Post 3: Chapter on IWB

I have now read about interactive white boards and how effective they are in classrooms. Based on the chapter, success and academic achievement is dependent on how they are implemented, meaning how teachers use IWB features with cohesive instructional strategies. Additionally, an important aspect of using the boards in a productive and most beneficiary way is to implement them in a way the activates student learning.


Before I jump into the research and my critique of the chapter's information, let me share some of the potential benefits of IWB's:

• Provide a basis for active learning
• Make classroom management a little easier
• Lesson organization and flow is more manageable
• Flexibility in handling lesson materials 

 Although these benefits seem like a no-brainers in terms of having a positive impact on student achievement, research provides otherwise. Studies have shown that there are generally gains in literacy, math and science for average and above average students, but not much for lower achieving students. Links to achievement in these instances can be attributed to student response systems, graphics and videos, and reinforcement properties.

  

 These are just a few examples of student response systems.

Challenges in achievement and the effectiveness of IWB's is heavily reliant on teacher training and proficiency with the boards, the programs, and the most positive, interactive ways of using them. Some teachers with limited exposure to technology or training often use IWB's to replace white boards and projectors; therefore, missing out on their overall potential for enhancing their previous instructional methods. In addition, disruptions and complications associated with the boards during lessons frequently upsets and discourages teachers, which ultimately resonates with students and their motivation or anxiety about learning the material.

I really liked the idea that student response systems offer an alternative forum for reluctant students to become vocal and engaged in the lessons or activities, especially when considering the diverse kinds of learners and cultural backgrounds present in classrooms. However, I was disappointed to read about what research is providing about teacher enthusiasm and implementation. I feel like, as teachers, we have a responsibility to not only educate ourselves but also utilize extensions to learning available to us. IWB's are increasingly more prevalent in classrooms and to use them only as whiteboards and projections is not really acceptable, especially with the all the information and tools available that make other uses user friendly. I also think that a huge component of our training to become educators is to be flexible. If we have alternatives and other courses of actions prepared, then technological complications should not completely displace the overall classroom atmosphere. I feel like, based on what the chapter provided, the little gain in achievement of all students is a result of teacher apathy, lack of preparation, and reluctance to incorporate response systems that could make lessons more universally designed.

Blog #2: Wiki Walk-Through

I just visited the TeachersFirst website, which has lessons and web resources that are easily accessible to teachers. At first, I was weary about whether or not this site is actually user friendly. I tried to use the search bar to quickly find lesson on presidents for third grade, and what I was provided with was a list of lessons and resources for all sorts of topics and grades. However, aside from the site's search engine, I do like the overall content of the website, in particular, the "TeachersFirst Exclusives" and "Professional Resources" tabs.

"TeachersFirst Exclusives"

This tab provides an abundance of rich and useful resources for students. I really liked the subpages categories, including Instructional Units, Lesson Plans, and Ready to Go. There were others, but I primarily explored those under this tab. As a member of the Urban/Multicultural cohort I appreciated that their were lesson plans that represented minorities and also that highlight important parts of Black History. I have been in schools recently, and I was surprised at how void of African American culture and history the schools were during Black History Month. I liked that this page listed two unique plans for discussing some of the issues and history, as well as for making it relevant to students today, and that the appropriate grade levels were provided.

These were a few of the plans listed that I liked, especially "They Had a Dream Too".

Ready to Go was a nice feature because it offers quick, time-saving resources and instructional materials for teachers. The lesson and unit plans often provided ways to prepare the lessons, but I liked that this was another option for teachers that could be applied to universally designed lesson planning and to supplementing students at home or to scaffold self-directed learning. I think that these could be really useful to save time and to help use time more productively, and also that it could be a great extension to learning or introductory source. I think that students' ability to access the links from home is a great tool, too, because those who need a little more time or who might need a little extra practice can do so without taking away from instructional time during the school day; this would apply for those without learning disabilities, as well. 

"Professional Resources"

I interpreted this tab as an educational extension resource for teachers. It provides advice, examples, handy tips and other information to help teachers continue to develop their knowledge and educational toolbox once they are in the field. 

This has more depth on the actual web page, but just to provide a taste of what I am talking about.

From classroom blogs to substitute lesson ideas and guidance for new teachers to working with parents and more, this tab would be really great for teachers at any level who need support, want to enhance or revamp their current methods or techniques in the classroom, or who simply curious about what else is happening and available for them. 

Over all, I felt like this was a really great wiki resource. It is free, well-organized, and offers a variety of resources for students and teachers and materials for establishing and enhancing our learning environments. I definitely will refer back to the website in the future.