This week my school offered training on EasiTeach, a software program that goes with our new interactive whiteboards. With substitutes for the two hour session, each 6th and 7th grade teacher was provided with release time to learn about the software program.
Our former technology teacher taught the session and it seemed well recieved. She provided us with examples of how the program could work for our different subject areas, after she taught us the basics. The reaction after the program at lunch was that the software was PowerPoint on steriods. It got me thinking is that all it really is?
It takes so much time to convert your lessons to the programs, precious time that most teachers don't have. I have made a few lessons and the reward with the students was great, they love coming up to the board and dragging thing around like someone they've seen on the movie. What's the best way to approach this? I tried to make lessons on EasiTeach, that lended itself to the program. Is there an easy way, or do you have to pick and choose overtime and slowly build your folder?
I've only seen a few smart presentations since I don't use it in my daily work activities but you can do quite a lot. I know Dustin and Erin seem to be the SMART gurus. :) Hopefully they can offer some suggestions for you.
ReplyDeleteIt does take time to build up lessons but you can download a bunch from the smart exchange to get you started and use the tools in the gallery to make quick matching games. I PROMISE, once you start using it, you will feel handicapped without it. Work with team members to build a bank of interactive lessons. Switch off on units and share the notebook files. ANYTHING you create, please share on smart exchange to help others out.
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