tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318734518772387227.post7397732282220043733..comments2024-03-29T06:57:49.917-04:00Comments on Lisa Nielsen: The Innovative Educator: Erase Unnecessary Costs by Getting Smart about Interactive WhiteboardsLisa Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07759123507185453030noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318734518772387227.post-58983114384318413662013-01-31T15:42:35.177-05:002013-01-31T15:42:35.177-05:00I got a quote for an interactive smartboard plus t...I got a quote for an interactive smartboard plus training over $11,000Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318734518772387227.post-86990401779235631192011-12-09T08:45:10.662-05:002011-12-09T08:45:10.662-05:00I share this opinion.
Fact is an interactive white...I share this opinion.<br />Fact is an interactive whiteboard only brings mouse functionality to the whiteboard, in fact it is just a computermouse, but a very expensive one. The rest of the show is software, and in fact you don't even need an interactive whiteboard to use this. There are a lot of opensource alternatives too, like 'Sankoré'....<br />But if the interactive whiteboard would cost something like a computer mouse then it would add some extra value to your computer projection.<br />In fact I'm an IT responsible at our school and I have build a solution that costs no more then a good computer mouse. No, not the wiimote solution, it is not good enough.<br />Take a look a my project: http://www.vmarker.org,<br />and it also supports multitouch, but you don't need it. :-)Ludwighttp://www.vmarker.orgnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318734518772387227.post-73432510457010050692011-12-08T09:20:39.397-05:002011-12-08T09:20:39.397-05:00My school uses interactive boards, not SB, not Pro...My school uses interactive boards, not SB, not Promethean. Kids get to interactively go up to the board and all that at an average cost of $1,000 each (including overhead projector). Hasn´t anyone heard of http://www.mimio.dymo.com/en-LA/Products/MimioClassroom-Family-of-Products.aspx?<br /><br />Our school uses the Mimio Interactive and the Mimio Pad with tremendous success. Do all teachers use it? Well, that´s another story.Jose Popoffhttp://josepopoff.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318734518772387227.post-47052013363598513122010-07-02T19:10:15.670-04:002010-07-02T19:10:15.670-04:00@Mark Barnes, Thanks for providing insightful feed...@Mark Barnes, Thanks for providing insightful feedback that makes me think.<br /><br />I’m not convinced of the real-world value to the tactile learner. First, few teachers even have student use the IWB, but even for those who do, supporting a student with technology that they don’t have access to outside of class doesn’t seem like a smart investment. I’d rather empower students with ways to learn using tools they can access in real life. If I have a few thousand extra to spend rather than an IWB, I’d get iTouches, iPads or Tablets and empower students with tools for learning that they can engage with in real life outside school.<br /><br />Regarding the justification of the expense because of distorted images, I’m not feeling it. There are all sorts of free or cheap (http://tinyurl.com/portableprojectionscreen) surfaces on which an image can be projected.<br /><br />The story about the teacher leaving after being reprimanded for teaching her students using tech she found more effective then what the school imposed upon her…It really goes to the point of the danger that can occur when administrators believe that simply using the tech they imposed upon you (rather than the tools you believe will best serve your students) is key to 21st century instruction. I agree moving around the room is great, but when you’re demonstrating writing in a 1:1 school, during the mini lesson you students are generally best served by the teacher modeling how to write on their Tablet while sitting at their computer. However, to your point, after the mini lesson moving around the room is great and instead of wasting money on an IWB, a teacher could buy several iTouches and her and her students could use the Free Mouse app to interact with the Tablet from anywhere in the room making the lesson engaging and interactive.<br /><br />Regarding my suggestion about "innovative educators making the decision to use the tools that enable them to teach most effectively," and your assertion that my district being progressive, that’s not the case. In fact where I work students are still banned from using their personal learning devices in school, and I was nearly canned a few times for my use of tech including because I have a blog and because I taught educators how to harness the power of the phones they owned for learning.<br /><br />I’m not one to follow the tide of my school or district when I don’t feel it’s in the best interest of kids, teacher or leaders. I’m one to push for what makes sense to serve our students, teachers and leaders best. Principals often have some power over their budgets and fundraising. I suggest that with their funds “they” don’t make purchasing decisions on hardware, but rather bring classroom teachers and their students into the conversation and allow them to apply for the equipment that will best support instruction within the allowed budget allocation. This doesn’t require working in a progressive district, but rather a principal who empowers teachers and students to think about the tools that will best support learners. In all likelihood only some teachers will bother to apply to get tech for their class. These are the teachers the leaders should focus on.<br /><br />I also encourage administrators to take this a step further and provide those teachers who make an effort to innovate to share with their students what they are doing onsite and online so others can learn from them.<br /><br />Mark I appreciate yourthought-provoking comments and I hope I’ve provided some food-for-thought for you and others as well.Lisa Nielsenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07759123507185453030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318734518772387227.post-50665577348087508192010-06-30T10:35:19.821-04:002010-06-30T10:35:19.821-04:00@The Innovaive Educator, Hmm, you have me thinking...@The Innovaive Educator, Hmm, you have me thinking about these comments. Not sure about disagreeing with myths (I'm troubled by the semantics); if I disagree with a myth, do I agree with your truth? Confusing. I'd say I agree that most of the myths are indeed myths, but I would say #6 and #9 are not myths. <br /><br />My experience is that IWBs are easier to use for tactile learners; they seem to do better with the large working space. I also think using the bigger board is better for many things. For example, I don't want to project images from my computer onto a wall, as they are often distorted by damaged paint or sun glare. I understand that the projector may be a separate piece, but I don't perceive it as such, because I use it only with my IWB. <br /><br />Although I appreciate the conviction of a teacher to leave one job based on her beliefs of what's right, I'm not a fan of too much sitting in the classroom. This is another part of the IWB that I like, even though I don't think a teacher should be attached to the board. I like to move around the room, so I use a remote, clicking from one slide to the next and activating many interactive features with my remote, from any place in the room.<br /><br />About your suggestion that "innovative educators can make the decision to use the tools that enable them to teach most effectively," with all due respect, I would bet you work at a very progressive district, which distorts the reality of what most teachers face.<br /><br />It may seem easy to say "I've got a new gadget or application I want to use;" getting it done is quite a different thing. Most teachers face administrators who are afraid of technology and Web 2.0. I fought for 6 months to get my district to unblock Delicious from our servers -- going as far as producing a video on the benefits and safety of Delicious. It took 6 months of cajoling principals and senior administrators, before I could use my Delicious bookmarks with my students. <br /><br />So, back to an earlier comment, I do believe that teachers, sadly, must adapt to what they are given or what they can get approved. <br /><br />We always need to keep fighting for more. . .<br /><br />This may be a different topic though.<br /><br />Thanks for your thoughtful response to my comment. You always keep me coming back.Mark Barneshttp://www.learnitin5.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318734518772387227.post-66556599597775509102010-06-30T09:05:07.009-04:002010-06-30T09:05:07.009-04:00@Mark Barnes, I woke up this morning and another p...@Mark Barnes, I woke up this morning and another part of your comment was stuck in my head, "In the end, a teacher must use whatever hardware a district provides and adapt to it."<br /><br />I hope this is not true and that informed and innovative educators can make the decision to use the tools that enable them to teach most effectively. <br /><br />Your comment reminded me of an excellent literacy teacher who was given a SMARTboard but she knew she could teach more effectively without it when modeling the writing process as the keyboard is key in doing so. By sitting at her laptop, facing the students she could demonstrate exactly how real writers write. <br /><br />An administrator came into the room with a technology coach and admonished her for not using her SMARTboard. "Come on! Get up. Go to the front of the room and use the SMARTboard we paid for." The teacher quit that year moving to a school that valued her knowledge and pedagogical skills over one that thought using the latest gadget equaled teaching success.Lisa Nielsenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07759123507185453030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318734518772387227.post-8124012431958285672010-06-29T23:22:22.075-04:002010-06-29T23:22:22.075-04:00@Mark Barnes, one additional question. Is there a...@Mark Barnes, one additional question. Is there any myth with which you disagree? This is a fundamental piece of my post and an issue I have with the fact that consumers are lead to believe they need IWBs for this functionality.Lisa Nielsenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07759123507185453030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318734518772387227.post-10540472175395211272010-06-29T23:20:10.487-04:002010-06-29T23:20:10.487-04:00@Mark Barnes, aside from being a solution that is ...@Mark Barnes, aside from being a solution that is thousands less then an IWB, I find a Tablet more useful for a student because unlike an IWB it can become a personal learning device. <br /><br />Aside from generalities though, what transferable to real-life tools, does an IWB provide students more effectively than having them interact on a Tablet, laptop, or even an iTouch? You can buy at least four iTouches, by the way with the money you save on the IWB, and then install the Free Mouse capability to let students throughout the class interact with what is being projected. With that, they're becoming skilled in using a real personal learning device. The class also has additional resources that students can use.Lisa Nielsenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07759123507185453030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318734518772387227.post-47801314811390844712010-06-29T17:11:05.343-04:002010-06-29T17:11:05.343-04:00Thoughtful discourse. I agree with Aaron Fowles, t...Thoughtful discourse. I agree with Aaron Fowles, though. Not necessarily about vendors but that the Interactive whiteboard is a more useful product than the tablet. I've used both, and my students find the board easier than the tablet, and I do too.<br /><br />In the end, a teacher must use whatever hardware a district provides and adapt to it.<br /><br />It's more the craftsman than it is the tool.Mark Barneshttp://www.learnitin5.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318734518772387227.post-84467317656195360682010-05-25T12:27:57.172-04:002010-05-25T12:27:57.172-04:00I've got a wiimote whiteboard in my room and i...I've got a wiimote whiteboard in my room and it works wonderfully. I've got some videos at youtube.com/afowles Blows the 1k tablet out of the water.<br /><br />I do agree that IWB vendors are creepy, creepy people whose products are ridonkadonk.<br /><br />No matter what product a school users, there needs to be ample training AND professional development, preferably in-house. Once that's done, then things can fall into place.Aaron Fowleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15484837814983601259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318734518772387227.post-2784835154845068092010-05-21T10:41:37.994-04:002010-05-21T10:41:37.994-04:00Interesting post! I remember when Conan O'Bri...Interesting post! I remember when Conan O'Brien once made fun of how lame Harley motorcycles on air are then received a free one from the company. Here's hoping!<br /><br />But seriously, a thought-provoking post. I second the wiimote comment, too! That is so cool.Cassi Nesporhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07385442083019922325noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318734518772387227.post-62839292720192918572010-05-18T10:42:10.942-04:002010-05-18T10:42:10.942-04:00Very interesting. It does bother me that so many ...Very interesting. It does bother me that so many of my teachers love/want an IWB in their classroom. Here is a document that summarizes the research... http://www.scribd.com/documents/25714660/Interactive-Whiteboards-IWBBretthttp://edulicious.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318734518772387227.post-10011368691250858492010-05-17T23:19:12.834-04:002010-05-17T23:19:12.834-04:00How about using a $40 wii remote and $5 dollar LED...How about using a $40 wii remote and $5 dollar LED pen and make your own white board. Check it out here. http://johnnylee.net/projects/wii/<br /><br />Spending Thousands on white boards make not sense.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318734518772387227.post-10695580367160376602010-05-17T19:07:57.766-04:002010-05-17T19:07:57.766-04:00@mshertz, thank you so much for the input. I'...@mshertz, thank you so much for the input. I'm glad you don't agree with it all. There's definitely room to grow thinking on these topics and this is a great place to do so. <br /><br />I also love your intelligent blog commenting advice here and on your blog in this post http://philly-teacher.blogspot.com/2010/05/encouraging-dialogue.htmlLisa Nielsenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07759123507185453030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318734518772387227.post-49558367615368176422010-05-17T19:04:51.355-04:002010-05-17T19:04:51.355-04:00@Steve Ransom, wow! Honored to have such a though...@Steve Ransom, wow! Honored to have such a thoughtful, intelligent and insightful response from you. Thank you so much.Lisa Nielsenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07759123507185453030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318734518772387227.post-39230332925567617312010-05-17T19:03:18.809-04:002010-05-17T19:03:18.809-04:00@marksrightbrain, I think you and my dad would get...@marksrightbrain, I think you and my dad would get along well and I am sure you both have good intentions. I also know you both see the world in a way that is different than how I see it. Fortunately, I got access to all those things I was too messy, klutzy, etc. to have access to eventually and I do believe all kids should have a chance. There is a spectrum that goes from OCD to ME. We both deserve opportunity. <br /><br />And, how is commenting in public, doing so behind your back? It is not. I know you follow me, would see what I wrote, and expected a response.Lisa Nielsenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07759123507185453030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318734518772387227.post-64575079217013827192010-05-17T16:20:10.429-04:002010-05-17T16:20:10.429-04:00Lisa: Your Dad must be a great man. It's too b...Lisa: Your Dad must be a great man. It's too bad you can't think more like him.<br /><br />What a shame you aren't above gossiping about other people behind their back.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318734518772387227.post-65018909917161022352010-05-17T13:13:00.472-04:002010-05-17T13:13:00.472-04:00I am sorry, Lisa, that so many of your commenters ...I am sorry, Lisa, that so many of your commenters have forgotten their manners. <br /><br />I know that you posted this to provide another option and/or viewpoint on a 'hot' issue. Many people got that too, and engaged you professionally. I, myself, feel that there is some truth to your argument in that IWB often perpetuate the sage on the stage style of teaching. I am not sure if I agree with ALL of ways you dispell the myths, but I appreciate them.<br /><br />As for the anonymous commenter, I would ignore anyone who can't put their name on a post. Especially since their comment was childish. Why would you stop reading a blog just because you disagree with it? Do you work for an IWB company? :-) (joke)<br /><br />Also, if you are going to reference digital tools, calling them by a nickname does not help the blog author take your comment seriously. <br /><br />Thanks, Lisa, for a provoking post!mshertzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02995665815087186953noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318734518772387227.post-47662561810739521722010-05-17T09:40:13.333-04:002010-05-17T09:40:13.333-04:00Okay - I've read though all of the commentary ...Okay - I've read though all of the commentary up to this point, and here's my take.<br />1. There are choices to be made regarding best use of budget dollars. Anyone who says IWBs are the best way to bring schools into the 21st Century is a liar.<br />2. Decisions should be made based upon how the spending will improve learning (not teaching).<br />3. Investments should be evaluated. If learning is not being improved (however you'd like to measure it), then something isn't working.<br />4. When expensive tools go unused, underused, or misused, then that must be addressed. However, often they go unused for very good reasons. Good Admin. will educate themselves on what has failed and been problematic elsewhere and budget/plan accordingly.<br />5. Admins must not view the procurement of new "high tech" devices as a way to stick feathers in their hats, make their schools appear innovative in PR documentation, or bring about magical changes. Innovation can't be bought. Innovation happens when teachers take part in innovative teaching practices. Meaningful learning does not require technology at all in many cases. Too often, teachers abandon more effective practices for less effective ones that use technology.<br />6. Children learn responsibility by being given responsibility. Don't underestimate children. Have logical consequences for patterns of irresponsible behavior. Students often fail to assume responsibility when they are not given the opportunity to have ownership.<br />7. Provide a variety of tools for teachers to use. Don't force tools in situations or in classrooms where they will not be used or used well. Ask teachers what they think would best serve their students.<br />8. For teachers who don't have a clue regarding #7, invest in opportunities for them to learn more. Don't force technologies on them that will be wasted.<br /><br />Thanks for providing food for thought in this decision making process!Steve Ransomhttp://ransomtech.edublogs.orgnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318734518772387227.post-61953889476881798562010-05-17T06:21:42.440-04:002010-05-17T06:21:42.440-04:00@marksrightbrain, The iPad is not something that I...@marksrightbrain, The iPad is not something that I've suggested for educators, in fact, I believe like the IWB, it's another unnecessary gadget whose functionality already exists in other devices people own i.e. Tablet, iTouch, laptop. I've also shared this post with my PLN which provides smart reasons as to why this is not a device for education http://www.teachingmatters.org/blog/ipad-coming-your-classroomLisa Nielsenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07759123507185453030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318734518772387227.post-1197203018715549052010-05-16T14:12:02.145-04:002010-05-16T14:12:02.145-04:00"rather than purchasing a glitzy gadget "..."rather than purchasing a glitzy gadget "<br /><br />I see, and an iFad is not?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318734518772387227.post-55805928197755586792010-05-16T10:01:29.621-04:002010-05-16T10:01:29.621-04:00If someone is made to think twice about whether th...If someone is made to think twice about whether they should buy an IWB b/c of your post, that is a good thing b/c too many people go into the decision without all the information. However ultimately it is the choice of the school and the teacher rather than a one size fits all decision. You can do great things with tablets, projectors, and IWB's or you can do exactly what you do without them. Technology empowers teachers to make learning better as long as they choose and use technology with their eyes open and that is what your post does (open people's eyes).Joehttp://www.edtechleadership.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318734518772387227.post-39502978062633791762010-05-16T09:10:55.734-04:002010-05-16T09:10:55.734-04:00@marksrightbrain, my blog is devoted to engaging l...@marksrightbrain, my blog is devoted to engaging learners, educating innovatively, and supporting learners. There are no malevolent motivations. I just want schools to know they have choices in purchasing. They rarely here the other side. Those who believe students would be better supported by putting resources in their hands rather than purchasing a glitzy gadget should know this option. They should also know you can get similar functionality without the added costs.Lisa Nielsenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07759123507185453030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318734518772387227.post-41166624271236896712010-05-16T08:52:13.075-04:002010-05-16T08:52:13.075-04:00@Dan, As I mentioned above, the prices were taken ...@Dan, As I mentioned above, the prices were taken directly off the price sheet from the IWB company and it is the price they are giving to school districts such as the one in which I work at the presentation I attended. I have no motivation to mislead on prices.<br /><br />Tablets at the same school district are 1100 making that combination a great option for schools more interested in putting resources in the hands of kids rather than in the pockets of big business.<br /><br />In the same districts netbooks are $350 and they all come wireless enabled. However, regardless of whether you're connected to the internet there's value in putting 9 of these in the classroom over buying one device for the front of the room.Lisa Nielsenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07759123507185453030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318734518772387227.post-58309032719184609582010-05-16T02:10:26.107-04:002010-05-16T02:10:26.107-04:00I find it puzzling that a blog devoted to utilizin...I find it puzzling that a blog devoted to utilizing technology in the classroom would so stridently condemn on form of tech that doesn't seem to fit the sexy pop culture/Madison Avenue imaged products out of Silicon Valley. Realistically, if you are that pro-tech, you should be championing ALL forms of tech and be pleased that teachers are using at least something rather than nothing. Promoting one at the detriment of the other leads me to believe that some malevolent motivations are possibly at play here. I'll leave it to the more clever readers to formulate their own theory as to why this could be.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com