1. The Case for Digital Whiteboards School District of Ashland What the Research Shows 21 st Century Skills Why Pilot? Increased Engagement Diverse Learners Achievement Critical Thinking Teacher Impacts Ensuring Success and ROI Questions or Comments
This is my basic introduction slide. Here I would explain what a digital whiteboard is and provide a few examples of whiteboards in practice across various grade levels and subjects. The BECTA Research article serves as a good resource.
Introduction of the four case points to be expounded on in the slide show
Link 21 st century skills to whiteboards. Quote: People in the 21st century live in a technology and media-suffused environment, marked by various characteristics, including: 1) access to an abundance of information, 2) rapid changes in technology tools, and 3) the ability to collaborate and make individual contributions on an unprecedented scale. To be effective in the 21st century, citizens and workers must be able to exhibit a range of functional and critical thinking skills related to information, media and technology. The graphic represents both 21st century skills student outcomes and 21st century skills support systems. Primary focus will be on Learning and Innovation and Information, Media and Technology Skills. (Source The Partnership for 21 st Century Skills)
Beeland makes multiple points: Do all teachers want whiteboards—no need spend $ if teachers do not plan to use them Are teachers adequately trained to use whiteboards--Allows district time to develop internal experts or coaches as whiteboard project expands A pilot provides time to study multiple funding options
Explain Beeland’s action research results at middle school pilot and share other data. Most engagement research is anecdotal and observation; however, a handful of experimental studies including Weimer confirm increased student motivation in whiteboard-equipped classrooms. Becta reports greater opportunities for participation and collaboration and increased enjoyment and motivation.
Sum research from Smith article (Examples from Smith—dividing screens to meet varied learning needs and impact on kinesthetic and auditory learners). Share school improvement goal of meeting needs of diverse learners
Share any school improvement goals related to achievement. Wenglinsky’s large scale study relates to computer use; however, whiteboards can fill similar roles. In addition, Sivin-Kachala research shows tech-rich environments are associated with positive impacts in achievement in all subjects
ACOT experience resulted in new learning experiences requiring higher level thinking and problem solving. According to Levy, whiteboards increase opportunities for collaboration and development of social skills. CSILE (Computer supported intentional learning studies) students surpass control students on measures of depth of understanding and reflection. CSILE encourages progressive thought, taking multiple perspectives and independent thinking.
Teacher benefits cut across two distinct areas. Whiteboards provide an opportunity to increase efficiency. As one teacher states –all the resources I prepared this year (for the whiteboard) are still there—I believe my work will be a lot easier from now on. Administrators in whiteboard-equipped skills believe sharing resources could save money in the long-run. Whiteboards also provide a new pedagogical model that is more constructivist and ICT-rich; the teacher becomes a facilitator of knowledge.
All researchers agree that ongoing professional development and support are critical to the success of a whiteboard project. Thus, as the board considers the proposed budget please be sure to include the professional development portion.
I always close my presentations with an invitation for questions or comments