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RyanDJones
United States
31 Posts |
 Posted - 07/26/2008 : 12:12:17
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I'm probably going to get flack for this, but I'll try to prove my point and offer a $100-$250 alternative.
SmartBoards are useless.
Seriously.
I used a SmartBoard for roughly four months. It wasn't mounted on the wall, it was just on the rolling stand. Every time a student looked at it funny, the darn thing needed to be recalibrated. That's a minor annoyance...But there are lots of minor annoyances with a SmartBoard.
1. They're low to the ground. If you use a SmartBoard with a computer so the whole class can see, there is a good chance only the front row will actually see everything. SmartBoards typically sit at chalk-board height, so anything at the bottom is essentially cut-off by other children's melon-heads. What's the point?
2. Calibration. A SmartBoard needs to be recalibrated each time the projector is turned on. This wastes time that could be used preparing materials or teaching. Even if you have it ready before students arrive, there's a good chance you'll have to adjust and recalibrate at least once during the first lesson, and then again during subsequent lessons.
3. Interactivity. What? Seriously? OOHH..."They can write on it!" Big deal. You can write on a chalk board. "But you can make assignments and quizzes!" you say? Big deal. A student can use a mouse to point and click an answer button. Why not use PowerPoint? Sure, you can add notes and comments to a website...What use is that?
4. Writing Tools. They suck. They're big, they're bulky, they're easily breakable. What if you want to use another type of writing tool? Well, you can't unless you buy them from SmartBoard. Also, this one cracks me up...It's supposed to be easy to wipe off dry-erase markers. Think again. I've seen more SmartBoards stained with dry-erase marker ink than actual dry-erase boards. And what if you've got a student who just wants to write something nice on the board before school? Oh, yes..They're going to use a permanent marker. Now you're stuck with "Miter Joenes Rulez." in the corner of the screen.
5. Emotionally Disturbed. Not the SmartBoard, mind you, but the students. I've had some rough'n'tumble students in my day. No matter how much training and encouragement from you they get, there is a good chance they will destroy the SmartBoard. If you press too hard on the board, you can damage it. LAME. If a child gets ticked off and starts acting out, they usually tend to go for "the most important thing to the teacher" and that often is a SmartBoard if one is available. Yes, a third grader can throw a chair through a SmartBoard without a second thought.
6. Cost. These things are expensive. They're expensive to buy, and ridiculously expensive to repair. Money is tight in a school, don't waste it on a SmartBoard.
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Here's my low-cost alternative. This is what I recommend at any speaking engagement I've been invited to. This is what I tell all my co-workers.
1. Laptop. Many school districts already give you one. You can also use a desktop, but they're a bit bulkier. Essentially, this costs you nothing as it's already there.
2. Dell 1409X Projector. If you've got a SmartBoard, you already have a projector. If not, this Dell is very reasonably priced, and most school districts have a deal with Dell, anyhow. Another, my personal choice, is the Epson PowerLite S5. Both are excellent machines and are packed with more features than the average teacher will use.
2.1 Another choice for those on a low budget would be a Television with computer inputs. A decent sized RCA model should run about $300.
3. WACOM Graphire (Wireless). This will replace EVERYTHING about a SmartBoard. It's also 100% portable and more durable than you can guess. I've got two, actually. One, I purchased for myself about 9 years ago, and another that I was given after presenting the above arguments. These tablets come with a pen and mouse. The wireless one can be used anywhere in the class, and is smaller and lighter than a single-subject notebook. You can guy 10+ wireless Graphire's or 20+ USB Graphire's for the price of one SmartBoard, so you shouldn't be weary of allowing little Joe E.D. to use it.
Essentially, the WACOM Graphire will be a hand-held SmartBoard. It runs through the computer, as does a SmartBoard, and it can be utilized on an overhead hanging screen (which most classes already have if they've ever used a lamp and mirror projector) or on the TV monitor connected to the computer.
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grantw
United States
322 Posts |
Posted - 07/30/2008 : 10:27:27
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Hello RyanDJones,
Thanks for the evaluation, a lot of us over here got a kick out of reading it!
Interactive Whiteboards are incredible tools, but we have heard that a lot of teachers simply don't have the time or the training to fully utilize all of the features. Some describe it as a giant mouse.
I am wondering how many people out there really use Interactive Whiteboard tools and features, or mostly use the touch screen or "mouse" feature?
quote:
Originally posted by RyanDJones
I'm probably going to get flack for this, but I'll try to prove my point and offer a $100-$250 alternative.
SmartBoards are useless.
Seriously.
I used a SmartBoard for roughly four months. It wasn't mounted on the wall, it was just on the rolling stand. Every time a student looked at it funny, the darn thing needed to be recalibrated. That's a minor annoyance...But there are lots of minor annoyances with a SmartBoard.
1. They're low to the ground. If you use a SmartBoard with a computer so the whole class can see, there is a good chance only the front row will actually see everything. SmartBoards typically sit at chalk-board height, so anything at the bottom is essentially cut-off by other children's melon-heads. What's the point?
2. Calibration. A SmartBoard needs to be recalibrated each time the projector is turned on. This wastes time that could be used preparing materials or teaching. Even if you have it ready before students arrive, there's a good chance you'll have to adjust and recalibrate at least once during the first lesson, and then again during subsequent lessons.
3. Interactivity. What? Seriously? OOHH..."They can write on it!" Big deal. You can write on a chalk board. "But you can make assignments and quizzes!" you say? Big deal. A student can use a mouse to point and click an answer button. Why not use PowerPoint? Sure, you can add notes and comments to a website...What use is that?
4. Writing Tools. They suck. They're big, they're bulky, they're easily breakable. What if you want to use another type of writing tool? Well, you can't unless you buy them from SmartBoard. Also, this one cracks me up...It's supposed to be easy to wipe off dry-erase markers. Think again. I've seen more SmartBoards stained with dry-erase marker ink than actual dry-erase boards. And what if you've got a student who just wants to write something nice on the board before school? Oh, yes..They're going to use a permanent marker. Now you're stuck with "Miter Joenes Rulez." in the corner of the screen.
5. Emotionally Disturbed. Not the SmartBoard, mind you, but the students. I've had some rough'n'tumble students in my day. No matter how much training and encouragement from you they get, there is a good chance they will destroy the SmartBoard. If you press too hard on the board, you can damage it. LAME. If a child gets ticked off and starts acting out, they usually tend to go for "the most important thing to the teacher" and that often is a SmartBoard if one is available. Yes, a third grader can throw a chair through a SmartBoard without a second thought.
6. Cost. These things are expensive. They're expensive to buy, and ridiculously expensive to repair. Money is tight in a school, don't waste it on a SmartBoard.
__________________________________________
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__________________________________________
Here's my low-cost alternative. This is what I recommend at any speaking engagement I've been invited to. This is what I tell all my co-workers.
1. Laptop. Many school districts already give you one. You can also use a desktop, but they're a bit bulkier. Essentially, this costs you nothing as it's already there.
2. Dell 1409X Projector. If you've got a SmartBoard, you already have a projector. If not, this Dell is very reasonably priced, and most school districts have a deal with Dell, anyhow. Another, my personal choice, is the Epson PowerLite S5. Both are excellent machines and are packed with more features than the average teacher will use.
2.1 Another choice for those on a low budget would be a Television with computer inputs. A decent sized RCA model should run about $300.
3. WACOM Graphire (Wireless). This will replace EVERYTHING about a SmartBoard. It's also 100% portable and more durable than you can guess. I've got two, actually. One, I purchased for myself about 9 years ago, and another that I was given after presenting the above arguments. These tablets come with a pen and mouse. The wireless one can be used anywhere in the class, and is smaller and lighter than a single-subject notebook. You can guy 10+ wireless Graphire's or 20+ USB Graphire's for the price of one SmartBoard, so you shouldn't be weary of allowing little Joe E.D. to use it.
Essentially, the WACOM Graphire will be a hand-held SmartBoard. It runs through the computer, as does a SmartBoard, and it can be utilized on an overhead hanging screen (which most classes already have if they've ever used a lamp and mirror projector) or on the TV monitor connected to the computer.
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RyanDJones
United States
31 Posts |
Posted - 07/31/2008 : 10:18:21
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quote:
Originally posted by grantw
I am wondering how many people out there really use Interactive Whiteboard tools and features, or mostly use the touch screen or "mouse" feature?
As the tech guy, I used a lot of the features before I decided it was a waste of time and money. I set up some neat presentations, used a lot of the tools (like the protractor and other objects), made a few recordings, etc. Some of the things were neat, like blacking out parts of the screen and showing the parts I wanted, when I wanted, but the novelty wore off. Honestly, my favorite thing was the onscreen keyboard, but Windows already has one...
Everything about a SmartBoard can be done with the Graphire and the right software. Almost all the software I use is freeware or ad-supported, and it works out perfectly. All the interactive objects you can use on the SmartBoard are pretty useless if you've got a document camera, really. Sure there's clocks and protractors, and compasses, etc, but what classroom doesn't have the real thing already? It's much better to see the actual object being used by actual hands (doc. cam.)than to see a representation being manipulated on a computer screen.
After I took the SmartBoard out of my class, I installed it in the music room. The actual SmartBoard software doesn't do much for the teacher, but she has some really good interactive software to help teach music. Where once she would click with a mouse to activate a note, now she presses the screen...That's about it...
What a waste.
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tkel
United States
3 Posts |
Posted - 07/31/2008 : 12:00:12
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I am not going to blast you, just unfortunate that you feel that way, you should look at Bret Gensburg from University of Akron, he has some amazing tips on using the Smart Board to its fullest capacity!
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RyanDJones
United States
31 Posts |
Posted - 07/31/2008 : 12:34:17
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quote:
Originally posted by tkel
I am not going to blast you, just unfortunate that you feel that way, you should look at Bret Gensburg from University of Akron, he has some amazing tips on using the Smart Board to its fullest capacity!
I've seen some of his lessons (he's like the guru of SmartBoard), and really, none of it would require a SmartBoard to do. His ideas are great, but they can just as easily be done with real world objects under a document camera. It's a lot more effort setting everything up in Notebook than just having actual materials handy. All the interactivity and prettiness you get using the SmartBoard software can be found in other software (and most of it could be just as easily made using PowerPoint).
A teacher goes to a demonstration or a training..Learns about all these cool features (most features simply come from the software), and decides the SmartBoard is awesome. Well, it is. But that awesome comes at a price. What many are seeing is just having everything displayed on a large screen...And that's what they really want out of it. Ask around and that will be a common enough answer..They like having a big screen to show everything...Why waste money on a SmartBoard when that's not really what most teachers want?
It's just something most teachers don't realize...Most feel the SmartBoard is sort of the end-all-be-all, but as grant stated, many simply use it as a mouse (in my observations, many more don't even use the touch screen at all). What they really want is a computer, a projector, and knowledge of the different educational software and websites out there that does all that for us with no work on our own. The interactivity of the touch screen is truly replaceable with a $100 Graphire.
I set up 10 classrooms this year based on these observations, and the teachers couldn't be happier. Those ten classes got a huge list of interactive websites and software, a projector, a WACOM Graphire, and an AverVision 300AF+. We all had the option of getting SmartBoards, but it was agreed that we didn't really need them when we could get all this other technology that does essentially the same things for less money.
Some useful webpages:
http://www.quia.com/
http://www.lookybook.com/index.php
http://www.freewarehome.com/
http://www.learningplanet.com/index.asp
http://www.brainormous.com/
http://www.multiplication.com/index.htm
http://www.mathplayground.com/spaceracer_multiplication.html
http://nlvm.usu.edu/
And, of course, when all else fails, GOOGLE is always a winner.
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dogata
United States
1497 Posts |
Posted - 08/03/2008 : 23:25:31
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I absolutely LOVE my SMARTboard, agree with some of the points you made about them and think your alternate suggestions are great. I currently have the only SMARTboard in my school & would not give it up! I hope that we can get more in the near future.
However, I know that there are many teachers that would not and/or could not use the board to its fullest capabilities. I am really interested in checking out the WACOM graphire you suggested.
Several classrooms at my school have doc cams & LCD projectors. With a little training, I think that WACOM graphire would really be great and open up a lot of doors to new teaching/learning experiences.
quote:
Originally posted by RyanDJones
I'm probably going to get flack for this, but I'll try to prove my point and offer a $100-$250 alternative.
SmartBoards are useless.
Seriously.
I used a SmartBoard for roughly four months. It wasn't mounted on the wall, it was just on the rolling stand. Every time a student looked at it funny, the darn thing needed to be recalibrated. That's a minor annoyance...But there are lots of minor annoyances with a SmartBoard.
1. They're low to the ground. If you use a SmartBoard with a computer so the whole class can see, there is a good chance only the front row will actually see everything. SmartBoards typically sit at chalk-board height, so anything at the bottom is essentially cut-off by other children's melon-heads. What's the point?
2. Calibration. A SmartBoard needs to be recalibrated each time the projector is turned on. This wastes time that could be used preparing materials or teaching. Even if you have it ready before students arrive, there's a good chance you'll have to adjust and recalibrate at least once during the first lesson, and then again during subsequent lessons.
3. Interactivity. What? Seriously? OOHH..."They can write on it!" Big deal. You can write on a chalk board. "But you can make assignments and quizzes!" you say? Big deal. A student can use a mouse to point and click an answer button. Why not use PowerPoint? Sure, you can add notes and comments to a website...What use is that?
4. Writing Tools. They suck. They're big, they're bulky, they're easily breakable. What if you want to use another type of writing tool? Well, you can't unless you buy them from SmartBoard. Also, this one cracks me up...It's supposed to be easy to wipe off dry-erase markers. Think again. I've seen more SmartBoards stained with dry-erase marker ink than actual dry-erase boards. And what if you've got a student who just wants to write something nice on the board before school? Oh, yes..They're going to use a permanent marker. Now you're stuck with "Miter Joenes Rulez." in the corner of the screen.
5. Emotionally Disturbed. Not the SmartBoard, mind you, but the students. I've had some rough'n'tumble students in my day. No matter how much training and encouragement from you they get, there is a good chance they will destroy the SmartBoard. If you press too hard on the board, you can damage it. LAME. If a child gets ticked off and starts acting out, they usually tend to go for "the most important thing to the teacher" and that often is a SmartBoard if one is available. Yes, a third grader can throw a chair through a SmartBoard without a second thought.
6. Cost. These things are expensive. They're expensive to buy, and ridiculously expensive to repair. Money is tight in a school, don't waste it on a SmartBoard.
__________________________________________
------------------------------------------
__________________________________________
Here's my low-cost alternative. This is what I recommend at any speaking engagement I've been invited to. This is what I tell all my co-workers.
1. Laptop. Many school districts already give you one. You can also use a desktop, but they're a bit bulkier. Essentially, this costs you nothing as it's already there.
2. Dell 1409X Projector. If you've got a SmartBoard, you already have a projector. If not, this Dell is very reasonably priced, and most school districts have a deal with Dell, anyhow. Another, my personal choice, is the Epson PowerLite S5. Both are excellent machines and are packed with more features than the average teacher will use.
2.1 Another choice for those on a low budget would be a Television with computer inputs. A decent sized RCA model should run about $300.
3. WACOM Graphire (Wireless). This will replace EVERYTHING about a SmartBoard. It's also 100% portable and more durable than you can guess. I've got two, actually. One, I purchased for myself about 9 years ago, and another that I was given after presenting the above arguments. These tablets come with a pen and mouse. The wireless one can be used anywhere in the class, and is smaller and lighter than a single-subject notebook. You can guy 10+ wireless Graphire's or 20+ USB Graphire's for the price of one SmartBoard, so you shouldn't be weary of allowing little Joe E.D. to use it.
Essentially, the WACOM Graphire will be a hand-held SmartBoard. It runs through the computer, as does a SmartBoard, and it can be utilized on an overhead hanging screen (which most classes already have if they've ever used a lamp and mirror projector) or on the TV monitor connected to the computer.
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yesteach
United States
282 Posts |
Posted - 09/06/2008 : 16:09:27
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I have been avoiding a SmartBoard, because I'm constantly having to be relocated (the joys of teaching a pullout). Something like this would be great because it's portable and I could take it with me to wherever I end up next.. :D
---edited: Answered my own question.. I dug about on the site.. thanks!
I JUST got my own projector this year (no more checking out.. yeah!!), and am ready to start on the next endeavors - document camera and interactive white board.. :-D
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Edited by - yesteach on 09/06/2008 16:34:03 |
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brownshannon
United States
133 Posts |
Posted - 09/11/2008 : 15:59:35
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quote:
Originally posted by RyanDJones
I'm probably going to get flack for this, but I'll try to prove my point and offer a $100-$250 alternative.
SmartBoards are useless.
Seriously.
I used a SmartBoard for roughly four months. It wasn't mounted on the wall, it was just on the rolling stand. Every time a student looked at it funny, the darn thing needed to be recalibrated. That's a minor annoyance...But there are lots of minor annoyances with a SmartBoard.
1. They're low to the ground. If you use a SmartBoard with a computer so the whole class can see, there is a good chance only the front row will actually see everything. SmartBoards typically sit at chalk-board height, so anything at the bottom is essentially cut-off by other children's melon-heads. What's the point?
2. Calibration. A SmartBoard needs to be recalibrated each time the projector is turned on. This wastes time that could be used preparing materials or teaching. Even if you have it ready before students arrive, there's a good chance you'll have to adjust and recalibrate at least once during the first lesson, and then again during subsequent lessons.
3. Interactivity. What? Seriously? OOHH..."They can write on it!" Big deal. You can write on a chalk board. "But you can make assignments and quizzes!" you say? Big deal. A student can use a mouse to point and click an answer button. Why not use PowerPoint? Sure, you can add notes and comments to a website...What use is that?
4. Writing Tools. They suck. They're big, they're bulky, they're easily breakable. What if you want to use another type of writing tool? Well, you can't unless you buy them from SmartBoard. Also, this one cracks me up...It's supposed to be easy to wipe off dry-erase markers. Think again. I've seen more SmartBoards stained with dry-erase marker ink than actual dry-erase boards. And what if you've got a student who just wants to write something nice on the board before school? Oh, yes..They're going to use a permanent marker. Now you're stuck with "Miter Joenes Rulez." in the corner of the screen.
5. Emotionally Disturbed. Not the SmartBoard, mind you, but the students. I've had some rough'n'tumble students in my day. No matter how much training and encouragement from you they get, there is a good chance they will destroy the SmartBoard. If you press too hard on the board, you can damage it. LAME. If a child gets ticked off and starts acting out, they usually tend to go for "the most important thing to the teacher" and that often is a SmartBoard if one is available. Yes, a third grader can throw a chair through a SmartBoard without a second thought.
6. Cost. These things are expensive. They're expensive to buy, and ridiculously expensive to repair. Money is tight in a school, don't waste it on a SmartBoard.
__________________________________________
------------------------------------------
__________________________________________
Here's my low-cost alternative. This is what I recommend at any speaking engagement I've been invited to. This is what I tell all my co-workers.
1. Laptop. Many school districts already give you one. You can also use a desktop, but they're a bit bulkier. Essentially, this costs you nothing as it's already there.
2. Dell 1409X Projector. If you've got a SmartBoard, you already have a projector. If not, this Dell is very reasonably priced, and most school districts have a deal with Dell, anyhow. Another, my personal choice, is the Epson PowerLite S5. Both are excellent machines and are packed with more features than the average teacher will use.
2.1 Another choice for those on a low budget would be a Television with computer inputs. A decent sized RCA model should run about $300.
3. WACOM Graphire (Wireless). This will replace EVERYTHING about a SmartBoard. It's also 100% portable and more durable than you can guess. I've got two, actually. One, I purchased for myself about 9 years ago, and another that I was given after presenting the above arguments. These tablets come with a pen and mouse. The wireless one can be used anywhere in the class, and is smaller and lighter than a single-subject notebook. You can guy 10+ wireless Graphire's or 20+ USB Graphire's for the price of one SmartBoard, so you shouldn't be weary of allowing little Joe E.D. to use it.
Essentially, the WACOM Graphire will be a hand-held SmartBoard. It runs through the computer, as does a SmartBoard, and it can be utilized on an overhead hanging screen (which most classes already have if they've ever used a lamp and mirror projector) or on the TV monitor connected to the computer.
I wouldn't call my SmartBoard useless, but it is overrated! I'm not sure what the Graphire is...sounds like my Smart Pad. An interactive pad that can be carried around the room and has a stylus that acts as a mouse? Maybe it's my brand (Interwrite) but I'm not too impressed with it either. I always have trouble with the Bluetooth connection and it is very hard for students to use.
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ctuttell
United States
512 Posts |
Posted - 09/15/2008 : 17:42:35
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I appreciate your thoughts on the smartboard. We don't have any at our school and we are trying to secure $$$ for additionally technology. Currently all the teachers have laptops and AVERKEYS but we are really pushing for doc. cams and projectors in each room. It seems the Doc. Cams and projectors will give us more flexibility. Especially at a year round school, where we move rooms every nine weeks.
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jbm
United States
1 Posts |
Posted - 09/15/2008 : 18:51:53
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Every time I get asked what technology I WANT for my classroom, I ask for a Document Camera. I work in a very poor city district, we don't even have enough Math textbooks for the students! There are a few SmartBoards around, and they really WOW people, but I'm not convinced at the learning that that they promote.
The main reason I want a Doc Cam so desperately is to quickly share student work and give feedback immediately. We are a school with low scores on our State tests, and the kids are still measured on how they respond on paper and pencil. This is a life skill! Graphing, setting up the axis, showing work on word problems... these are all areas where the kids would benefit tremendously by seeing multiple solutions immediately and discussing what is good or not as good.
Of course I would also love the camera for measrement, manipulatives, and as a replacement for an overhead, but the realy reason I'm trying to get one is to share student work.
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brownshannon
United States
133 Posts |
Posted - 09/16/2008 : 15:11:19
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I agree, jbm. That's something I don't do very often now because it is not physically feasible. I see every day how kids respond to their peers and learn from them. The doc cam would be a great way for all students to share their work and learn from each other.
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ngtruelove
United States
27 Posts |
Posted - 06/03/2009 : 20:39:24
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ryan proves it. i saw him present and demonstrate. he convinced me. smartboard had been my nirvana. now its a CP300 document camera.
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dianejw
United States
4 Posts |
Posted - 06/03/2009 : 22:19:01
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I have been using a Smartboard for three years and it is an incredible tool to have in the classroom. However there is no doubt that having a document camera would add to its merit.
I am very fortunate that my smartboard is mounted and at a height that makes it easy for everyone to see. I only have to orient the board once a month, if that. (Actually my fifth graders have been trained to do that for me if it is needed.) Because I have created all of my entire lessons with internet links in place, I have no transition issues or downtime while using the Smartboard.
As for interactivity, the new Smart galleries are full of new interactive tools to use on the Smartboard. Plus, there are an endless number of interactive websites that can be used. Differentiating learning through the Smartboard's interactive feature has never been easier.
The electronic writing tools make it so easy for you to color code items and highlight important parts of the lessons. After 3 years of using the Smartboards I have not had any problems with students using dry erase markers on it. They are very respectful of the Smartboard and equipment, and I teach in a small inner city school where we have our share of behavior problems.
I would have to agree that Brett Gensburg is the Guru of using Smartboards. I have attended several of his week-long workshop training, and his techniques for using the Smartboard efficiently are amazing.
You do peek my curiosity, though, with the WACOM Graphire wireless. I'm always looking for additional ways to integrate more technology into my classroom.
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coolairedale
United States
57 Posts |
Posted - 06/05/2009 : 13:38:59
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One of my technology wishes I have is a smart board (way before I know that a DC is the next great technology to have a classroom) - I think it is great for interactive lessons.
Dr. Marzano is right now offering a workshop this summer in Boulder, CO and here is a great blog about his research:
http://iwbrevolution.ning.com/forum/topics/robert-marzano-and-interactive?id=2986475%3ATopic%3A535&page=2#comments
Listening to him you have to use the smartboard at least 75% of the time before students performance will improve.
I also read an article about ideas to use of technologies that pointed out the difficulties regarding using the pens on the smartboard and the solution was to use the DC for students writing. Sounds like smartboard and DC are a great combination.
http://techlearning.com/article/17198
Anyone has used a Mobi tablet yet?
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nsturm
United States
11 Posts |
Posted - 06/12/2009 : 02:10:02
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I enjoyed reading your post:)
We are coming out with a new product that has the potential to replace the IWB. They are called AVerPens. You will have to c heck them out. I would be curious to see what you think.
quote:
Originally posted by RyanDJones
I'm probably going to get flack for this, but I'll try to prove my point and offer a $100-$250 alternative.
SmartBoards are useless.
Seriously.
I used a SmartBoard for roughly four months. It wasn't mounted on the wall, it was just on the rolling stand. Every time a student looked at it funny, the darn thing needed to be recalibrated. That's a minor annoyance...But there are lots of minor annoyances with a SmartBoard.
1. They're low to the ground. If you use a SmartBoard with a computer so the whole class can see, there is a good chance only the front row will actually see everything. SmartBoards typically sit at chalk-board height, so anything at the bottom is essentially cut-off by other children's melon-heads. What's the point?
2. Calibration. A SmartBoard needs to be recalibrated each time the projector is turned on. This wastes time that could be used preparing materials or teaching. Even if you have it ready before students arrive, there's a good chance you'll have to adjust and recalibrate at least once during the first lesson, and then again during subsequent lessons.
3. Interactivity. What? Seriously? OOHH..."They can write on it!" Big deal. You can write on a chalk board. "But you can make assignments and quizzes!" you say? Big deal. A student can use a mouse to point and click an answer button. Why not use PowerPoint? Sure, you can add notes and comments to a website...What use is that?
4. Writing Tools. They suck. They're big, they're bulky, they're easily breakable. What if you want to use another type of writing tool? Well, you can't unless you buy them from SmartBoard. Also, this one cracks me up...It's supposed to be easy to wipe off dry-erase markers. Think again. I've seen more SmartBoards stained with dry-erase marker ink than actual dry-erase boards. And what if you've got a student who just wants to write something nice on the board before school? Oh, yes..They're going to use a permanent marker. Now you're stuck with "Miter Joenes Rulez." in the corner of the screen.
5. Emotionally Disturbed. Not the SmartBoard, mind you, but the students. I've had some rough'n'tumble students in my day. No matter how much training and encouragement from you they get, there is a good chance they will destroy the SmartBoard. If you press too hard on the board, you can damage it. LAME. If a child gets ticked off and starts acting out, they usually tend to go for "the most important thing to the teacher" and that often is a SmartBoard if one is available. Yes, a third grader can throw a chair through a SmartBoard without a second thought.
6. Cost. These things are expensive. They're expensive to buy, and ridiculously expensive to repair. Money is tight in a school, don't waste it on a SmartBoard.
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Here's my low-cost alternative. This is what I recommend at any speaking engagement I've been invited to. This is what I tell all my co-workers.
1. Laptop. Many school districts already give you one. You can also use a desktop, but they're a bit bulkier. Essentially, this costs you nothing as it's already there.
2. Dell 1409X Projector. If you've got a SmartBoard, you already have a projector. If not, this Dell is very reasonably priced, and most school districts have a deal with Dell, anyhow. Another, my personal choice, is the Epson PowerLite S5. Both are excellent machines and are packed with more features than the average teacher will use.
2.1 Another choice for those on a low budget would be a Television with computer inputs. A decent sized RCA model should run about $300.
3. WACOM Graphire (Wireless). This will replace EVERYTHING about a SmartBoard. It's also 100% portable and more durable than you can guess. I've got two, actually. One, I purchased for myself about 9 years ago, and another that I was given after presenting the above arguments. These tablets come with a pen and mouse. The wireless one can be used anywhere in the class, and is smaller and lighter than a single-subject notebook. You can guy 10+ wireless Graphire's or 20+ USB Graphire's for the price of one SmartBoard, so you shouldn't be weary of allowing little Joe E.D. to use it.
Essentially, the WACOM Graphire will be a hand-held SmartBoard. It runs through the computer, as does a SmartBoard, and it can be utilized on an overhead hanging screen (which most classes already have if they've ever used a lamp and mirror projector) or on the TV monitor connected to the computer.
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jsalmon
United States
4 Posts |
Posted - 06/12/2009 : 07:15:11
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quote:
Originally posted by RyanDJones
I'm probably going to get flack for this, but I'll try to prove my point and offer a $100-$250 alternative.
SmartBoards are useless.
Seriously.
I used a SmartBoard for roughly four months. It wasn't mounted on the wall, it was just on the rolling stand. Every time a student looked at it funny, the darn thing needed to be recalibrated. That's a minor annoyance...But there are lots of minor annoyances with a SmartBoard.
1. They're low to the ground. If you use a SmartBoard with a computer so the whole class can see, there is a good chance only the front row will actually see everything. SmartBoards typically sit at chalk-board height, so anything at the bottom is essentially cut-off by other children's melon-heads. What's the point?
2. Calibration. A SmartBoard needs to be recalibrated each time the projector is turned on. This wastes time that could be used preparing materials or teaching. Even if you have it ready before students arrive, there's a good chance you'll have to adjust and recalibrate at least once during the first lesson, and then again during subsequent lessons.
3. Interactivity. What? Seriously? OOHH..."They can write on it!" Big deal. You can write on a chalk board. "But you can make assignments and quizzes!" you say? Big deal. A student can use a mouse to point and click an answer button. Why not use PowerPoint? Sure, you can add notes and comments to a website...What use is that?
4. Writing Tools. They suck. They're big, they're bulky, they're easily breakable. What if you want to use another type of writing tool? Well, you can't unless you buy them from SmartBoard. Also, this one cracks me up...It's supposed to be easy to wipe off dry-erase markers. Think again. I've seen more SmartBoards stained with dry-erase marker ink than actual dry-erase boards. And what if you've got a student who just wants to write something nice on the board before school? Oh, yes..They're going to use a permanent marker. Now you're stuck with "Miter Joenes Rulez." in the corner of the screen.
5. Emotionally Disturbed. Not the SmartBoard, mind you, but the students. I've had some rough'n'tumble students in my day. No matter how much training and encouragement from you they get, there is a good chance they will destroy the SmartBoard. If you press too hard on the board, you can damage it. LAME. If a child gets ticked off and starts acting out, they usually tend to go for "the most important thing to the teacher" and that often is a SmartBoard if one is available. Yes, a third grader can throw a chair through a SmartBoard without a second thought.
6. Cost. These things are expensive. They're expensive to buy, and ridiculously expensive to repair. Money is tight in a school, don't waste it on a SmartBoard.
__________________________________________
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__________________________________________
Here's my low-cost alternative. This is what I recommend at any speaking engagement I've been invited to. This is what I tell all my co-workers.
1. Laptop. Many school districts already give you one. You can also use a desktop, but they're a bit bulkier. Essentially, this costs you nothing as it's already there.
2. Dell 1409X Projector. If you've got a SmartBoard, you already have a projector. If not, this Dell is very reasonably priced, and most school districts have a deal with Dell, anyhow. Another, my personal choice, is the Epson PowerLite S5. Both are excellent machines and are packed with more features than the average teacher will use.
2.1 Another choice for those on a low budget would be a Television with computer inputs. A decent sized RCA model should run about $300.
3. WACOM Graphire (Wireless). This will replace EVERYTHING about a SmartBoard. It's also 100% portable and more durable than you can guess. I've got two, actually. One, I purchased for myself about 9 years ago, and another that I was given after presenting the above arguments. These tablets come with a pen and mouse. The wireless one can be used anywhere in the class, and is smaller and lighter than a single-subject notebook. You can guy 10+ wireless Graphire's or 20+ USB Graphire's for the price of one SmartBoard, so you shouldn't be weary of allowing little Joe E.D. to use it.
Essentially, the WACOM Graphire will be a hand-held SmartBoard. It runs through the computer, as does a SmartBoard, and it can be utilized on an overhead hanging screen (which most classes already have if they've ever used a lamp and mirror projector) or on the TV monitor connected to the computer.
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Goodbye Smartboard
