The principal realized the potential for Smartboards and initially ordered three of them. Only one teacher showed excitement about using the Smartboard placed in her room. The other two lucky recipients did not use them at all. They believed it was too difficult and too time consuming to learn how to operate the Smartboard. These teachers were resistant to change and rationalized their resistance. They considered their blackboards to be adequate enough. Any videos could be shown using laptops and screens that were already in their classrooms. Their participation in bringing the technology of the 21st century into their classrooms was seemingly not going to happen.
Using Keller’s ARCS model, I could demonstrate the benefits of Smartboards used in the classroom, thereby gaining and sustaining their attention. Next I could enhance the relevance of the Smartboard to their instruction. Then, I could assist them in planning lessons around the Smartboard, thereby building their confidence. Finally, I could support them as they used the Smartboard in their classrooms, generating satisfaction on their part. I would praise them in whatever way their efforts as they used the Smartboard (Driscoll, 2005).
Driscoll, M. P. (2005). Psychology of learning for instruction (3rd ed.). Boston: Pearson Education, Inc.
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Clarice,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post. Last year, I was given the opportunity to have a smartboard inside my classroom. I was relutant at first but once I did a few lessons on it, I found myself really liking it. My students were also excited about using it and would always ask were we going to use it. I think incorporating some form of technology inside the classroom is a step in the right direction. Having the support from other collegues will help with the transition of using more technology inside the classroom.
Clarice,
ReplyDeleteHaving a smartboard in my classroom has been a lifesaver. I feel lost when my bulb goes out or my computer goes out where I cannot use it. Every teacher in our school system has a smartboard in the classroom. It is amazing to have such support from our district. They are always trying to find different forms of technology to use to help support our students.
Amanda
I can relate - we currently have teachers who only use the Smart Board as an opportunity to watch movies. Sometimes I think we should come up with strategies for teachers to implement that would help them add the use of new technologies to the classroom.
ReplyDeleteClarice,
ReplyDeleteThe same thing happened at my school. Those teachers who did not feel confident enough to use the SmartBoard, simply refused to attend the training and just used as a projection screen. Every teacher did not get a SmartBoard and the training was optional during a planning time. Without adequate and proper training that shows the relevance of new technologies, teachers will tend to resist the change, saying it is too time consuming to learn something new. The SmartBoard is amazing technology that should be in every classroom and used properly. Students get so much more out of learning when they are actively engaged.
Mel