Comments for Tech Teach Engage

Comment on Are IWBs Worth It? by Matt Ledding

Matt Ledding — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 00:34:23 +0000

What teachers REALLY need is a 40,000 dollar holographic projector to capture students attention. (you could also use a bit of imagination I suppose…)

I agree that the projector is a big part of everything, and that the IWB is pretty hyped in a certain sense. But material with gaps, that stimulate student involvement are good activities.

What if… instead of buying an expensive toy, you could make an IWB for under a hundred dollars, and the students could copy it and make their own. You as a class now own the technology, it doesn’t own you.

What if… with cheap projectors, some netbooks or outdated computers, a controller from a video game, and a wall or table, you could set up 4 activity centers in the room.

Using the wii IWB this scenario becomes possible, and the IWB stops being just a cool toy for the teacher. It becomes class property.

I use smoothboard, and students start by thinking I am a genius Mad scientist. Then they start doing… and are empowered by the experience. They become producers, not consumers. Producing in groups… that is interactive whether with a pen, IWB, or just with words.

I agree that the IWB can be misused for the wow factor, or to do a year of powerpoint. But focusing on the pedagogic side can give some opportunities that would take too long, or that you just couldn’t do.

I would say the wii-whiteboard is well worth the effort and money. (It is easy to do…)

Comment on Are IWBs Worth It? by mryantho

mryantho — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 04:41:14 +0000

That’s a great idea. I have used my cut out whiteboards often and they are great. It also helps to have them portable as I am not always in the same room for each class.

But the table idea is awesome – and I like how much focus you have placed on them. They are not just a bolt on (like some technology) but have really changed HOW you teach (along with an IWB in this case.) Good job.

Comment on Are IWBs Worth It? by Robyn Floyd

Robyn Floyd — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 01:19:25 +0000

With a spare classroom and interactive whiteboard I asked myself questions that focussed on how to use the space to engage students who were totally disengaged and struggling with maths. Bringing pens and paper to class was a nightmare! Any excuse to return to class or waste time was a bonus for these these students. So we cut out paper, created a ‘paperless Classroom’ and used I had 4 tables laminated with whiteboard material $75.00 each. Armed with markers and IWB technology the achievement level and engagement was phenomenal.

Comment on Google Apps for Education by Pete Wood

Pete Wood — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 20:43:58 +0000

In my last position, I setup Google Apps to replace Exchange, email anti-virus, and add spam filtering. It took all of one afternoon to setup accounts for the staff.

The staff took to it in no time as well as the administration. Its been running without a problem for almost 3 years. Before I left, teachers were just starting to collaborate with DOCs.

One thing to consider is archiving emails, Google offers a solution, however it can get expensive fast. We were looking into setup a local smtp server. But I left before we could get that in place.

Comment on Google Apps for Education by Dan

Dan — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 04:30:22 +0000

Microsoft also has a free email solution for students called Live@edu: http://livecampus.net/. Most schools already use Microsoft products, so Live@edu can be easier to deploy with what you have. Microsoft also offers students 25 GB of online storage space, something that Google doesn’t offer.

Comment on Google Apps for Education by mryantho

mryantho — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 02:13:40 +0000

Yes, certainly in our HS there are plenty of kids that just use facebook, and rarely use their “primary” email at all. Edmodo does look interesting – thanks. I know we also looked at a Ning network and others. One of the reasons we think email is important at HS is so students learn how to use it effectively for “real” emails. This way they get practice as they will need to communicate with professors and employers. And for some students the ability to communicate beyond school boundaries is important.

Comment on Google Apps for Education by drezac

drezac — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 02:00:52 +0000

Yes- I actually am starting to believe that email is not a necessary tool. It certainly isn’t for kids. They seem to communicate online and with text very well.

So before I implement email, I might wait a few years to see how well the social networking movement plays itself out in education. Methinks that a tool like http://edmodo.com or a similar ed sponsored social network will fill that gap.

Comment on Google Apps for Education by mryantho

mryantho — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 01:55:14 +0000

drezav, I am assuming you are planning on using it at elementary?

Comment on Google Apps for Education by drezac

drezac — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 01:45:33 +0000

I have signed up and added the domain, but we haven’t started using it yet.

I’m a little hesitant on the email because there’s really no email moderation, like say what Gaggle.net offers.

Daniel

Comment on Google Apps for Education by mryantho

mryantho — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 03:14:46 +0000

Thanks Steve. I’m also concerned about the level of staff adoption. How has administration of the accounts been?