In order to carry out my GAME plan, I registered for a Smart Board technology class at my local school. I have also collaborated with my grade level colleagues on different ways they use their Smart Boards in the classroom. I begin reading the book, "How to use the Smart Board for Dummies," that was suggested by a colleague. I have found different suggestions to ways that the Smart Board can be used in the classroom as well as programs that will allow for me to use the Smart Board for assessments. Since I have began my research on the Smart Board, I have implemented the use of the board in a lesson recently on "plot" in reading. The activity and usage of the Smart Board allowed for students to drag and post the events of the story into a graphic organizer I created for the students to use. The lesson went very well and I was able to assess students using this by having the students use clickers as the graphic organizer was displayed on the board.
I will continue to meet with my colleagues at my local school as well as with my technology specialist. She has set up days for her and I to meet and discuss the uses of the Smart Board. We also look for specific activities that could be used in the lesson plans I have to help differentiate the instruction. I would like to watch more video clips of how other teachers have successfully used the Smart Board as well as created opportunities for their students to be creative and motivated in learning.
Ms. Tate,
ReplyDeleteSeeking advice and guidance from colleagues is one way we as teachers can grow professionally. Taking the initiate to meet with your school’s technology specialist and to seek out lesson ideas from your colleagues shows your desire to grow as a teacher. Incorporating the SMARTBOARD in your lessons will allow you to reach more learners as this technology supports visual and kinthestic learners.
I use the SMARTBOARD on a daily basis in my classroom as my school purchased enough for every class to have. This software and be used to enhance all subject areas. Most recently I started saving the notes that students help me create in class and posting the still image shots on our class webpage for students to use as a study guide. This has not really taken off in my classroom just as yet as first graders have a hard time understanding or learning how to study for a test. Nonetheless, this idea may work well for your fourth graders.
Have fun with your SMARTBOARD!
~Carissa Martin
Ms. Tate,
ReplyDeleteAnother class member suggested to be that I look on YouTube for some instructional videos when it comes to seeing and learning how these technology tools are put into action. Sometimes keeping things simple is the way or route that is overlooked when trying to implement something new. "SmartBoard for Dummies", I've never actually read any of the "Dummies" books, but it sounds like you're getting worthwhile information from yours.
Collaborating and brainstorming with fellow colleagues is such as great way to learn as a teacher. We have some amazing resources in our fellow teachers that sometimes I think we forget to look into. Keep up the good work!
-Stacey Proctor
Lauren,
ReplyDeleteSmart boards are great tools to reach your two goals, "supporting, promoting and modeling creative and innovative thinking with my students" and "designing and developing digital-aged learning experiences and assessments for my students" if they can be used effectively. Smart boards does not act more than a developed computer mouse or pointer if the teacher does not train himself/herself to use it effectively. It seems that you are doing great job to use this innovation of technology for our classrooms. It is obvious that you are on the right way to reach your goals. Congratulations!
One of the most important things to remember when using the SMART board is to have the students using it. During my first two years of teaching, I had a rule that stated that students could not touch the SMART board. This was totally backwards from how a class should be run. In fact, I should have the policy that I cannot touch the SMART board, so that students are engaged in, leading, and doing the math we are discussing. Just some food for thought while moving on with your GAME plan.
ReplyDelete