Welcome
to my first reflective blog!
The
focus in Computing today was the extremely popular classroom resource, the
Interactive Whiteboard (IWB). I had the opportunity to explore a variety of
tools that the IWB has to offer. This session was highly informative as I have
never had the chance to use an IWB with the ‘smart notebook’ software nor have
I seen its capabilities. Through exploration of the software I became familiar
with the tools and techniques that can be used such as adding animation, to de constructing images in order to make learning more exciting and the teaching more
engaging.
Once
the class became accustomed to the IWB and what it has to offer we were put
into groups where we were able to create a resource to use in the primary
classroom using the ‘smart notebook’ software. My group used still shots from a
video clip to create an activity that got children thinking; as each still shot
captured generated key questions.
Have a look:
This
was great fun! Once I became familiar with the tools it was easy to use.
The
IWB is an effective resource to use in the classroom as it provides an array of
opportunities. Creative use of this has many advantages for both teachers and
pupils. It provides excellent multimedia resources and tools. This is of great
benefit and importance for children, which sociocultural theorist Lev Vygotsky
would agree, as he recognised and promoted the use of tools in the classroom to
build on knowledge and understanding.
Due
to the multi-sensory and visual aspects of the IWB along with the variations of
formats that it provides, children of mixed abilities, SEN or EAL will highly
benefit from this as the hands on learning that it provides, can strongly
engage a class’s interest. Using the IWB can provide well-resourced lessons
with an excellent presentation of curriculum content. What is more, its
flexibility enables good time management for teachers and allows active
involvement and numerous opportunities for children to learn.
Robert
Marzano; a leading researcher in education believes the Interactive Whiteboard
is a powerful tool with great potential but if not used thoughtfully and
effectively it can interfere with a child’s learning.
Click
on this link to watch Robert Marzano’s views on the Interactive Whiteboard:
Useful
links on Robert Marzano:
Explore these useful websites on
interactive whiteboard resources:
http://www.teachhub.com/free-interactive-whiteboard-resources
Thanks for reading, will be back soon!
Thanks for reading, will be back soon!
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