Comments on: What the DFES report on interactive whiteboards really says

By: Don’s Learning Log » Interacting with Interactive Boards

Don’s Learning Log » Interacting with Interactive Boards — Sun, 18 Feb 2007 10:17:53 +0000

[...] As Robert points out “technology itself will not change what happens in classrooms” and his wonderful dig about the “spray and pray approach towards ICT investment” challenges us to take a much more strategic approach towards such developments. Our goal is to create a momentum - or critical mass - where teachers, properly supported, develop confidence in the technology and integrate it into their developing practice. [...]

By: jonesieboy

jonesieboy — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 18:49:09 +0000

Teachers certainly need to keep their critical faculties switched on! By “interactive software provided with the board” do you mean the flipchart software? I use it all the time - it can be as unobtrusive or as all-singing-all-dancing as you choose to make it.

By: Russell Harpham

Russell Harpham — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 16:01:36 +0000

I have just stumbled across this site and I must say that I am very interested to read your comments about the Interactive Whiteboard and its integration into the classroom. You bring up some important points that do highlight the need for greater enthusiasm by the teacher in some cases.

However, I think a more interesting angle is that teachers have been hoodwinked by the commercial world to think that all of their teaching must be driven by the whiteboard and its software. The truth of the matter is that a whiteboard is a peripheral to the pc and the mac and allows the teacher not to be stuck behind their monitor. In terms of what they teach, well they should use as little or as much of the applications and online resources available to the school. I would always recomend a teacher to refrain from using the interactive software provided with the board as it often confuses and distracts.

I better stop now, will post again I’m sure

By: Liz O'Neill

Liz O'Neill — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 21:46:36 +0000

Jonesie,

No sweat. I’ll continue drawing dingbats onto the IWB.

Sad really…

By: jonesieboy

jonesieboy — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 08:02:04 +0000

Sorry Liz - didn’t get those links yet, but I’m still on the case!

By: jonesieboy

jonesieboy — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 21:47:53 +0000

Ah…. me and my big mouth. I just realised that you are an English teacher, not a Maths teacher. Fear not, I’ll come up with some links by tomorrow evening

By: Liz O'Neill

Liz O'Neill — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 21:41:31 +0000

Not sure…

What do you suggest? I can always try!

By: jonesieboy

jonesieboy — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 20:22:37 +0000

Does your authority use websense for filtering Liz? If so, I reckon I can find some cool interactive stuff that sneaks through.

By: Liz O'Neill

Liz O'Neill — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 20:19:44 +0000

I’d love to use some games -seems like anything like that, which is interactive is blocked by the filter as ‘games’ or ‘fun’!

The copying from the board issue: I use it as a way of making kids think about stuff -and for older pupils as notes for study. But I’m aware that it isn’t the best pedagogical approach. I do try to add in highlighting, suggest they annotate as I have done -or mind map the information. Much better if they have ownership -but not always practical.

By: jonesieboy

jonesieboy — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 20:07:20 +0000

Great game! It could take over from line rider!