Apparently the break even point for IWB's in a large school is 15. This means the issues of not being timetabled in the same room as a IWB can be overcome as long as the IWB is the same throughout the school. IWB's are good and there is a lot you can do with them as long as you take the time to learn to use use them skillfully. The wireless tablet can be used with them as well and kids can interact with them with the tablet or hands on.<br>
<br>BECTA produce some good research on IWB's. T<a href="http://partners.becta.org.uk/index.php?section=rh&catcode=_re_rp_02_a&rid=13663">his paper</a> is for grade 5&6 but is still relevant. <br><br>It's good to talk this through as they are gaining in popularity and schools are likely to spend megabucks. <br>
<br>Phil Brown<br><br><div class="gmail_quote">On Mon, Mar 10, 2008 at 1:00 PM, Roland Gesthuizen <<a href="mailto:rgesthuizen@gmail.com">rgesthuizen@gmail.com</a>> wrote:<br><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 0.8ex; padding-left: 1ex;">
A neighbouring school has IWB's gathering dust as they are used as
an expensive whiteboard / projection systems. From what I can see, only one unit is used
effectively by an inspiring teacher who teaches only in the same room.<br>
<br>
I am typing this post on an Ubuntu Linux desktop (excuse me for being
a power user). The USB waicom tablet that I loaned from school just
plugged in and started working. Again, this got me thinking about the
benefits of a 'touch sensitive' IWB as compared to
just using a wireless bluetooth enabled mini-keyboard with trackpad /
USB port and a bluetooth Waicom tablet. <br>
<br>
In theory two (or more) sets of these units can be shared amongst
students and the teacher in a classroom, perhaps one per team of
students. When necessary or desirable, they can then collaborate,
annotate on the big screen, all using a portable or existing projector
system. <br>
<br>
This week, I am going to order two sets of these wireless devices for a
trial. Whilst I am not trying to reproduce the traditional IWB and
might miss out on some of the "eye candy", the cost saving and approach
where students can contribute from their team desks is very appealing. <br>
<br>
What do others think?<br>
<br>
Regards Roland<br clear="all"><br>-- <br>Roland Gesthuizen - ICT Coordinator - Westall Secondary College<br><a href="http://www.westallsc.vic.edu.au" target="_blank">http://www.westallsc.vic.edu.au</a><br><br>"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed it is the only thing that ever has." --Margaret Mead
_______________________________________________
<br>
<a href="http://www.edulists.com.au" target="_blank"> http://www.edulists.com.au </a> - FAQ, resources, subscribe, unsubscribe <br>
Open Source Mailing List kindly supported by <br>
<a href="http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au" target="_blank"> http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au </a> - Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority and
<br>
<a href="http://www.vitta.org.au" target="_blank"> http://www.vitta.org.au </a> - VITTA Victorian Information Technology Teachers Association Inc</blockquote></div><br>