One of Mount Vernon’s ethos statements are that classes must be interactive and flexible. Our team has been considering what does this mean for the future of presentation means? We have had the opportunity to test a new piece of tech from Boxlight. I like…
- The relational nature of a projected image in the table (laid back) position. This would break down the teacher at the front paradigm and shift towards more group oriented learning.
- That the tilt allows for a full range of 180 to 90 degree rotation. I am imagining a 45 degree position like an architect table for drawing and presenting.
I Wonder…
- If a glove or fingertip wireless tool would be a better input than a pen? Students are more used to using their fingers as an input tool than adult learners.
- If this provides a natural transition from promethian software to web-based tools?
- If teachers would use this any differently than current interactive whiteboards? Training and Tools are one thing, but authentic tech empowerment is another. Does this make it easier for a teacher to seamlessly integrate technology into their everyday?
- How many students can reasonably fit around the table?
Bottom Line: If interactive whiteboards are still the way of the future this is a way better option for classrooms where teachers are pulling up a chair with students to learn alongside each other. With that said, for me the question I am still wrestling with is, “Does single input, typically pen or finger based, define interactivity?” I wonder if the next iteration of technology integration isn’t the next version of a tool, but rather then next version of our pedagogy in light of digital revolution. So where am I with digital interactivity? I am still trying to fully frame my thoughts but here are some of my current leanings: Mobile and Versatile – Technology needs to be free to move around a learning space. Whether that is within one room or from floor to floor, technology needs to be able to meet the needs to learning. It has been my experience that the placement of technology in relationship to learners is one of the first considerations when planning a lesson that leverages tech. What if tech was always versatile and mobile enough to meet the needs of learning? Collaborative – In a physical space we can invite multiple learners up to writing spaces to contribute their ideas at once. I haven’t had many experiences where learning environments invite learners to participate digitally in this sort of way. Possibly this is because that we default to using interactive whiteboards or projectors as single input devices. I believe the cloud allows learners to have a space for collaborative digital learning via tools like Padlet, Mural.ly, and Google Drawings. What if we use these the cloud and tools like these with mobile and versatile technology to create the feel of a collaborative digital workspace? Community Sharing – This is where I believe rubber meets the road in digital interactivity. What does sharing look like in your classroom? I admit that I default back to having students email me digital artifacts so that I can display it on the board. But with AppleTV and Chromecast screen sharing has begun to change the way I teach, learn, and give feedback. Students can instantly share to any screen in my room with a mouse click. Students can present and peer assess their work where they are without having to trade out dongles or to put them at the front of the room. What if we increased and simplified student access to larger screens for community input, feedback, and assessment?