Science on the Big Screen is an article posted on ISTE.org which was written by Mette Schwartz and Joan Thormann. This article discusses the various applications and benefits of using Interactive white boards in science education. Some of the specific arguments for the use of interactive whiteboards focus on multimodal means of learning, collaborative lessons, learning disabled students, and the intrinsically deeper level of understanding attained by students all around.
One of the best perks of this technology is that it allows the classroom to turn into something like an educational theater show. An example of thi technology would be a Smartboard. This is a whiteboard which is capable of displaying digital information. Thus if PBS.org has a great educational game or movie the teacher can put in on display for the class from his/her PC. This also gives teachers the freedom of running simulations for the entire class to observe. The example used in the article deals with a learning disabled students inability to understand the different states of matter and the matter's temperature. Things like particles which cannot be physically seen can be confusing to young people in general, but particularly so for some learning disabled students. This is where an interactive whiteboard and simulations can allows all students to access a deeper understanding of the material..
Furthermore, the increased access to information resulting from interactive whiteboards stems from the inherently multimodal nature of this technology. students who are not completely literate readers will have access to pictures, animations, and audio. This is intrinsic to the very nature of this technology.
Lastly I would like to discuss the articles emphasis on the inborn motivational nature of this technology. This is done by a simple comparison to the antiquated alternatives. A standard whiteboard or chalkboard just cannot compare. Stick figure drawings an poor handwriting are simply inferior to animation, audio, and movies. Students today need their classroom to reflect society at large. Kids are accustomed to video games, cell phones, and e-mail. It only makes sense to transform the classroom to better reflect the world America's students live in.
Furthermore, the increased access to information resulting from interactive whiteboards stems from the inherently multimodal nature of this technology. students who are not completely literate readers will have access to pictures, animations, and audio. This is intrinsic to the very nature of this technology.
Lastly I would like to discuss the articles emphasis on the inborn motivational nature of this technology. This is done by a simple comparison to the antiquated alternatives. A standard whiteboard or chalkboard just cannot compare. Stick figure drawings an poor handwriting are simply inferior to animation, audio, and movies. Students today need their classroom to reflect society at large. Kids are accustomed to video games, cell phones, and e-mail. It only makes sense to transform the classroom to better reflect the world America's students live in.
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