On Saturday I felt very “smart.” Why? I attended a terrific conference at the Tatnall School in Wilmington, Delaware, which focused on SMART Board technology and classroom applications. The 21st Century classroom was alive and well as a K-12 range of presentations covered new ideas, online resources along with tips and techniques for teachers and technology specialists. I was impressed by the many ways the presenters integrated other products and web based tools to make classrooms lessons and activities connect seamlessly. But it was not just about technology. Content is always more important than the device. Teachers made decisions based on the what, why and who of pedagogy before designing interactive lessons to help focus attention and improve skills.
Bret Ginsburg wowed the crowd with his Keynote Presentation, “Connecting Technology to Learning.” With humor, fast-talking and insightful comments, he put the address in the context of looking at the Why, Who and How of Technology in the classroom. You can view his slides here. I liked the distinction he made between professional exposure, professional development and profession maintenance. Tech integration is largely dependent on good training and support.
Taking a page from Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teachers Who Use Technology, Gisburg presented “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teachers Who Use Technology.” They are as follows:
1. They start with the WHY: they have a real reason for using technology.
2. They are malleable and can easily adapt: they see the big picture and realize how quickly change happens.
3. They embrace change: they do not fight change; are early adopters and innovators.
4. They share: they share best practices, which benefits everyone.
5. They think win-win-win: they believe in technology and seek to prove its value to administrators, students and parents.
6. They are extremely thorough and think two steps ahead: they develop their craft
7. They actively care: they are constantly thinking of ways to engage students and embrace technology because it allows them to make an impact.
It will take me several days (or weeks) to go through the rich resources that were shared in morning and afternoon sessions. Here are some links to explore:
Bret Ginsburg wowed the crowd with his Keynote Presentation, “Connecting Technology to Learning.” With humor, fast-talking and insightful comments, he put the address in the context of looking at the Why, Who and How of Technology in the classroom. You can view his slides here. I liked the distinction he made between professional exposure, professional development and profession maintenance. Tech integration is largely dependent on good training and support.
Taking a page from Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teachers Who Use Technology, Gisburg presented “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teachers Who Use Technology.” They are as follows:
1. They start with the WHY: they have a real reason for using technology.
2. They are malleable and can easily adapt: they see the big picture and realize how quickly change happens.
3. They embrace change: they do not fight change; are early adopters and innovators.
4. They share: they share best practices, which benefits everyone.
5. They think win-win-win: they believe in technology and seek to prove its value to administrators, students and parents.
6. They are extremely thorough and think two steps ahead: they develop their craft
7. They actively care: they are constantly thinking of ways to engage students and embrace technology because it allows them to make an impact.
It will take me several days (or weeks) to go through the rich resources that were shared in morning and afternoon sessions. Here are some links to explore:
- Mike McGowan: Using Widgets on Smart Boards
- Harvey Almarode: Math and much more
- Matt Ringh: 20 Coolest Things with a Smart Board
- Robert Muskett: Prezi and the Smart Board were made for each other. (Link to follow)
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