My big plan today was to try incorporating the SMARTboard into my lesson. Not a web 2.0 tool–but I’m trying to incorporate more technology of all sorts, as well as increase my “risk tolerance” for trying new thigns in the classroom. Things have gotten off to a rocky start—I had to stand up on a desk to manually turn on the data projector because the batteries appear to be dead or on an extended vacation. Picture this, if you will. Me, in heels, crawling up on furniture to angrily stab the power button with the end of a white board marker because, thanks to my 5’4 stature, even on a desk I can’t reach. As I’m silently cursing the A/V department for their shoddy maintenance, Energizer, because their batteries don’t appear to keep going and going, and Mondays in general because things like this always seem to happen on Mondays, my new class of business students sits silently, looking more than slightly horrified. Tomorrow will be a better day. Maybe I will use an overhead projector.
leahdewhurst said,
March 18, 2010 at 2:37 am
I feel your frustration!!! I too everyday have to stand on one of my students desk to turn on the projector, as my remote only turns things off but not on!!!! I think the students are quite engaged by this process!!!! I love incorporating the SMARTboard in my primary clasroom. I have found so many uses and I keep learning more and more. My students tend to find new things out as well, so it is quite the learning experience. Good Luck!!!!
Kevin Heinemann said,
March 21, 2010 at 3:12 pm
Well using Smartboard technology vs. the overhead. Is this that new? Ha ha. Just kidding. Interesting you mention “risk-tolerence” in your blog. I commented to Brian Lewis on his blog about taking risks and stretching teachers and then I read yours and find a similar theme. It is always good to stretch oneself and try new things and many teachers don’t do that nearly enough. In fact they have taught the same thing 30 times not taught for 30 years. One teacher, one classroom theory. Close the door and leave me alone and all you go getters can preach as much as you want about PLC’S or common assessments or for that matter technolgy. Leave me out of it and give me the textbook are many folks thoughts. I find this unfortunate as do many I am certain and we as leaders need to help them see the benefits of something different.
As far as Mondays are concerned, they are my favorite day because they are followed by a Firday and without Monday there cannot be a Friday. And that poor A/V department better check to see if the light bulb in the overhead is working. Ah the joys of technology. Give me a piece of chalk any day lol.
K
Marnie said,
March 23, 2010 at 3:01 am
Okay – for the record, I recall a Grade 8 graduation where the students took turns sharing memories of their elementary years. One student stood up in front of the entire assembly of parents and students and told them their favourite memory was the day a certain teacher (;-) stood on her desk and did a little dance.
So Tanya, next time you are on the desk turning the projector on, do a little dance.
Kevin, your comment made me add a little something to the end of block 8 – enjoy!