You can turn over the control to a student and have them draw on top of graphics to illustrate their point. It acts like a Smartboard in that way and is highly beneficial for interaction.
Catherine,
Good points - so as well as help facilitate the discussion the capture of the logic and flow of the discussion can also reinforce the process.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
The use of the whiteboard allows students to see what is being discussed and to see ideas come together real-time. As an online instructor, I am able to throw my ideas up there and as students participate, their ideas are listed up there as well and they can see things come together. I think this encourages them to think and put their ideas together - even for those that tend to be a bit more shy.
Just as in a traditional classroom, the interactive white board is an additional tool for instructors to use to help reach their students. It is another platform to discuss information, which can only help add t what is hopefully already a diverse classroom in terms of disseminating information. Not all learners are the same, so when we can differentiate our teaching tools we have a better chance of reaching all of our students. Another benefit is that it can be accessed after the fact. Students can use it as a study tool and can refer back to it when they need too. ~Melissa
David,
Very true - I agree. Also, to be able to capture and distribute the activity helps with review and ongoing learning.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
The ability to interact with students in different ways is greatly enhanced with the new tools that we have. Interactive white boards can allow different collaboration approaches to problem solving. I think that using them in a more collaborative approach, rather than the "teacher-driven" approach can be more effective at times.
These are fantastic for developing and monitoring the process of ideas being developed in class.
Cynthia,
I would love for you to share your methods and uses of the Smartboard in the teaching forum which I facilitate in the Faculty Lounge :)
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Hi Stacey,
I agree! I believe the interaction with the white board encourages more class discussion and encourages them to ask questions. Also, when their input is considered valuable, they are motivated to engage more in the learning process.
In my online chat sessions, I use the white board to help students brainstorm, develop thesis statements, outline ideas, and provide feedback to each other during the online class discussion.
Edward,
Yes, very true. The capture and distribute functionality is so helpful with students.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
I think interactive white boards may promote collaboration in certain types of courses because students may present alternative methods of "solving" problems that are presented. I would think this to be true in certain types of science or mathematics course where different solutions might be available for the same problem. In other types of courses such as law related courses, a white board might be used to indicate possible "cause and effect" possibilities such as in the case of a discussion about negligent torts.
I use an interactive white board often when conducting my lectures. They can provide information and you can use the information to obtain feedback from students. I like to write tables with the whiteboard and this can provide the foundation of data that we can use for discussions. I also like using the pencil in whiteboards to make connections between course concepts.
Jennifer,
Great points! Actually, the strong discursive students can also benefit as sometimes they miss the building blocks of their thinking that have been contributed by others in the group. The capture feature provides for this and captures everyone's contributions.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
I have found that the use of an interactive whiteboard has generated more topic pertinent conversations while simultaneously getting more students involved in the classroom discussions. We all know that every student has a different learning type. Some students are very independent and will lead a discussion or their own learning for that matter. There are those that need to be guided in order to contribute, and then there are students who are more reserved with their learning. The whiteboard has brought all of these students together and allows for visual representation of what I am teaching (aiding the visual learners), while also generating more thought stimulating dialogue between students and myself as the instructor. I have to admit that wasn’t too sure about this new technology when it first came out and it took a little while for me to get used to it before “going live.†Once I felt more comfortable with its capabilities and the reaction from the students, I myself built more confidence in the use of this tool.
Erina ,
Do you have any specific examples from your subject area where the white board has really helped the learning process?
Dr. Ruth Reynard
We can use the whiteboard to breakdown complex concepts and to present challenging content in a fun way. We can also use content to stimulate student learning by asking questions.
Randa,
Thanks for the tip :) Yes, these boards can help use breakdown the content and capture teachable moments for distribution and review later.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
White Boards are great to use; other way to be interactive with students. I learned a good tip recently with white boards; if you accidentally use a permanent marker to go over it with a dry erase marker and it will take it off. it worked!
Ruby,
Moving forward with the interactive whiteboard for either on ground or online is significant in capturing and distributing discussions, brainstorming sessions, and connections.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
