Print this story |
E-mail story |
This story has 14 comments Add your own |
iPod friendly | Bookmark this
What is this?
photo by
Pierre Stencel and Karen Robbins, fourth-grade teachers at United South Central School, stand in front of the new Promethean board.
USC teachers find many uses for new interactive boards
Published Monday, March 16, 2009
The age old riddle; “What’s black, white and read all over?” used to be answered with “the newspaper.” Today, at United South Central Public Schools it takes on a 21st century meaning and some students would answer. “the Promethean boards!”
The Promethean board is a large screen attached to a wall and hangs in front of a classroom of students. It is connected to a computer and projector screen that reflects pictures, videos and graphs, and it allows the teacher to use either the computer or an electronic pointer to navigate around their lesson plan and make notes on the projected image. It allows a user to interact with the computer, such as, scan items to project, power point presentations, saves and review previous work, show video clips and allows the user to print whatever is on the Promethean board. The simplest description is like a large computer monitor that responds to touch. It is kind of like a dry erase board on steroids!
USC purchased five boards and had them installed and ready to go by mid-October 2008. It was an exciting wait for USC’s students; many had never seen such a thing before. Many larger school districts, colleges, universities and corporations are using these boards as a powerful tool to enhance learning and presentations. This type of technology is representative of what students will encounter in the world when they enter the work force.
Each teacher interested in having a Promethean board in his or her classroom submitted a written application for consideration to John Degner, USC technology coordinator; two boards were awarded to the two fourth-grade class rooms and three to the high school.
Pierre Stencel and Karen Robbins, USC’s fourth-grade teachers, said they are thrilled with the results based on test scores and student attention; boasting some of the highest test scores on daily oral language exams in their teaching careers. Each student gets the opportunity to “write” on the Promethean board, make corrections and even change the color of the “ink,” all the while keeping students tuned-in to the assignment.
It has replaced over-head projectors and the blackboard; it is easier to see and allows unlimited flexibility for teachers and students. Stencel and Robbins agree they have only scratched the surface on what these boards can do.
USC was faced with the challenge of a large fourth-grade class, Stencel and Robbins wanted all the students to have the same opportunity to learn with the Promethean board in math and reading. The elementary also adopted a new math curriculum this year that has interactive whiteboard ready material. The Prometheans have allowed the students to see math in a whole new dimension. Instead of adding another section and having a classroom without this technology, it was determined to have four sections of reading and math (each section with an average of 15 students), instead of three, so all USC fourth-graders would benefit from this incredible technology. Ami Hart is the additional fourth-grade teacher instructing science, social studies and health when the other kids are working on math or reading.
Laura Johnson, USC High School English teacher, said of the boards: “I love my interactive white board! It has replaced my overhead projector and chalkboard, and is much more user friendly. I can create and store lesson plans on the software, which has some awesome interactive capabilities. The board is a great tool for getting kids involved in class. Students use the pens to edit grammar on the board, and to interact with mini-lessons on various topics. One cool feature of the interactive whiteboard, as compared to an overhead or chalkboard, is the color and graphics capability. It allows teachers to be more creative; it has the power to hold the attention of the students, and to interest them in the activity. I also use the board to post announcements, give class notes, and display handouts and assignments--which has saved countless sheets of paper. We’ve used it to access and study items on the internet, as well as power point presentations. I’m constantly finding new ways to use my board.”
Amber Sharratt, high school social studies teacher, said, “Our interactive white board has been a great addition to our classroom. I have freshman, sophomores and juniors for Social Studies classes at USC. I’ve found all classes to be excited and involved when the white board is in use.
“My interactive white board has enhanced my curriculum; the board allows me to teach from the Internet as well as prepared notes on a specific subject. I can easily write and erase notes while the class is following along. Because of the board’s large display, content is much easier to see then a traditional overhead projector. I’m able to show a movie through the projector. Finally, students enjoy writing on the board when it’s appropriate. I’ve had students write the notes for their classmates, while I’m able to walk around and check for understanding. We are very lucky and thankful for this new tool in the classroom,” Sharratt said.
Jennifer Bye. who teachers gateways to technology, a seventh- and eighth-grade class emphasizing math, engineering and technology, has found the board to be a huge asset to her and her students.
“I have found that students are more eager to participate in class and more eager to go to the board with the interactive board,” she said. “It has made it easier for me to be more attentive to what is happening in my classroom because I can save slides and click through presentations without turning my back to the class as often. It is also so great to have students so willing to write on the board and participate. By having them go to the board more often, I catch common mistakes more easily and am able to better see how to customize my lessons for each particular group. I greatly value my interactive bard. I feel so fortunate to be using one at USC!”
WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE THIS STORY?
Comments
Posted by lmr2427 (anonymous) on March 16, 2009 at 9:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
they have monies for these? how much did they cost? yet they want the taxpayer to fund for a new school? maybe they should have used that money to fix something in their school thats so called falling apart!
Posted by sbahr (Stacey Bahr) on March 16, 2009 at 1:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This is wonderful technology, my son has benefited TREMENDOUSLY from it in Albert Lea!
Posted by gardenmama (anonymous) on March 16, 2009 at 1:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
lmr2427 - I agree. Plus, the school is facing statutory operating debt. Where DID this money come from? There will not be a new school built.
Posted by taxpayer65 (anonymous) on March 16, 2009 at 8:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Before making negative comments such as these, people might want to know that the money for this technology more than likely came from a grant.
Posted by veneratio (anonymous) on March 16, 2009 at 9:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Poly Vision boards are far superior to the Promethean, but none the less these interactive boards are quite useful vs. the ol chalkboard. I just hope the teachers will refrain from using dry erase markers on these boards, as over time erased ink will still be visible even with the use of the cleaner that is used on those boards and RED is by far the worst to use.
Posted by believer (anonymous) on March 16, 2009 at 9:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This money came from a special fund that was to be used ONLY for technology!! Has nothing to do with having a new school or making repairs. USC is doing what it can and the people in the district need to support what they started so many years ago when they started putting all the districts slowly one by one together. Yes, we closed 3 other buildings! BUT could we all fit into one of them now? Wells was and is the biggest! Is it the Schools fault that prices on everything have skyrocketed so they could not afford to run more than one building or to have buses running in every direction! The board that was ELECTED by THE PEOPLE of the district are DOING what they can and they need PUBLIC support!!! Stop by the school someday ask for a tour see what OUR children go to school in. When Bricelyn went with Kiester we knew that 2 buildings were not going to make it, then we combine with Wells/Easton and on it goes. Do you really believe that buildings were going to stay open? Get real!! Our parents and grandparents made these decisions and now we have to help pay. We NEED to change our thinking so stop pointing fingers! We ALL have lost schools, we are now UNITED!! Start acting like it!! We have a wonderful school to be proud of!!! WAY TO GO USC STAFF!! YOU DO A WONDERFUL JOB WITH OUR CHILDREN!!! I'm very excited to see the new technology we can use to enhance our childrens education!!
Posted by plumhorse (anonymous) on March 16, 2009 at 10:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Imr2427 before u open your mouth and bless this comment section with your stupidity, maybe you should knows your facts. that money couldn't be used towards anything but what it was used for -technology.and your comment on our school so called falling apart i have an idea why don't you stop at the school and if u cant find someone to show u its falling apart i will be happy to show u. so do us all a favor and before u spout off and say things that u have no clue on stop and don't make make yourself look anymore ignorant than you are
Posted by dede (anonymous) on March 16, 2009 at 11:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
A school is not a building as a house is not a home unless you make it so, and believe me these teachers make it so. My son had Mrs. Robbins as his teacher and not only did she teach him, she took the time to meet his needs as an individual. She got to know him and helped him to shine. This article is an example of how USC is meeting the needs of the children. But like always, we can't enjoy a positive article without negativity, bet you people are a joy to be around when you get up in the morning.
Posted by ProudUSCmomma (anonymous) on March 17, 2009 at 10:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Children are the future ... for everyone! Every child deserves the tools to ensure success; including our USC children. We are proud of the EXCELLANT education our students receive; one of the highest in the state! Our USC children have the right to a quality education, TECHNOLOGY and the firm support from all our USC communities. The building issue is complex, mutli-faceted and not easily remedied; seperate from our promethean boards purchase. lmr2427, I authored this article, am a school board member for over 6 years and proudly, serve as board chair (three years straight!); if you would like to discuss USC and how we may better serve our students, I welcome your call! Thanks to those of you who defended what we fight so hard to maintain; high standards, high expectations and high achievers!
Posted by rudegirl (anonymous) on March 17, 2009 at 4:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am always able to find something humorous in posted comments to the Tribune articles. Everyone has such different viewpoints. Many people get very defensive and start attacking other posts.
This one is humorous in that we are talking about education. One person's post has numerous spelling and grammar errors. Another person, a school board member, misspells EXCELLENT & separate. Maybe it is a slight oversight and you re-read your post to discover your errors. I would like to give you the benefit of the doubt and think that is the situation.
I like to stay neutral on the many issues in the USC district... or maybe just be passive aggressive --- open enroll my kids to Blue Earth. The bus comes right to our house and my kids have improved considerably - both academically & socially.
Good Luck to all those involved in the USC education process. I would not like to be in your shoes.
Posted by cc93 (anonymous) on March 17, 2009 at 5:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am a sophomore at USC and we use the Smart Board in our World History class. It is a huge benefit to all students to use the interactive boards. It is easier to follow a lecture with this technology. Why are we students at USC not deserving of this new advanced technology? The Smart Board enables our already excellent teachers to teach even better!! Thanks for getting Smart Boards at USC!!
Posted by plumhorse (anonymous) on March 17, 2009 at 8:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
So now this is a spelling and grammar test area i see!! My god what time u have on your hands to get on a comment page and check people's spelling and grammar! And for a parent who open enroll's their kids to blue earth why are u even bothering commenting on this matter anyhow. Oh like the subtle jab on how they have improved academically and socially now they are in school at blue earth. Typical( )!!!
Posted by deezer462 (anonymous) on March 18, 2009 at 8:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It is great to know that the schools in our area do everything they can to ensure quality education for our children.
I find myself in the same shoes as rudegirl...only I choose to open enroll my kids TO USC and the bus comes right to my house as well. I don't send my kids to USC because of the building...obviously!!! I send them there for USC's known academic excellence and the wonderful staff and friends they have there!
Congratulations to USC and all area schools for providing the best educational experiences for our children as possible…..it is their JOB you know!!!
Posted by lmr2427 (anonymous) on March 22, 2009 at 10:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
plumhorse and proudUSCmomma- first and foremost stupidity and ignorance lays in your lap. You show me where in this article it says this money came from a grant or special funds because i did not see anything of the sort and i read the whole article! If you want the public to be INFORMED AND TO KNOW THE FACTS maybe you should have included that. As for the school falling apart im sure it is- buildings have a tendency to do just that. If the roof of your house leaked and your basement walls were caving in and your windows drafted cold air in the winter time and you didnt have the money to fix it all at once would you not fix one thing every year until the repairs were completed? USC district taxpayers would have been more accepting of these repairs if done one by one and as they occured.Maybe we should have fixed these issues when they were deteriorating instead of letting repairs go by the wayside and now crying to the government that we need money to fix our school. A government thats already how many millions/billions of dollars in debt. You say im stupid and ignortant? You better read your current events keep up on the news- stay INFORMED and KNOW THE FACTS!
Post a comment (Terms of Use Policy)
The Tribune encourages healthy, respectful dialogue in the spirit of community enlightenment. It's OK to disagree, but be courteous and civil. Name-calling, vulgarity and claims of criminality are subject to removal.
(Requires free registration.)