Enhances: What does this technology do that is new?
The SMART board streamlines the teaching experience by enabling teachers to engage students with interactive lessons while simultaneously accessing and controlling all of the classroom technology (SMART, 2010). With the interactive whiteboard, teachers are allowed to write in digital ink with our fingers or a pen, as well as interact with applications and save notes. SMART boards are use with computers or laptops. Therefore, using the Internet with a group of students is not a problem. With the Interactive whiteboard, information can be presented where all students can see what is posted. SMART (2010) interactive whiteboard systems come up with SMART Notebook collaborative learning software. This software sets the standard for creating, delivering, and managing interactive lessons within a single application.
Obsoletes: What does this technology replace?
This technology replaces lots of things that may have been categorized as technology during that point in time. The SMART board has definitely replaced the overhead projectors that were and are still used in some classrooms. Overhead projectors were used to enlarge images on the wall or screen for students to see. Overhead projectors were made up of a large box that contained a cooling fan and a bright light, with a long arm extended above it. At the end of the long arm, there is a mirror that catches and reflects the light towards the screen. The SMART board includes a projector that is built-in over the top so that it doesn’t take up extra room within the classroom. The interactive whiteboard also replaces anything used by humans to keep notes on. Today, computers or laptops no longer use those floppy disks or the 3 ½ inch diskettes that were used years ago. In my experience, this SMART Interactive whiteboard has replaced power point for some, not all. I know many teachers who have now had Notebook Software downloaded onto their computers and laptops. Notebook, gives teachers the make their notes and presentations more interactive than power point does.
Retrieves/rekindles: What does this technology bring to mind (or retrieve) from the past?
The Interactive whiteboard brings back memories of using a chalkboard in the classroom. Unlike Notebook software, there was not button to add an additional chalkboard to the classroom. With the chalkboad, there was never enough room to get everything written down. With the Notebook, you can add additional pages needed for each notebook made. Also, if there’s something out of place, the pages can be rearranged or grouped accordingly. Technically, the board retrieves anything that specifically tells who people keep notes or other forms of communication on things other than technology.
Reverses: What might replace this technology in the future, or what might it cause to occur?
I believe that eventually the interactive whiteboard will be replaced. It may or may not be replaced by the iPad/iTouch or some interactive mini device will take over how often the SMART board is used. iTouches and iPads are interactive with the SMART board and have many more capabilities that the board doesn’t have. With having iPads, students can work at their desks and still interact with other students on the work being done. There are many apps that can be downloaded so that students can work on many different things within academic subjects. If the Apple products don’t replace the SMART board, there will be some type of interactive device or software that will replace it eventually. In order for the software to replace the SMART board, it will have to do more than the Notebook software does now.
References:
SMART. (2010). Smart technologies. Retrieved from http://www.smarttech.com/us/Solutions/Education+Solutions
I completely agree with the idea that smart boards add to interactivity of lessons. It makes the concepts of constructivism--student centered, problem solving, and community--seem like they can be realized. The streamlining is also important. In the future, hardware and software will disappear as concerns; the ultimate in technology is that which is invisible.
ReplyDeleteHi Ashley, I didn't think of the replacements that you talked about. I went a little further into the future with the 3D representations. I enjoyed your blog. Deb :)
ReplyDeleteAshley,
ReplyDeleteThe interaction between the students and the classroom technology has seemed to really exploded in a big way now that a lot of the publishing companies provide interactive materials with their products. Some of the more recent examples that I have come across lately are connected with classroom magazine subscriptions National Geographic, Time for Kids, Scholastic News, and Story Works to name just a few. With all these companies climbing on board to use Smart Board technology do you think it’s possible that this piece of technology will have more of a staying power?
Hi, Ashley--we agreed on several items, particularly about the technologies that are now obsolete, and the advantage that the boards give in interactive learning.
ReplyDeleteI did find it interesting that our visions of the future were so different--that is likely because of the different environments we teach in, as my facility does not allow handheld devices, phones, or personal technology of any kind, so I never even considered those as a viable alternative (at least for me). However, I can see it going that way in a less techno-phobic environment!