I wrote a story about Smartboards for the TheDailyNorwalk.com. It was the first time I saw one in action in a classroom, and I was amazed and just a wee bit envious. My kids don't have smartboards in their classroom, and I couldn't help wondering what they are missing out on. I make the point in my article that with shrinking budgets, it is not likely that we will see smartboards in every classroom in Norwalk for a while.
I'd love to hear from teachers about the value or possible value of a smartboard in your classroom. Parents, do you think kids who have smartboards have a richer learning experience?
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
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ReplyDeleteMoina,
ReplyDeleteBefore you go any further you need to stop and watch this video so you can understand the technology that is being bought through these companies.
Did you know any teacher can have an interactive white board this week for under $100?
http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/johnny_lee_demos_wii_remote_hacks.html
It's time for school systems to spend smart. Is there any evidence that these expensive products increase learning or are they just fun to look at?
Teachers will be successful with technology if they are given quality professional development; without the proper training (and a motivated teacher) SmartBoards are simply glorified overheads.
ReplyDeleteKeep in mind, SmartBoards are not a one time cost - upkeep (inlcuding bulbs that run to four hundred bucks) can be expensive.
My child's school has a smartboard in every classroom. The teacher's have said they can't remember how they taught without them! It really is pretty amazing. The school got them through several grants over the course of 2 years.
ReplyDeleteWhat "grants"?
ReplyDeleteThat term has been used in other school systems to hide long term leases.
Would you be able to share the grant info with other schools?
ReplyDeleteWhat school has smart boards in every classroom??
ReplyDeleteBREAKING NEWS: Stacy Lore arrested.
ReplyDeleteSO why can't someone update the NPS website....too busy?? It stil has last week's info on the home page. This just shows the lack of ocmmunication in our school system.
ReplyDeleteSmartboards can be bought with the grants that come to NPS. They just have to be attached to a program. You don't get a grant for materials, but materials can be bought for programs.
ReplyDeleteSide by Side Community School has smart boards in every classroom. They have a second and a third grade teacher who rock! They have an outstanding, young principal. Though I don't have children in that school, it has come a mightly long way and I am one of it's cheerleaders! I don't think any place is perfect, but I think they are trying to "do" education right.
ReplyDeleteSo what "program" needed a Smartboard?
ReplyDeleteI didn't say a program needed a smartboard. I am saying that they are available to the programs in the grants under 'instructional supplies.' For example, Title I has considerable money coming in. If a school wanted smartboards and the professional development that went with it, they are both available that way.
ReplyDeleteWhat actual grant was used to purchase the Smartboards? Not a guess, actual?
ReplyDeleteRowayton School has Smartboards in every classroom and I believe the PTA purchased the majority.
ReplyDeleteIsn't title one money earmarked for special children, or can it be used on anything?
ReplyDeleteTitle I money is earmarked for children who are behind in reading and math. If the school has enough free and reduced lunch children, the whole school can be earmarked. I think you need to become more knowledgeable about your Title I funds in your particular school. You can also find information online. This is a federal grant, so there's plenty of information online.
ReplyDeleteThere are other grants coming into Norwalk as well. Title I brings in over one million dollars, but the other grants are up there too. If parents really want to be able to complain, but with a solution in mind, they need to become educated in what's really available. Start your research with Title One and then find out about the state grants, like Priority School grants. It's worth the research.
Side by Side Charter School here in Norwalk has Smartboards in ALL of their classrooms. Middle School students there all have their own laptops at school for in school use as well.
ReplyDeleteThe Charter schools operate on a much more limited budget than do schools in a school system, except when a charter school's budget is supplemented by foundation or other grant money. Does anyone know how Side by Side has been able to afford all of this technology?
ReplyDelete