Cost Effective Interactive Whiteboards



http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=whiteboard#page=4

 At a recent conference I attended, there was a vendor representing Kurzweil software. He presented his information using the wall as an interactive whiteboard. I was a little fascinated. Since we are always looking for ways to save money in education, I asked him what I would need to do what he just showed. This is what he gave me:



http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=whiteboard#page=0



Here is how to have a Wii Remote Interactive Classroom
Below is the information you need to use a Wii Remote and Infrared pen to create an interactive classroom.
1. You need an LCD projector and a screen, or wall on which to project
2. You need a computer that  is Bluetooth enabled.
3. It is best to have  software that lends itself to interactive work – like Kurzweil & Classroom  Suite!  :)
4. You need a Wii Remote/Controller  (you can get these at Best Buy, Radio Shack, etc..; you may already have your  own at home!) 
5. I have used two different infrared pens ($8.00:  https://mail.uiu.edu/owa/redir.aspx?C=530e83e92df84d17868cd16ae5da1ab1&URL=http%3a%2f%2fpenteractive.us%2f%3fgclid%3dCKzTkIvQm50CFado5QodsCA53A; and $29.95 from https://mail.uiu.edu/owa/redir.aspx?C=530e83e92df84d17868cd16ae5da1ab1&URL=http%3a%2f%2firpensonline.com%2f)
6. I also purchased the  mini tripod with the cover mount (another $20) - very helpful in stabilizing the Wii Remote.  There are also ceiling mounts.
7. Finally, you will need to download the free software from Johnny Lee.  Half way down the page, on the right column you will find the downloads  (Windows and/or Mac)

 Here is the link for the Youtube video of Johnny Lee demonstrating his software.

Have you experimented with this cost effective way to create an interactive whiteboard? What are your thoughts? Would this encourage more active learning from our students? I'm definitely interested in purchasing the equipment needed and would like to know your thoughts.

The World at Your Fingertips



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"World at your Fingertips"

 Blogs? What's the purpose? How can they be relevant to me? I don't have time for blogs. These were questions and thoughts I had before enrolling in Dr. Zeitz's Emerging Instructional Technology course in August 2010. Since August, I have opened my mind to the endless possibilities that social media and Web 2.0 tools offer for educators. For the past few weeks, I have been following six blogs, David Warlick, Scott McLeod, Angela Maiers, David Ginsburg, Ian Quillen, and Dr. Z's, who all focus their blogs on educational issues, concerns, and technological advances.

It is very interesting the wealth of knowledge I gained through others just by following their blogs. I was able to watch relevant videos and read about practical applications. I am currently very interested in educational video games, virtual reality, 21st Century skills, and any other educational tips I can pass on to the pre-service educators who I teach. Many of the blogs I follow address these topics of interest.

Some of my favorite blogs included using classroom simulations to teach pre-service educators, unwritten rules, and Alfie Kohn and The Office. I am beginning to realize that blogs have so much more to offer than what I had ever anticipated. I am beginning to see just how much education can be changed and instruction enhanced through the use of technology. A recent article from The New York Times illustrates the potential that technology, specifically educational video games, have in motivating reluctant learners to want to learn.

I am amazed at the variety of resources I have found through blogs. It has definitely changed my perspective. Are blogs helping you put the world at your fingertips?