iBook Review

In my TPTE 486 class, we became part of an experimental group to try out a new iBook for the Interactive White Board unit. This unit was setup to teach us how to create a flip chart that will collaborate with the IWB. The iBook was a tutorial book to help with learning the essentials of activeinspire.

Though this book was a trial experiment for this lesson, I found it extremely useful. Being a new resource, it had some minor glitches, but overall a great setup thus far. I really liked how the iBook allowed for highlighting and making notes on any page. I rarely use an online book for the reason that I love to highlight and make keynotes in sections needed. I also loved the video tutorials. I am the kind of person who has to see how something is done in order to be able to do so on my own. The iBook offered so many helpful tips and was very easy to use. The nice thing I enjoyed by having the iBook setup was that it was not tying up my computer and I was able to follow along with the tutorials as I watched them.
The two issues that I had with the book was that there were no captions available for me to use due to my hearing loss and the other being from the beginning there is no notice that you must have the iPad in a landscape setup to use. I kept trying to using it horizontally. I was able to use the videos due to the ODS sending me the scripts, but that was the only major flaw I saw with this iBook. I cannot wait to see what how much more will be completed from this trial period.

Overall, the iBook was a nice change of pace for the class and offered some really good ideas on how to incorporate additional technology within the use of my future classroom.

Interactive White Board Research

I have really enjoyed reading the text, "Engaging Learners with Interactive Whiteboards." The setup for the literature through the use of an iPad definitely makes reading more fun and interactive. I especially liked how there is a highlighting option and creating notes in the text. The first chapter, About IWBs, talks about the different ways that IWBs are effective in the classroom for teachers and students. I like how it also points out the different struggles that are portrayed with the use of IWB and how important training is for it. This equipment can be used for instruction, highlighting, collaboration, multimedia, and feedback/response systems. It's an excellent way to have organized classroom management while encouraging classroom interaction during instruction. Research shows that there is a gain in literacy, mathematics, and science through the use of IWBs. I am amazed at the response system availability for this device. The response system allows teachers to get a quick assessment on lecture to see where the students are with comprehension of content.

I can see where IWBs would be very beneficial in the classroom if the teachers had appropriate training. However, according to the text, lack of proper training is why the device fails to provide the assistance to the teacher that is available. I was surprised to learn that most teachers do not receive training for IWBs prior to using it in their classroom. I have had two practicum placements at Tennessee School for the Deaf. Each classroom is equipped with an IWB, primarily Smart Boards, and I love the convenience of accessibility that it provides. Below is an example of me reading a book using the IWB (Smart Board) in the resource room at TSD. Having the book displayed on the screen makes it easier for me to sign the story. Having this kind of visual assistance is a great resource in a Deaf Education setting.