Speaking of Electronic Whiteboards

It is clear that times are changing.  It is no longer productive to have a simple projection screen and computer.  That is the purpose of electronic whiteboards.  Many people know these boards as Smart boards.  These are a definite benefit to the classroom, it allows students to write on the board as well as the teacher can highlight and interactive activities right in the front of the classroom.  The teacher can navigate the internet right in front of the students so that they can see exactly what is on the teacher's screen.  It comes with electronic markers so that the students can write on the webpage or activity without have separate handouts for everyone.  These marking can all be saved for later review making note taking less necessary.  Students became more interested in the lesson because they could be a part of the teaching by interacting with the Smart board.  The only downside the article mentions is that it is not always accessible to students with disabilities.  Students with learning disabilities that use screen readers to read what is on the screen cannot use that device with the Smart board.  This creates a gap in including that student in the lesson.  Also students with motor disabilities cannot use the Smart board in a student centered activity which could also leave them out.  Overall, I think this a necessary tool in the classroom today, it's important that the teacher is able to operate the Smart board in order to get the students involved as much as possible.

Jackson, L. (2004) Speaking of Electronic Whiteboards. Education World. Retrieved November, 1 2010, from http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech206.shtml.