May 06 2008
My first week on Practical Experience…
After 7 days at a highly technology based school, I have learnt so much about the way in which to incorporate technology within the classroom. 8 out 10 of the lesson I have taught have been using the Smartboard within the classroom. In comparison to other practical experience I have had within the classroom at other schools the difference in the children’s learning is amazing. The students’ absorb more information when the learning is practical and the lesson is fun. For teachers designing lessons on the Smartboard is so quick and easy, it is fantastic. The school has a Smartboard within every classroom, to ensure all students have the same learning experience. From Kindi to year 6 the students are all using technology everyday and teachers are encouraged to use them as much as possible. The ICT department is always offering assistance to the teachers to ensure they are all up to date with all available software and programs. The Principle of the school has an amazing passion to make his school one of the best technology schools around.I now see how valuable and important and rewarding it is to incorporate technology within the classroom.
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wow, I’m really glad you wrote about your smartboard experience. I haven’t had any experience with smartboards and have heard mixed responses from those who have. I’m really encouraged to hear that teachers are being supported with professional development and techniques for using the smartboards. Thanks for your posting!
Hi Loren,
It’s great to see you reflecting here on what was happening in the classroom during prac. Accessing an interactive white board can be enriching for both students and teachers as long as they don’t result in teacher centred learning – one of the possible downsides I think. What were your observations as to how they were used?
I’ve enjoyed reading your blog – some insightful refections and valuable references.
Glynis
e – learning lecturer
Hi Glynis,
My observations of how smartboards are used within the classroom were all positive. Lessons performed on the smartboards weren’t only Teacher centred, the students knew how to use the smatboards and were able work through the activities by themselves. The students seem to absorb the information given better than they would of if given a worksheet or another activity to complete. Thank you for your comment on my posting.
Loren
[...] the article Interactive Whiteboards: Boon or Boondoggle? Her main conclusion was similar to what Loren discussed in her blog. The argument for smartboards is not actually whether they are useful [...]