Podcast Reflection #6: EdTechTalk “It's Elementary #43: Interactive White Boards”

I learned a great deal about interactive white boards through this podcast from EdTechTalk’s program “It’s Elementary.” Although I am somewhat familiar with the devices and the various tools associated with them, it was interesting to hear more about how they can be used in the classroom and for what specific purposes. First, I learned that smart boards are especially useful in elementary school classrooms, because students are able to touch the screen (they LOVE anything that they can touch!) and the boards’ wireless keyboards allow students to interact from various points in the classroom. Additionally, they are easy to use and can be quite handy for creating projects. As mentioned in the podcast, they are really the best way to teach math, because they eliminate the need for the (outdated) transparency, and there is just “no good way to do equation solving in a keyboard-based world.” I did find it interesting that those involved in the podcast said that it is really important that teachers know how to use these tools in an effective manner. Through professional development seminars, this type of training is possible. When smart boards and other interactive white boards are implemented properly, they really make teaching much easier. However, experts suggest that they should be turned on all day long and actually used all day long…and not just used for direct instruction. I hope that my future classroom is set up with these types of devices, as I believe they really help to engage students and make learning all the more fun and interesting!