Interactive Whiteboards

I was very hesitant about interactive whiteboards when we started our Smartboard Lesson project.  It seemed like it was going to be too difficult to figure out, too many things to remember.  After putting the majority of a project together for 2.5 hours last week and then throwing that idea out and working on a new project I have learned a lot about the system and I really enjoy it.   In 15 minutes I put together a Smartboard presentation to accompany my Technology Notebook report!  I never would have guessed I could put something so cool together so quickly.

My biggest concern is still the actual "performance" of the project.  Without having a personal interactive whiteboard to practice on at home I am nervous about how well all my plans will work out during the lesson.  I have practiced many times with the Smart technology frames that I put together, but the true test will be tomorrow night during class.

Would I like to have one of the interactive boards in a classroom?  Yes, I would.  I think it would be a huge advantage for a classroom to have this technology.  Many of the articles I read for my Technology Notebook project reference the benefits that are found in a classroom that takes advantage of the uses of technology that will spark interest in the students.  Students, from preschoolers to college-age, are used to interacting with technology on a regular basis so it is only natural that utilizing technology in classrooms would keep their attention.