After reading the article about the interactive whiteboards I began to think of many problems and benefits of using them in the classroom. One point that I took away from this article is the idea that questioning is important. The article discussed the speed that they are used at and if the questions that are used during presentations on them are higher level. I thought about this trap that a teacher can fall into. I can see how this would happen while using the white boards. It is important to not only question students for recall, but make them think and allow time to respond and discuss. With this being said, I think that I would try to find ways to incorporate the technology to prompt discussion and activities based on the basic questions and ideas that can easily be presented. It reminds me of any form of teaching, interactive white board or not, it is what the teacher does to allow the students to begin taking control of their thinking. This is why the use of questioning and questioning choices is so important to the use of interactive white boards.
A second idea presented in the article is related to the first idea. Reflecting on what the technology is being used for is essential. It is important to stop and think after using the white boards to determine if it is just a lecture tool and basically notes or if it is really enhancing the students learning. Along with this point I find that I am reflecting on today's experiences in the classroom with the white boards. As a first time attempt I did not even realize the potential that the different tools have. I was thinking more along the lines of showing a PowerPoint and not stopping and utilizing the tools to make the lesson more effective. As others shared their lessons I began to see how the tool can actually involve students and promote discussion rather than just presenting material. I think that it is important to reflect in order to grow as a teacher.
One last idea that I felt strongly about is also very related to the above. The idea that training is not a way to learn the potential of the interactive white board. It is essential to reflect and also experience. We always try to promote this idea of learning by doing in the classroom and as teachers it is essential as well. I feel that it would take a great amount of effort to perfect the use of the tool, but in the end the outcome will be successful if the students are truly interactive, not only with the tool, but in class discussions and thinking as well. This may be frustrating for some and I'm sure it will be for me as well, but practicing and exploring is really the only way to learn how to use it, not to watch how to use it.
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