Smartboards: A tool not a shrine

I have been told that I will be getting an interactive whiteboard called a SmartBoard (made by SmartTech.com).  For those who are not familiar, this interactive whiteboard displays your computer desktop and allows the user to interact with a computer without leaving the front of the room.  It also allows students and teachers to interact with the board by choosing different colored "pens" to highlight and draw on the screen.

   

Although I am very excited to have access to this resource in my classroom, I remember that it is only a tool which allows me to engage my students in a technology influenced environment.

In a recent article by Jamie McKenzie titled Just in Time Technology, he warns that technology does not hold all the answers for the future of education and cautions against having technology without the plan of integration.  Educators need to see technology for its potential to reach more students in different ways, not to entertain them. 

I fear that some teachers have been given access to these interactive tools and don't know where to find or create their own materials.  I invite you to navigate my website (www.theradiohour.net) with your SmartbBard.  You can select flashcards, bring up interactive harmonica lessons (using Scorch - see my blog "Do You Know About Scorch?"), or present overviews on the musical accomplishments of over 200 musicians.

You will not see me waiting for new materials to be developed for my SmartBoard.  I'll make them myself.  If you can't find it on my website, drop me a line at chetcutis@theradiohour.net and I'll try to create it for everyone to use.

As always, I look forward to your comments.

Comments

[Linda C]

Hi,
I am a first time visitor -- and I will return! I look forward to seeing more examples of technology integration in music -- especially the Smartboard activities. Kids LOVE them!!

[Gordon Russell]

I, too, was skeptical (and still am to a considerable degree) re: reliance placed upon technology use in the classroom. I am a bit of a dinosaur in that my approach to musical performance leans toward traditional methods (practice until you get it right!!!!!). Recently, however, a colleague demonstrated the SmartMusic program on the SmartBoard. . . . quite useful, and I can easily see how today's kids would take to it for use in a home practice/support situation.

[S Cook]

I am "anxiously" awaiting my second hour of training on a smart board. But I fear it is all in vain because our school only has three projectors for the computers and two smart boards to share. (900 students) It seems like the horse is here before the cart has been ordered!