The LiveBoard

Educators must fully understand the multiplicity of ways in which the LiveBoard can be used. Administrators should be fully convinced that the LiveBoard can solve problems in education. Showing how the LiveBoard can create applications to solve problems is key to getting this new technology in America's schools.

The LiveBoard has teleconferencing and network capability that can link students in one location to students, facilities and businesses in locations around the world. The LiveBoard in the classroom allows teachers to present lesson plans in an interactive way by using the multimedia functionality.

Applications are key to understanding the power of the LiveBoard in the educational setting. Educators must understanding how the LiveBoard can be used in many different educational settings. Below are some applications where LiveBoards can help solve problems and increase learning.

IN THE CLASSROOM (electronic chalkboard)

• to help teachers prepare and present stimulating multimedia presentations for
  all subjects to students. They also can share with other faculty members at other
  school sites or outside experts.
• links to all information available on the Internet
• can use any software programs designed for a PC and use as a group interaction
• can teach computer literacy without individually going to each PC
• easy way to show videos
• can produce multimedia applications with students (plays, song, etc)
• recording individual project that you can show every year
• can create quick workbooks and electronically print them

AS AN ASSESSMENT TOOL

• can help create multimedia assessment tools to monitor the progress of students
  and allow outsiders to test children through telecommunications
• can save student's work easily in an electronic portfolio

DISTANCE LEARNING

• teachers can present materials to other students in other schools, through distance
  learning, on advanced subjects like calculus or special subjects
• professionals outside the school can interact with students or teachers by sharing knowledge
• teachers can interact with other teachers to help duplicate good teaching practices

TRAINING

• distance staff meetings from district office to school site
• teacher to teacher grade level discussions throughout the district
• any staff can hold weekly meetings with district (i.e. janitor, secretary, etc)
• general training on disasters, gang prevention, social problems, can be interactive
  from district office
• EMERGENCIES such as discipline problems (superintendent or psychologist can intervene)
  or disasters (if electricity doesn't go out)

OTHER USES

• for deaf students: sign language videos can be superimposedon computer applications (closed captions)
• wheelchair bound students can use infrared pen with remote to control computer
• visually impaired: large graphics and letters; voice explanation

INTEGRATING LIVEBOARD WITH EXISTING AND FUTURE TECHNOLOGY

Computers are an integral part of the classroom. They can terrorize teachers if administrators do not develop a plan that makes computers an aid in the classroom. Personal computers tend to isolate children's learning. In a classroom setting, most teachers find that computers are little help in teaching the group. The LiveBoard helps teachers with instructing groups, while aiding an easier transition to individualize instructions on a personal computer.

Teaching with new technologies is so very expensive. However, a well thought out plan can integrate the existing technology with new technology. A look into the future will also allow teachers to see how technology will make their jobs more rewarding.

We do not advocate a LiveBoard in every classroom at this time. We feel that the schools should develop a strong focus on how they want to utilize technology in the classroom. The trend should be to get away from computer classes and integrate technology into the classroom. Children should understand that modem computers are tools to learning different subjects.

Computers like the LiveBoard can also transform a classroom into a dynamic teaming center for all subjects. Teachers and administrators have to start looking at how to transform the 1900's classroom to the classroom of the 21st century.

CLASSROOM

Many schools have a few computers in each classrooms. It has been difficult to teach students on the computer because of the ratio of computers to students. Even in classrooms that have 30 computers, it is difficult to monitor students. One student can be playing a game while the teacher is working with the rest of the students.

A well managed room can make the integration of technology into the classroom easy. The LiveBoard can become the center of the classroom whereby information from the computers can be shared with the rest of the class.

Schools that are networked will provide the most exciting possibilities for education. Students will be able to share not only with computers in a classroom but with computers throughout the school.

SCIENCE LAB

Computer labs and science labs could be merged successfully to save space and time. In the work force computers are used as a tool to better understand the task at hand. Many schools are using the power of a computer ineffectively. Merging the power of a computer into a science lab will make children and teachers learn the power that computers can bring into their world. Students will not only learn computer skills, but will develop an understanding of how computers will someday merge into the very fiber of our society. Researchers call this ubiquitous computing.

Networking can allow different technologies to be hooked up to the LiveBoard. Children can be working independently at their desk, and then present their material to the class. The capacity is unlimited. If a school has this kind of computer, a science teacher can develop lessons that are cutting edge and interact with fellow teachers or scientists to insure that they have up to date information. The science/technology room could also have computer stations around the room so that students can research and work independently.