Comments on: IWB: One giant step backwards?

By: Cathy Nelson

Cathy Nelson — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 19:49:19 +0000

Another good point about special needs students and engagement/attention span Pat! Thanks for sharing.

By: Pat

Pat — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 11:33:04 +0000

This was a great post and I totally agree. My special ed students would never stay engaged if I just used and IWB to teach them. They have to be involved and doing in order to learn and retain the knowledge. For me, spending this money for my classroom would be a waste of money. I also have heard many teachers say they never use it anyway.

By: Cathy Nelson

Cathy Nelson — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 02:02:52 +0000

Thanks Donna. My frustration is that every new school I read about is getting all classes outfitted, and my school (not new) is still struggling to provide classrooms the basics. Its just not fair and a colossal waste IMHO.

By: Donna DesRochesd

Donna DesRochesd — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 01:58:23 +0000

Cathy – yes, I absolutely agree with what you are saying! An IWB places the teacher right back at the front of the classroom and while there is some interactivity it is very much teacher controlled. I would much rather see money spent on laptops for students and see the teacher moving about the classroom talking with students and facilitating their learning.

By: Rhonda

Rhonda — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 00:45:54 +0000

The debate in our senior high tech committee for long-term planning is mounted computer projectors in each classroom vs. IWB with built in projectors. The IWB only costs a little more after the cost for extra wiring /mounting is considered.
Advantages: the extra features: can capture work from SMARTdocument camera, interactive activities for small group work, etc.
Disadvantages: mounted projectors allow a bigger screen.
Some teachers want IWB and say it helps with informal class assessments/engagement – others just want the projector. I’m wondering if younger/new teachers will find the extra features worthwhile in the long run.
Quite a dilemma – thanks for the insights.
Rhonda

By: Cathy Nelson

Cathy Nelson — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 00:23:51 +0000

@drmaryannbell I agree. I’ve had one–used it WITH kids everytime I had a class. But that is NOT the norm in my observation –which is sad. Thanks for visiting.

By: drmaryannbell

drmaryannbell — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 00:19:37 +0000

I loved the IWB when I was in a public school library. I really, really wanted it and got the Smarterkids research grant for a free board. I used it every day and loved it. But I do NOT recommend putting one in every room. As with any device, it should not be obtained unless there is a committed user with a plan waiting to put it to use.

By: Cathy Nelson

Cathy Nelson — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 00:04:02 +0000

@Tim —and think of how many a school could buy for the cost of outfitting just ONE classroom! It’s downrght gluttony to install them.

By: Tim Lauer

Tim Lauer — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 23:59:56 +0000

Agree… An iPod Touch with Air Mouse gets you 90% of what ya need…

By: Cathy Nelson

Cathy Nelson — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 14:26:45 +0000

Hey yeah–I agree whole heartedly! I probably should look into a wireless keyboard and mouse for my teachers who only have a projector. Thanks for helping me think outside the box.