Re: Interwrite Boards

On 7/06/08, rth wrote:
> Does anyone have an Interwrite Board? I received one a
> few months before school was out, but I didn't use it too
> much. I'd like to play around with the software this
> summer and be ready to expand the ways I use the board for
> instruction next school year.
>
> I'd appreciate hearing ideas and suggestions about
> incorporating this technology into my classroom.
I've had one for a year. I love it. Best thing that ever
happened to me. My suggestion is to play as much as
possible before class starts. Learn to customize the
toolbar, gallery, and page preferences to suit your subject.
The more seamless you are in your presentation, the greater
the appeal to your students. I received mine the day school
started, so I had to learn on the fly. That was rough at
first, because once the kids see you fumble around with the
menus, they lose interest. When you've learned how to "play
it like a musical instrument" you'll have a ball with it.
It will change your style of teaching and your lesson plans,
so be prepared to invest a bit more time in the beginning.
Once you see all of the endless possibilities, your
imagination will take over. Some prior tech savvy is very
helpful as well, but not a prerequisite. After one year,
I'm just now getting the hang of it. Also, I have the
interwrite bluetooth board. Very nice addition. If
possible get yourself a document projector to go with your
whiteboard. This allows me to toggle between the Interwrite
board and any document I have under the camera. I can set
up my interwrite board on my computer while at the same time
projecting notes or text with the camera. Being able to
switch between both really allows me the ultimate in
flexibility. Also, make sure the computer you're using for
the IWB is located at the front of your room near the board.
Otherwise, you'll be running back and forth to your desk
when the need arises (as it will). Hope this is helpful.