Monday, April 1, 2013
The Use of Smartboards
I believe the Smartboard is a device that far expands the boundaries of the classroom and there are others, I am positive that there are, that may agree with me on this statement. Thinking about it now, having a massive technological device that allows broad visual and audio examples of all kinds of material is a powerful device. Being able to bring up videos from the internet whether a documentary from HBO-GO, an entertaining and somewhat educational video, but who are we kidding if we deem those types of video “educational”, from Youtube or an intriguing lecture from Ted Talks is important. Being able to draw lines connecting one idea to another or being able to change a document or text on the board with the tap of a finger. All of these abilities made possible by the Smartboard are numerous and provide us with boundless opportunities for matters far exceeding the domain of education. But who am I to say that? Education is not some sphere of influence easily escapable, it is an ever shrouding veil covering the earth as we know it like one of those quilts your grandmother knits. We learn something new every single day of our lives. And if you’re one of those wunderkids or prodigious savants who know everything and are perfectly adapt at everything, than something you may have forgotten in all your grandoise-ness. From the people we choose to surround us with and the tools we use in order to get by everyday and with the media in all its vastness. Education seeps in every crevice of society. Which is why Smartboards, which I consider to be the flagship of all teaching/learning devices no matter what subject content area, should not be limited to just schools. Charity organizations may need a Smartboard in order to organize upcoming events and better keep track of all the donations and etc. Literary magazines, as well as all kinds of newspaper/journalist steered jobs, could make use of a Smartboard in organizing what articles may be published and what work is acceptable and what edits need to be placed and where and why and how. All kinds of organized occupations require a tool as neat and simple and efficient as the Smartboard in order to function properly. Schools are not the only place where learning and teaching occur, they may be the most well known and socially acceptable place where such things may or may not happen, but they are certainly not the sole type. By placing a Smartboard in all those places, big and small, where pockets of education fluctuate like a lightbulb that needs to be screwed on properly before I tear the entire dilapidated apartment I’m figuratively living in apart. That single change may be enough to better turn those environments into learning institutions in their own right. But hey, I’m just one person. What does my opinion matter in a sea of cogs turning and brain juices churning? All I know is that I hope to be able to master the art of Smartboarding and when I do, it won’t be long before I have one installed in wherever I live. For fun purposes, of course. Crosses fingers and winks eyeball.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I remember when I was a kid and they had a Smartboard in the school that was shared by everyone, I was so fascinated by the technology. We all wanted to be the kid who would go up and orient the Smartboard. I never was that kid, but you're right about how it is such an important tool and can be used in a variety of ways. You even go beyond the classroom. You really seem to be a fan of Smartboards. I wish I could say I knew more, but since the school shared a Smartboard I only saw it a few times in my school career, but I know if my future job has one in the school building, then I'll be taking full advantage of it.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Ann Marie, I remember having one that was shared between all the classrooms too! I think Smartboards are great as long as they are used in the right way. I have seen teachers use them perfectly and allowing students to use them to learn in a productive way but I have also seen teachers who do not know when enough is enough and over use the Smartboard, making learning much harder for the students. I cross my fingers for you and our whole generation of teachers!
ReplyDeleteVince, your blog-posts are endlessly entertaining. Notwithstanding, they are also incredibly thoughtful. I am fascinated by the idea of “pockets of education.” It's funny to think that the life-long process of “education” has taken on such a narrow connotation: K-12 in designated facilities. I often discuss the necessity and absence of pedagogy in the workplace with my peers. We have all had managers that were never taught – perhaps they chose not to care – the importance of positive reinforcement and intrinsic motivation. However, educational technology in the workplace can be equally as destructive as it can be in the hands of a misguided teacher. Many corporate jobs have integrated online classes and text modules to their employee's training. For example, many sales companies mandate that their employees use the Cardone sales lessons; they watch online lessons throughout the week, then take multiple-choice tests. How effective is this? I am not sure. Some employees complain about the drudgery of the tests, while their employers report higher sales rates. I can safely assume, however, that consultants who bring these technologies to their employee bases are more concerned with profit turnouts than educational implications. Does the technology affect the employees' morale? Is it truly increasing sales rates, or are there unaccounted factors? Decisions such as these must be made by one who is pedogogically informed and responsible. “Pockets of education” are indeed prevalent, but before we rush to technology to teach us, we must first understand the pedagogy behind its use.
ReplyDelete