Does the introduction of interactive whiteboards into the classroom suggest that when they are in use we are providing student centred learning? Perhaps it does, but its not necessarily the case. We need to first look at what student centred learning is. I think sometimes we see the words student centred and think if the students are involved it means it is centred around them. Well, this isn't always true.
According to Scot Aldred (2010) in his UCQ GDLT Moodle courseware notes he references the following information:
Wikipedia defines student-centred learning as: "..an approach to education focusing on the needs of the students, rather than those of others involved in the educational process, such as teachers and administrators." Learning Engagement Theory, Problem-Based Learning and Authentic learning are all good examples of learner centred learning as they involve authentic tasks valued in the real world and offer a negotiated and guided exploration of the content matter. Teachers' language is often a give away in deciding what is teacher-centric, or student-centred:
* "I have a responsibility to get through this content by ..."(a certain time)--Teacher-centric;
* "Having looked at what our project involves, what lessons do you think we should have to learn....."(required content)--student-centred
* "Now I want you to take out your exercise books and write a paragraph that describes..". (content)--Teacher-centric;
* "Some of you have indicated that you would like a lesson on.. (content) to be able to complete your project. When do you think would be a good time to do this?"--student-centred
The teacher knows what the students need to complete their learning, but uses project work and negotiated outcomes to build student ownership which in turn makes the learning meaningful and engaging.
I feel it is really important to distinguish between what is student centred and what is teacher centred. The reason for this is that although we may have the best equipment available, the top resources and all the correct software to go with our technology, if we don't make it student centred than the learning can become meaningless to some students.
I love interactive whiteboards - and by what I can see most students become very much involved in the learning process. I think with better training and constant support for teacher in the use of interactive whiteboards students will receive a high quality and quantity of student centred learning. We must remember that interactive whiteboards are more than just glorified data projectors displaying powerpoints and worksheets. If the students don't interact with them you may as well go back to the worksheet handouts!
Promethean Planet are one of the leaders in interactive software and whiteboard distributions. They provide free lesson downloads for anyone who wishes to access their site. It's well worth a look and a fantastic opportunity to get some free online training in the use of the whiteboards.
My EPL school uses iMaths (investigative maths) and I plan on using an interactive whiteboard to encourage students to fully participate in an otherwise unengaging subject of angles, triangle classification and learning to use a protractor. Also while at my EPL I will have the opportunity to learn from the ICT specialist on how to use the Apple Mac Movie Maker program. The aim of this activity is for me to then be able to take 2 students from the class, instruct them in the use of this program so they in turn can instruct and support the remainder of the class. This is a great example of Problem Based Learning where the students teach each other, just as they have done with the Hole in the Wall research program.
Before commencing my career next year I plan on getting qualified in the use of an interactive whiteboard. I have already downloaded the ActivInspire onto my computer and have downloaded a few flipcharts from Promethean Planet. As I see them useful within the context of my current EPL during maths I felt it was a great way to learn the ins and outs of how to use one. For those of you who know I am currently in a room that doesn't have an interactive whiteboard you might ask why would I do this. For two reasons. The first is that the school does have one in the library and if I am lucky enough to run my class at the same time it is available I can take the class down to use it. The second reason is that although these are designed for use on the large interactive whiteboard you can just as easily use them on a computer. I am able to take my laptop along to work and have the students interact with the system this way. This also allows for student interaction and removed me from the picture for some of the teaching - students are teaching themselves and interacting with other members of the class to come to a decision about the task. These are great problem solving skills for all to learn.
Reference:
Aldred, S. (2010). Learner/Student-Centred Learning. Retrieved from the UCQ Moodle course ware on 5th April 2010 from: http://moodle.cqu.edu.au/mod/resource/view.php?id=44470
Hello Sally,
ReplyDeleteI totally agree that unless the focus is on the learner taking control of their learning, the interactive whiteboard may just act as an expensive projector! I think if used well, even the shy ones in the class can jump up and interact as the technology is so exciting they forget to be shy!
I also agree that teacher training is essential. We need to break the conventional teacher-centred approach by empowering us all with the knowledge and understanding on of how to use this tool to allow the students to take control of their learning. Not forgetting the real life focus with clear outcomes and collaborative work of course.
Other practical aspects to consider may be the school's technical infrastructure and ongoing teacher support. As you say, there are some great web sites out there to help, if the time is there to access it. Also, different whiteboard companies provide different features and software of varying quality, and technical support. It's a bit of a mine field really and mostly depends on the school's available funds. I wonder if some schools put them up without complete training because of the pressure from parents and other neighbourhood schools who have them? What do you think?
I think that it is possible for schools to install the interactive whiteboard due to the pressure from society to have these in the classrooms. I believe that technology is only as good as the people who use them and without the correct training then they may not be utilised to there full potential. I know that if I had one in my room as a teacher I would want to make sure I was competent in its use and made full use of it whenever I felt it was appropriate.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your thoughts Johanna.
I agree unaquivically about the learning-centred focus of Interactive Whiteboards and the potential they offer the learning journey.
ReplyDeleteFrom watching the vidoes provided to us by Scot Aldred in the course work and reading information listed there also for Week 6, I found that the over-riding outcome of correct use of whiteboards in the classrooms was that of student engagement. Engagement, engagement, engagement. This is certainly at the heart of student centred learning.
I also like how you have highlighted the importance of teacher training and ongoing support, both very necessary if Interactive Whiteboards are to be used with the intended outcomes of engaged learning.
I found it particulary interesting in an argument against the great value in education of interactive whiteboards (during the coursework video which highlighted ed-tech experts from two schools districts in America debating), that Bob Moore from the Blue Valley School district included as part of his argument against IWB, that there are some teachers who are so good at what they do, they can teach anywhere without the need for them. He goes further to add that there are also other teachers who just don't get it and don't use them.
I just don't think these arguments hold any value at all. If a teacher is that good that they could teach without the aid of IWB, imagine the potential to their pedagogy with them included! And as far as "some teachers just not being able to get it", are they not stuck in the relicts of the Industrial economy style of education which was teacher-centric? Should they be still teaching??? After all, they are now living in a age where learning is life long and where the nature of the knowledge economy demands a workforce that is flexible, able to conform to teamwork collaboratively and the skills to adapt to new knowledge quickly.
Upskill and continuation of the learning journey is imperative to teachers just as it is to studnets. This was highlighted in one of the videos also where it was documented that teachers need time to play and learn just like kids!
Kylie
Hi Sally
ReplyDeleteI agree with you in that having and using the technology does not necessarily mean that the learning is student centred. Also, having the technology doesn't necessarily mean it is even being used. At the school I have for my first EPL there are apparently several interactive whiteboards around the place, including one in the library that any teacher can book for a class. I am in a staffroom with several long-term teachers who have expressed a fear of using the whiteboards and a lack of interest in learning how to use them.
I've witnessed two classes where the interactive whiteboard was used and it was mainly used as a projector rather than something that could allow interaction by the students.
ICTs won't make our lessons student-centred but if we are designing student-centred lessons ICTs become essential.