussion with a computer!" I often have vastly entertaining discussions with mine. They are perhaps a little one-sided and usually quite profane with the general theme being that one of us should be hurled out any nearby window.
Yup, the boy earned his keep yesterday. He was just totally amazing with the little people. He was so kind and explained everything in a way they could understand. That boy needs to be a teacher....he has it in his genes.
I can imagine how excited the children were to think of touching it. :)
How lovely that your son assisted you. I always love hearing about your class. It is so obvious that any student starting their education with you is prepared to learn a lifetime by the time you are finished teaching them during a school year....
Good job Zach!
Out of the three of them, I always thought Zach had the potential to be a teacher. Yesterday, I was proven right. He has so much patience...no question about that. Keep praying...Spence will come through in the end!
I watch my grandson one day a week -he'll be coming to kindergarten next year!
I have reinvented myself.
And sounds like Zach could have a second career if he chose. :-)
My daughter just started her new careeer as a school counselor - the only one for all of the junior high and high school students. It's a very small and poor town. She is already looking for grants of any kind to help. They have nothing extra. Very sad.
I really wish I would have had someone in my life when I was that age who would have said - it is ok to ask questions - and not be punished for your curiosity or made to feel like you are a botheration. There was just no one, who had or could afford to spend time with me.
Glad to hear Zach was there to help out and facilitate things on the first try.
;-)
What an exciting tool for you. I can't wait to see how you use it.
As always, you have posted an excellent article and a resource that other teachers can use.
This morning I was on my own with the Smartboard and did just fine. I talked to the children about "learning new things" and how "difficult it seemed at times, but if you just gave it your best shot, you could do it". They understood and one little kid said this afternoon, "Like you had to have Zach teach ya', huh".
I loved your blog. What a fantastic artist you are. Can't wait to read the revised story of Marmalade...the illustrations you posted were beautiful. So that is what I can look forward to with retirement.....new avenues to explore. Ummmmmm.
I believe our town was 1 of 40 communities that received a grant from the state to fund all day kindergarten. The State is pushing it for two reasons: 1) childcare issue and 2.) raise the MCAS scores. Several years ago the kindergarten staff at our school looked into the research on half-day versus full day and discovered there was very little difference in learning outcomes. On Wiki, I looked again and saw that more research has been done and the scale tilts towards all-day. I'm wondering if that is because instruction has become more didactic and test-orientated.
First and foremost, I believe instruction should be developmentally appropriate for 5 and 6 year olds. Though I teach all the major subjects, we still have a "Free Activity" time where the children make their own choices.
It is an electronic interactive blackboard....it's really quite wonderful.
I wish you had "that someone" too. I know I had several wonderful teachers who understood me and my needs. I think about them often. Do you know my 4th grade teacher was just so inspiring that 7 members of my class of 15 became teachers and if you ask them why they chose a teaching career they will just smile and say "because of Mrs. Walker". What a legacy she left....if I can be half the teacher she was, I would be happy.
Anytime you want to feel "up to date", you can spend a day in my classroom.
Children do need human interaction...but great tools are nice too. Today I felt much more comfortable exploring the possibilities of the Smart Board....I can't wait to experiment more.
I love your "feet up" icon! That's where my feet should be just about now.
Let's HOPE that a Smart Board can't replace me. I would be without funds and looking for a cardboard box to sleep in. Lol!
Zach is a wonderful son! Tell him we all appreciate his helping hand when it comes to our dear Bob.
You brought a smile to my face.
Imagine, this is my fortieth year of teaching? Where did the years go? As for retirement, I have always said that I retire when "teaching is no longer fun". When that will be, I have no idea.
Teachers need a good rip-roarin' cheerleader like you. You made me smile.
Yes, I have two really fine teaching assistants...one is with me during the morning and the other comes in the afternoon. This is such a novelty for me....the last time I had an assistant was a good 15 years ago. The grant is paying for the assistants. Next year the town will have to pick up their salaries. I also have several Moms who are coming in to volunteer. I am blessed.
It really is quite strange but since Zach was in last week, several children have asked each day if he's coming in again. I think he must of made a good impression on them.
Still laughing about Carolyn's computer conversations!
Bless you and all your little learners...
I've been up to my eyebrows fighting the "no child left behind" group's campaign.
I'm getting so political it is drying up my poetic bent. That may not be good!
Or maybe it is!
EE: I admit I am with you 1000% re: the need for human interaction with kids. The more the better. It is hard to "see" a computer as a role model. It is hard to build a sense of loyalty and trust with a CPU. No. Teachers, really excellent teachers are necessary, important and all too rare. Let's build more of them.
I've spent years in the classroom. There is no "substitute" for a motivational teacher.
My hat, as always is off to you--for injecting technology as a teaching "aide."
Technology will never, never take the place of a loving, giving, understanding teacher.
Show me the CPU or screentech that can apply a band aid on a scraped up knee, after recess...and wish the "owie" better.
In my book, EE, you simply Rawk.
Wilka
ah the amazing technology for some of the youth today..
mind boggling
great article