November 2009 Vol. 1, Issue 10 (PDF - 16.2Mb) - Department of ...

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36 Nov 09 Opinion
Joanne Blannin
Just another average day with
an interactive whiteboard
When we as teachers become more familiar with interactive whiteboard
technology, the possibilities are endless.
Make it spin to the East!”
“Zoom in!”
“I can see where he landed!”
It is Monday afternoon in Year 5B and research into Australian Explorers
has taken on a new dimension, thanks to some exciting technology.
As one student drags his finger over the image of the globe in Google
Earth, the map spins east and with a double tap on the interactive
whiteboard, the class is hovering over Botany Bay, and Captain Cook’s
landing site. As class continues, discussions about the geography, settlers’
lifestyle and indigenous use of land in Australia, centre around the bright,
interactive images on the screen.
This is one of the benefits of the new generation of whiteboards: students
tend to be more engaged and involved in the subject. As our students come
to us with more and more knowledge of the digital world, this technology
makes use of what they already know and enjoy; interactive content that is
logical and easy to use.
But what is an interactive whiteboard? A simple definition would be
‘a giant computer screen’, although a wireless keyboard, writing tablet
and mouse are available, it is your finger that most often controls the
screen – whatever you would click on with a mouse cursor, your finger
can now do! You can open files, move objects, create text and images,
manipulate web pages, highlight areas of text, create diagrams, use any
software program … the list goes on! In addition there are coloured pens
that give more precision to writing and drawing on the board.
On Tuesday in 5B, it is time for spelling. On the whiteboard are a
variety of focus words ready for the small group sitting in front of the
board. Patterns are found and highlighted, new words made from old,
and hidden (or silent) letters exposed. As this group moves off to their
individual study, another group joins the teacher. This time the connected
speakers will be put to good use. The group works on chunking sounds and
reading challenging words. One student taps on a word he is struggling
to pronounce, the computer voice reads the word for him. The teacher
prompts the group to repeat and they move onto another sound and letter
blend. Next lesson, the teacher tells them, you will record your own sounds
for these words – so don’t forget to practice!
In every area of the curriculum, the interactive whiteboard is able to
enhance learning experiences for students and, as we as teachers become
more familiar with this technology, the possibilities seem endless!
Back in 5B, it is the end of the day and information for tomorrow is
displayed and edited on the board: private lessons, notes to be returned,
things to think about, homework requirements. Everything is ready
and organised for another exciting day with our new friend – the
interactive whiteboard!
Joanne Blannin in a Year 5 teacher at Laburnum Primary School in
Melbourne. Email her at blannin.joanne.j@edumail.vic.gov.au
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