We’ve all seen the “For Dummies” books, and if you can get past the implication that you must be a “dummy” if you're reading the book, there is actually some pretty great information inside. Thus, gave me the bright idea that there needs to be some kind of “For Dummies” guide for the ActivEducators of the world. However, for fear of experiencing all sorts of backlash for titling the series “For Dummies,” I figured taking the survival guide approach might be a little more politically correct.
This new Planet series focuses on turning ordinary educators into ActivEducators by providing the essential tools and knowledge to empower even the most technology-challenged teachers.
So where does this series begin?Good question, and I had to take some time to sit down and think about this one. I have always been a pretty tech-savvy person, and when I was a classroom teacher I tried to embrace the whole 21st Century Classroom thing on a regular basis. But, what if I weren’t tech-savvy? What if I didn’t feel comfortable with this whole technology movement? There are many great teachers out there who are not used to this new style of teaching, and are finding it hard to make an adjustment. Let’s face it; technology is scary. So, back to the original question, where does the series begin?
I was a fourth grade science teacher at Vanderlyn Elementary School in a suburb of Atlanta, Georgia, it was springtime 2003 – I walked into my classroom after a nice weekend, and there it was … an ActivBoard, thus marking the moment in time where my method of teaching changed forever. There it was in all its glory. Ok, it was more like “What the heck is that and what does it do!?!” Sure, I had heard about the ActivBoard, but in 2003, it was a fairly new technology. Here I had this fantastic board bracketed to my classroom wall, but I had absolutely no clue what to do with it. This is where we begin.
Part one of this five-part ActivEducator Survival Guide is titled, “I have an ActivBoard, now what?” This part will walk you through understanding the software and resources available at your fingertips on Planet regardless of your technology comfort level. Following this easy introduction, part two will progress into how to take an ordinary, pre-technology lesson and turn it into a fun, engaging, and effective interactive lesson.
Here's where you all come inI need help generating a list of real-world classroom tips and anecdotes to use in this series. With over half a million Planet members, there has to be at least a handful (hopefully more) who are willing to contribute. Think not only are you helping another teacher out, but also this could be your claim to fame. Here’s what’s in store for the series, so you can start throwing suggestions and ideas at me.
Stay tuned, and meet you back in a couple of weeks for “I have an ActivBoard, now what?”
Peace Out! (compliments of my almost 4-year-old)
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I was so excited to find this! i suspect that this is exactly what I need! They just installed my board last week. I finally figured out how to turn it on, (sort of, with a little help from my friends). After the training this summer, I have lots of flip charts, but what good are they if I can't get the pen to work? Thanks so much and please go basic! As a non techy person, I would love help with the stuff that is not in user guide! Thanks again!
Thanks Michelle! I will definitely start out as basic as possible, and then get more "techy" as I go along! Please feel free to contribute ideas or ask questions.
Great idea. Hopefully develops into a great source for new users. I see many teachers look at their new whiteboard with trepidation or some outright fear !! This could have the potential to allay their fears and to allow them to develop their already considerable teaching skills.
I like to show beginners these features first:
* how to annotate with the pen/eraser and save/print the resulting flipchart
* how to show a web page (especially BrainPop and Safari Montage)
* how to camera capture/import existing digital resources (especially pdf files provided by textbook publishers)
Benefits: Easy to learn, not much additional prep time, highly engaging for students, doesn't require large leaps in teaching style
Thanks Kathy! I am getting ready to post Part 1, but I will definitely use your ideas for Parts 2 and 3.
Keep them coming!
We are planning on using your blog as the jumping off point for our in-house Promethean training. Part of our training includes a homework element. Do you have any suggestions for a basic assignment teachers could do to get themselves aquainted with Promethean?
@ Amy -- Sorry for the delay, but I've been thinking about this one a little. It all depends on what you want them to learn. If it's the software, then definitely have them get in there an get their hands dirty. Perhaps they could draw a picture using all the different tools.
If it is becoming familiar with Planet -- then maybe have them walk through downloading a flipchart and then a resource pack. The resource packs are kind of the hidden gems I think, and sometimes people forget about them or are intimidated by them.
I would also have them go through the free online training and then view some of the ActivTips. I think the ActivTips would provide a great platform for discussion - have the teachers pair up and discuss how they might be able to incorporate these ideas into their lessons. Maybe break them up into groups and have each group assigned to a subject and they need to create an interactive lesson for the assigned subject. Then submit it to Planet of course!
I will try to think of more, but at least this will get you started.
Hope I was able to help a little.
Thanks,
Adrienne
Thanks! I got my board back in January and have used it as a golified screen until I took a beginner class. Now I am ready to embrace more...
Julie
I named my board "LUCY" in honor of one of my former teachers. She (like the board) was very up-front, proper, fun, and full of information! I'm looking forward to following your BLOG and going from "dummie to dazzling!"