Blog Mod 1

Interactive white boards have been around for several years and are now making it into classrooms as the latest tool for teachers and students alike.  They replace a more traditional projection technology that was, in its time, a major leap forward allowing the computer operator to have more discretion over sharing what and when to bring something up for the class.  Projectors improved with better pictures and mounting permanently to stabilize the images, it was now interactive for one operator.  The interactive white boards have evolved, with the hardware and software developments like Microsoft Surface ((Thornburg, 2009a), to become multiuser interactive with the best from chalkboard technology and high definition interactivity with computer programs.  Sensing pens even allow different colours and applications to interact with each other.  Then you can print a screen and archive the live work, notes, diagrams, etc.  

As always, there is a learning curve for users.  Kids adapt quickly, and may even become the tech teachers for the instructor…  The capabilities of the boards are increasing (“PolyVision Surfaces > Home,” 2013) at the same time the tendency may be to use it as a chalk board replacement for the teacher as was the white board, just another writing surface.  One teacher I worked with who had a board (I did not) came over to ask how to get a movie up on the screen.

Some of the needs that are met relate to the expedience of the device.  A student who is handicapped and cannot take notes will be able to get an exact print out (paper or electronic) of the notes from class, further supporting memory building and recognizing the exact image used in class.  It is forgiving, can erase easier and better that whiteboards or earlier devices, once understood.  This further allows students to become more actively engaged over being passive receptors.

Extending the technology to student tablets that can interact with the whiteboard and allow more participation by more class members and allow the interaction from different parts of the room or seats (for those unable or too shy to get up in front of the class).  Accounting for the green aspects of the technology, being able to create and share electronically without spending hours over a copier, there will be a carbon impact in the need for more electricity (Thornburg, 2009a).  Perhaps each school will build a windmill to help offset energy demand?

References

PolyVision Surfaces > Home. (2013). Retrieved June 13, 2013, from http://polyvision.com/

Thornburg, D. (2009a). Current Trends in Educational Technology (p. 6). Lake Barrington, IL: Thornburg Center for Space Exploration.