Interactive Whiteboards-SMART boards
Recent educational research has demonstrated the positive impact which interactive whiteboards have in the classroom. Interactive whiteboards benefit student involvement, learner motivation, and knowledge retention. Teachers benefit through increased student involvement, streamlined lesson preparation, and enhanced lesson materials.
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Student involvement: Teachers can use digital resources while maintaining dynamic interaction with the entire class. Interactive whiteboards allow computer-based learning within the confines of a full classroom environment. The large, visible workspace encourages a higher level of student interaction in both teacher-directed and group-based exchanges.
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Learner motivation: Students are motivated to demonstrate their knowledge on the SMART board as a means of showcasing individual achievement. Students are motivated by the enjoyment of using this dynamic technology.
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Knowledge retention: Interactive whiteboards help make lessons memorable because students are more engaged and motivated in class. Different learning styles are accommodated by the technology. Notes taken on the interactive whiteboard can be printed, e-mailed or saved, ensuring that the entire class (including students who are absent) has access to accurate review material.
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Learning styles and special needs: Visual learners benefit from note-taking, diagramming, and manipulating objects or symbols on the screen. Tactile learners are addressed through exercises involving touch, movement and space on the interactive board.
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Benefits to educators: Interactive whiteboards are user friendly and enable the teacher to access information and numerous teacher tools to supplement and enhance their lessons. The technology motivates teachers to incorporate and develop more digital and interactive resources into their lessons. Notes and materials can be saved and reviewed.
The Center for Initiatives in Jewish Education installed more than 100 interactive whiteboards in fifty-seven schools which are currently participating in the Excellence 2000 Program. These schools have demonstrated a serious desire to improve science education in their schools. In addition, all faculty members are being trained on the use of interactive whiteboards and will be permitted to download all SMART software related to their subject areas, both in Judaic and general studies.
CIJE is committed to partnering with these schools to achieve excellence in all areas and to address the needs of each individual student.
As of August 2008 a Technology Integration Specialist was added to the staff of CIJE. This specialist has been certified by SMART Technologies as a SMART Master Trainer. Additionally, she was recognized as a SMART Exemplary Educator. In addition to conducting staff development workshops, the specialist will be forming a web network of lessons and resources in all subject areas. This network can be accessed at www.cijeteachers.org .
During the 2008/9 school year additional SMART boards will be installed in E2K schools. Plans are being discussed for greater introduction of SMART boards to additional schools.