Moving at the Speed of Creativity

There are currently 9 responses to “Drills for SmartBoards”

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1. 1 On September 18th, 2008, Scott said:

   How about “Less worksheets… More trees! We care about the environment!” No better use of technology than digital worksheets!!!

2. 2 On September 18th, 2008, Scott McLeod said:

   “Spend hours on content you can find with Google in 3 seconds!”

3. 3 On September 18th, 2008, 21st Century Skills Election Mumbo Jumbo | EdTechTrek said:

   [...] have been a number of critics (here, here, here) who have critiqued the commonly used term, “21st century skills” to represent a new [...]

4. 4 On September 18th, 2008, Reggie said:

   Ugh…am in a district now thats jumped on that bandwagon. Fickle, problematic and not very transformational. Easy for school boards to wrap their hands around and think the hard parts done.

5. 5 On September 25th, 2008, Doug Johnson said:

   Hi Wes,

   Have to take you to task on this one. Sorry.

   http://doug-johnson.squarespace.com/blue-skunk-blog/2008/9/25/and-not-or-redux.html

   My tag line would be “Just one more tool in the teacher’s toolbelt.”

   All the best,

   Doug

6. 6 On September 25th, 2008, Wesley Fryer said:

   This is the comment I left on Doug’s post linked above:

   I appreciate your pushback on this Doug. I will readily admit some of my more recent thinking on IWB’s has been colored by some pretty extremist views on them. I do agree that games can be enthralling and even engaging for students depending on how they’re used. I guess I’m seeing IWB’s used in many cases in ways that only support teacher-directed instruction, and that sort of use isn’t where I personally think the uses of IWB’s should stop. This photograph and encouragement can support that sort of limited view of the utility of IWBs.

   I’ve taught workshops and shared presentations previously which are focused on how to use IWB’s to engage and enthrall students. I do see both sides of this discussion. I’ve felt a bit burned, perhaps, by some recent blog comments (not by you, by others) where I’ve been painted (or at least felt I’ve been painted) as a traitor to the cause of learner-centered education by suggesting that IWB’s can be used effectively to support instruction.

   As with many situations a balanced view on IWB’s is more appropriate than an extremist perspective, I think. To suggest this to some people, or to recognize simultaneously the potential value of IWB’s while also pointing out that they should not be used exclusively to support teacher-directed instruction can be viewed as hypocritical and self-contradictory.

   I’m teaching a 5th grade Sunday school class this year and am getting to use an IWB each week. I plan to use some interactive games on it to get students involved actively in what we are learning. You’re right, kids often love games like this. Interactive games on a whiteboard may be used in ways which get students more involved in a lesson activity than they might be traditionally just sitting at their desks.

   I’m not sure if my comments and train of thought here is helpful or not. I do see your point, and admit that my comment on this photo is extremist. That view does not reflect the complete spectrum of my opinions about IWBs.

7. 7 On September 27th, 2008, Doug Johnson said:

   Hi Wes,

   This was a longer and more thoughtful response than I probably deserved. Thanks.

   One of the ironies of taking a stand in the “rational center” on any controversial issue is that the centerist doubles his critics - the nut jobs on both extremes.

   Thanks again for the reply. I am sure the debate about IWBs will continue. I do wish it would move from being pro or con the device itself to pro or con how the device is being used.

   All the best,

   Doug

8. 8 On September 27th, 2008, Wesley Fryer said:

   Doug: I appreciated the chance to share this reflection because it is something that has been on my mind a fair bit in the past few weeks. You’re certainly right about sometimes when we take a stand in the middle. I do appreciate being challenged from different vantage points, because it helps me think differently about ideas– but it can be taxing particularly if there are not other voices lending support or sharing opposing views to those on the extreme / fringe.

   I think sometimes when a person takes a strong stand on an issue it may dissuade others from chiming in, even if they have a less fervent and more moderate position.

   I agree that the focus on the use of the device or tool is key. This reminds me of the “Toolishness is Foolishness” article from Jamie McKenzie back in 2001.

9. 9 On September 28th, 2008, Rick said:

   You mentioned that this was a vendor sign. Can the marketplace drive change in education? I don’t feel that I have seen it, but is it possible? I have felt that so much technology (software and otherwise) geared toward education is simply low end. Low end in quality, versatility, adaptability, applicability and on and on. Yet the stuff sells. Meanwhile companies marketing some great products (long list of web 2.0 tools coming to mind here) to everyone seem to be found by the few educators looking to change. So what would it take for a company to rethink its marketing approach and incorporate new ideas for teachers. What would happen is IWB vendors asked, “what can kids do with this?”